When you are pregnant, food choices are not about being “perfect”, but about minimizing the few known risks that can affect the fetus. Below is a practical guide to what is typically advised against (or what you should be extra aware of) during pregnancy, based on general recommendations from Danish authorities such as the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the Danish Health Authority.

Raw or insufficiently cooked meat and fish can contain bacteria or parasites that pregnant women have particularly good reason to avoid.

The core point is simple: Choose well-done or thoroughly cooked, and maintain good kitchen hygiene (separate raw and cooked, and wash hands and utensils thoroughly). [Danish Veterinary and Food Administration]

Some dairy products can, in rare cases, be associated with listeria, which can cause serious infection during pregnancy.

• Choose pasteurized products when you can.
• Be extra cautious with soft cheeses if you cannot clearly see that they are made from pasteurized milk.
• Store refrigerated goods cold and eat them before the expiry date.

If in doubt, "pasteurized" is the word you are looking for on the label. [Danish Veterinary and Food Administration]

Fish is generally healthy, but some species can contain more mercury than desired during pregnancy.

• Avoid fish that authorities specifically advise against for pregnant women due to mercury.
• Instead, choose the types of fish recommended for pregnant women, and vary between several types.

Since recommendations can be updated, it is a good idea to check the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration's current list of "fish to avoid" and "fish you can eat" and follow the quantity recommendations. [Danish Veterinary and Food Administration]

Vitamin A is important, but too much can be harmful during pregnancy. This is especially relevant with liver and certain dietary supplements.

• Avoid eating liver in large quantities, and be careful with liver products if you eat them often.
• Avoid dietary supplements with a high content of vitamin A unless your doctor/midwife has recommended it.
• Stick to the supplements typically recommended for pregnant women in Denmark (e.g., folic acid early in pregnancy and vitamin D as recommended).

[Danish Health Authority, Danish Veterinary and Food Administration]

Here it is rarely "all or nothing" for everyone (except alcohol), but clear guidelines are good.

• Alcohol: Authorities advise against alcohol during pregnancy because there is no safe lower limit. [Danish Health Authority]
• Caffeine: Keep an eye on your total intake from coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks – energy drinks, in particular, are often advised against for pregnant women. If you are unsure about quantities, choose decaffeinated or gradually reduce your intake. [Danish Veterinary and Food Administration]
• Licorice: Licorice can contain glycyrrhizin, and therefore it is typically recommended to limit intake, especially if you eat licorice often. [Danish Veterinary and Food Administration]

As you adjust your daily life during pregnancy, physical comfort can make it easier to maintain good routines such as regular meals and body rest. If you experience a feeling of heaviness or need relief, a support belt can be a practical help in everyday life, for example, the Maternity Support Belt.

Sources (general): Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and Danish Health Authority (recommendations for pregnant women on food, hygiene, fish, supplements, alcohol, and caffeine).