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Pregnant at Christmas? What you can eat, what to skip – and festive foods that are actually good for you

Pregnant at Christmas? What you can eat, what to skip – and festive foods that are actually good for you

From pigs in blankets to trifle and cheese, here’s your expert-approved Christmas survival guide for eating well when pregnant.

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Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: December 18, 2025 at 2:44 PM

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Christmas when you’re pregnant? It can feel like a minefield. Can you eat Stilton? What about trifle? And is cranberry sauce still OK?

The good news: with a little know-how, there’s loads you can enjoy – and some festive foods are even good for your bump.

“With a few easy swaps, you can enjoy all the festive favourites,” says pregnancy nutritionist Dr Rana Conway. “There’s definitely no need to miss out.”

So whether you’re feeling queasy or ravenous, here’s your friendly, expert-led guide to a safe (and satisfying) Christmas plate – from what to pile on your plate, to what’s best left on the buffet.

Safe or sorry? What’s fine to eat – and what’s not

Christmas foods that are safe to eat when pregnant

Turkey (fully cooked, juices running clear)
Stuffing (cooked separately)
Cranberry sauce (think of it like jam)
Bread sauce (with pasteurised milk)
Pigs in blankets (well-cooked)
Christmas cake (made with British Lion-stamped eggs)
Trifle (as long as it’s booze-free)
Ice cream & meringues (pasteurised and/or made with Lion-stamped eggs)
Stilton (safe if made with pasteurised milk)
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gruyère and Parmesan
Soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, Boursin, and halloumi (if pasteurised)
Panettone & mince pies (as long as they’re alcohol-free)
Pre-packed ham
Cooked seafood like prawns, mussels and crab
Jar mayonnaise coleslaw
Washed salads & vegetable crudités
Chocolate (in moderation!)

What's best to avoid this holiday season

Brie, Camembert & blue soft cheeses (unless piping hot)
Cold smoked salmon (unless cooked until steaming)
Christmas pudding (if it contains alcohol)
Brandy butter or cream (watch the alcohol content)
Homemade pâté (meat, fish or veggie versions)
Cold-cured meats like salami, chorizo & Parma ham (unless cooked)
Unwashed salad or veg
Homemade raw-egg dishes (if not made with Lion-stamped eggs)

Brie, brandy and buffet danger zones

Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert are off-limits in their raw state, as they can contain listeria – but you can enjoy them cooked. Think baked Camembert, steaming hot and served with crusty bread. Yes, please.

Buffet bits like pâté, cured meats and cold fish can carry bacteria like listeria and toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful during pregnancy. So unless those meats and smoked fish are cooked until piping hot, it’s best to give them a miss.

It can be daunting to be faced with foods you’ve not thought about in the context of pregnancy, but there are lots of festive foods you can enjoy – and even some that can boost your and your baby’s health.

Dr Rana

5 festive foods that are actually good for your bump

Roasted brussels sprouts, with bacon, vegetarian food, homemade, no people

These Christmas classics don’t just taste great – they’re packed with nutrients your body (and your baby) will thank you for.

Brussels sprouts

Full of folic acid – especially important in early pregnancy – as well as fibre and vitamin K.

Red cabbage

High in antioxidants that help support your baby’s immune system.

Satsumas

A juicy dose of vitamin C to support blood vessels and help iron absorption.

Dried fruit & nuts

Apricots, figs and dates are great for fibre and iron. Pair with nuts like walnuts (hello, omega-3s) and Brazil nuts (a rare source of selenium).

Cranberries

Helpful if you’re prone to UTIs – and rich in antioxidants. Add to juice, mocktails or stuffing.

Drinks to clink: What’s safe to sip this season

top-down shot of friends toasting over a Christmas dinner table

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The official NHS advice is to avoid alcohol in pregnancy – and many Christmas tipples are stronger than they seem. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out.

Great booze-free alternatives include:

Alcohol-free bubbly (Prosecco, wine or beer - we love a bit of Kylie Minogue 0.0% Alcohol Free Sparkling Rose!)
Zero-alcohol spirits (try with tonic and festive garnish, like CleanCo Clean G 0.0%)

Mocktails:

Cinderella: lemon, orange, pineapple juice + ginger ale
Virgin Mojito: lime, mint, sugar + soda water

“There’s no doubt that drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to your baby,” says Dr Rana. “But thankfully, there are now so many great non-alcoholic versions of favourite Christmas tipples that you shouldn’t feel you’re missing out.”

The expert says: Dr Rana’s tips for a worry-free Christmas plate

1. Plan ahead

Know what’s safe, and make a few easy swaps – like baking Brie or swapping brandy butter for clotted cream.

2. Keep it hot

Whether it’s turkey, stuffing or salmon, make sure everything is cooked thoroughly and piping hot.

3. Stay hydrated

Between mocktails and sparkling water, keep your fluid intake up – especially if you’re feeling bloated or tired.

4. Don’t skip meals

Small, regular meals (and festive snacks like fruit and nuts) help avoid sugar crashes or nausea.

5. Trust your instincts

If something smells off, looks risky, or has been sat on the buffet for hours, skip it. Better safe than sorry.

So… can you still enjoy Christmas when you’re pregnant?

Absolutely. From a steaming plate of turkey and pigs in blankets to satsumas, cranberry juice mocktails and even a slice of Christmas cake, there’s plenty to celebrate.

As long as you go in prepared, you can certainly join in with Christmas celebrations and have a lovely time

Dr Rana

So whether you're counting down to baby’s arrival or just trying to keep up with the buffet table, rest assured – a safe and satisfying Christmas is totally possible.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.