Yusheng is considered a big no-no for pregnant women, since it contains raw fish. Eating raw fish, especially smoked fish, increases the risk of botulism (a food-borne disease caused by Clostridium botulinum) and paralyses muscles, among other symptoms.This infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm delivery.

Yusheng can be also be high in calories and sodium because of the added oil and plum sauce. One serving (390g or served on a 23cm-size plate) has about 560kcal, 42g fat, 650mg sodium and 12g of fibre, says dietitian Chow Li Ming from National Healthcare Group Polyclinics. Nevertheless, it’s high in fibre, thanks to the assorted vegetables used.

This addictive snack is deep-fried, which means it’s high in calories. One small bowl (40g) has approximately 200kcal, 14g of fat and 400mg of sodium.

Your easy fix 
Consider investing in an air-fryer to make healthier hae bee hiam at home. That will help you cut down on trans-fat, which raises your “bad” cholesterol and lowers “good” cholesterol; too much of it increases your risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. It’s also associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Both are high in iron, magnesium and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat, although pumpkin seeds are higher in fibre – 18g for every 100g, compared to 2g for melon seeds.

Your easy fix 
Make them a healthy snack beyond Chinese New Year. Polyunsaturated fat (omega 3) is important for Baby’s brain and eye development, and when you take enough fibre, it helps prevent constipation and overeating.

Most sodas are high in refined sugar and contain up to eight teaspoons of sugar. Think that can of chrysanthemum tea is fairly healthy? It has up to four teaspoons of sugar.

That’s not all. Don’t forget that most sodas contain caffeine – one can of cola has up to 80mg, while tea has about 50mg. Limit caffeine to no more than 300mg 
per day – overdosing can increase the risk of a miscarriage or a baby with low birth weight.

Your easy fix 
Ask your host for plain water instead – you should drink eight to 10 glasses daily. If you want to indulge in soft drinks, go for those with artificial sweeteners (such as diet sodas), or beverages with “no added sugar” or “less sugar”.

This is high in fat, especially the saturated kind. One piece (8g) has 32kcal and 2.7g of fat.

Your easy fix 
Too much saturated fat increases your bad cholesterol levels. Trim off the fatty part or ask for lean meat.

Made with sugar and coconut milk, one piece (13g) has about 56kcal, 1.5g of fat and minimal fibre.

Your easy fix 
It’s easy to overindulge in this snack because it’s so crunchy, flaky and light. Place a few pieces in a small plate or bowl instead of grabbing it straight from the box or bag, which often leads 
to overeating.

This traditional sweet sticky cake is made with glutinous rice flour, sugar and water. One nian gao (420g) has 980kcal and 225g of carbohydrates. 

Your easy fix 
Steam this delicacy rather than pan-fry it, but watch your portions – you don’t need a sugar high right now. If you have diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes, watch your carbohydrate intake to keep your blood sugar levels in the safe range.

Traditionally, you dunk meats, such as sliced pork belly or beef into the hotpot, but these are high in saturated fat. If you add fishballs, crabsticks, meatballs and other processed food – and dip them in sauces – that adds way too much sodium.

Your easy fix 
Make your steamboat healthier: use natural ingredients, such as chicken bones, mushroom and fresh vegetables, to prepare the soup base. Choose lean meat and more vegetables, and resist dipping the meat in sauces to cut down on salt. 

The most important rule: Make sure the food is well cooked. Eating undercooked food may increase your risk of food-borne disease, such as listeriosis, that can harm you and your unborn baby. 

Use separate crockery and cutlery for raw and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination, as well.