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Foods to Avoid When Pregnant
from: Maxx Family LifeMost women know the basic of what they should and shouldn't do during pregnancy. They understand that caffeine intake should reduced and they shouldn't smoke, drink alcohol or spend time in any hot tubs. However more studies are being done to determine if pregnant women should avoid certain foods for the duration of their pregnancy.
It's essential that pregnant women eat a well balanced meal at all times to provide their growing baby with the vitamins, nutrients and minerals the baby needs to grow. There are some foods, however, that need to be avoided due to the risk they pose to both the mother and the growing baby.
To begin with, raw meat must be avoided due to the risk of toxoplasmosis and salmonella. This means no more rare steaks, or rare burgers. Pregnant women should take caution and make sure all of their meat is cooked well done. Cold deli meat should also be avoided because of the risk of listeria. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause an infection or blood poisoning to the baby. However, deli meat can be reheated until it's steaming. thus helping to reduce the risk.
Regarding listeria, there are other foods that can contain this bacteria, such as some soft cheeses including feta, brie and gorgonzola. These cheeses are commonly made with unpasterized milk which often contains listeria. Thus pregnant women should make sure soft cheeses they eat are made with pasteurized milk.
Fish has always been a subject of debate for pregnant women. While some types of fish contain essential nutrients needed by a baby, others contain a high level of mercury. Any fish with a high level of mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and fish used in sushi should be avoided during pregnancy.
Studies have linked mercury to developmental delays and in some cases brain damage. Tuna also contains a lot of mercury but canned, chunk light tuna has a lower amount of mercury and can be eaten in moderation. Raw shellfish should also be avoided during pregnancy.
Raw eggs or anything containing raw eggs is a definite no no when pregnant since there's a potential exposure to salmonella. This means no raw cookie dough, no brownie mix, and some homemade sauces such as hollandaise, Caesar dressing and blue cheese dressing. When eating out at a restaurant, it's a good idea to ask if any sauces or dressings contain raw eggs. Most restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any raw egg recipe but it doesn't hurt to check.
There will never be a more critical time to be careful what your eat then during pregnancy. Some of these foods have been linked to miscarriages and other birth defects. If you're pregnant and you've indulged in a few of these foods, don't panic. Chances are, you and your baby are fine, but take extra care to avoid them in the future.
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