When you are getting ready to have a baby your lifestyle will change. During your pregnancy your diet will directly effect your baby. everything you eat, drink and breath. A lot of the things that you eat and drink are not dangerous to you, but can be devastating to your developing baby. Here are some things to avoid during your pregnancy.

Especially the fish that are larger fish that are high on the food chain and accumulate greater amounts of mercury. Mercury has been shown to cause brain damage in developing fetuses and can also cause developmental delays. Sushi and shellfish are also not recommended. There is a risk of bacterial infection associated with it.

Unpasteurized milk and imported soft cheeses such as brie and feta cheese should be avoided because of the risk of a bacteria called listeria. Listeria poisoning can be dangerous or fatal to a fetus. Eat hard cheeses for the duration of your pregnancy to avoid risk.

Raw sprouts and unwashed vegetables and fruits can potentially contain salmonella or E. coli bacteria.

Processed and packaged lunch meats, including hot dogs and sausages, can also potentially contain listeria. Undercooked beef, chicken and eggs can be contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, so choose and cook your food well.

It's best to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy. Even moderate drinking can affect your baby's brain development. Large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol syndrome which can result in brain damage, low birth weight and facial deformities.

Caffeine, although widely consumed, is a drug. It can cross the placenta and affect a baby's heart rate. Recently a study found that as little as 12 oz. of coffee per day may slow fetal growth.

Pesticides contain chemicals that attack the nervous system of insects to kill them.  Take precautions to avoid contact with fertilizers, insect repellent and bug sprays as they will also harm your baby.

Lead is very toxic to unborn children. Avoid renovating during your pregnancy, as lead can be released during construction or demolition. This can increase your chances of exposure without you even realizing it.

Certain plastics that contain Bisphenol-A, which is a plasticizer used to make vinyl flexible, have been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen. Excessive exposure has been linked to low birth weight as well as hormonal and metabolic problems.

Duh! Lung and heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other diseases are linked to smoking. Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have babies with low birth weight, congenital heart defects, asthma, allergies, and other deformities.