Is it safe to eat liver during pregnancy?

Dear doctor: I am pregnant and was told I should not eat liver because it has vitamin A. So should I also stop?
—Marjorie

Dear Marjorie: Vitamin A, is needed for normal foetal growth and development, but liver consumption during pregnancy may cause birth defects. The body makes its own vitamin A, when needed, from substances such as beta carotene, which is found in carrots and vegetables. This raw material for the vitamin A is completely safe and healthy during pregnancy. However, liver has much of the vitamin A in form of retinol which, in excessive amounts, may cause birth defects.

Proteins (meats, poultry, fish, beans, peas),grains (cereals, bread, rice)dairy products (milk, cheese, ghee, yoghurt),water, fruits and vegetables are part of a balanced diet every pregnant woman should eat to ensure that her baby gets all the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

Healthy eating guidelines during pregnancy

It is easier to get a food-borne illness when you are pregnant. Following general food safety recommendations helps you have a healthy pregnancy.
Raw food. Avoid raw fish and shellfish such as sashimi and sushi (with raw fish), raw oysters, clams and mussels. Avoid raw or lightly cooked egg or egg products. Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk is firm; egg dishes should be cooked thoroughly. If a recipe calls for raw eggs, use pasteurized egg products instead.

Watch out for listeria. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious food-borne illness during pregnancy which can be harmful to your baby. Women who are pregnant are at a higher risk of becoming ill from Listeria than women who are not pregnant. Refrigerated ready-to-eat foods with a long shelf life that are eaten without further cooking are at risk of being contaminated with Listeria. Some examples of high risk foods include soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli meats and pâtés.
Mercury in fish. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fat, which is important for your baby’s brain development. Some fish is also high in mercury. High amounts of mercury can be harmful to a growing brain.

Caffeine. Limit caffeine to 300 milligrams per day. 300 milligrams is about two cups (500 mL) of coffee or six cups of black tea.
Alcohol. No amount of alcohol has been shown to be safe during pregnancy. The safest choice is to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
Soy. When part of a balanced diet soy foods and foods containing soy products are safe to eat during pregnancy. However, soy supplements are not recommended (for example, soy protein or isoflavone supplements).