It is essential that you take care to avoid certain foods when pregnant. This is due to your baby’s immune system not
being sufficiently developed to fight any infection you may pass to it whilst
within the womb. It is believed that a mum-to-be’s immune system may not function
at its peak during pregnancy so it is essential that all necessary precautions
are taken
Foods to Avoid
1. Cheese
1. Cheese
Not all cheeses contain bacteria but there are some, especially soft cheeses which could be
potentially harmful to a pregnant mother. Do avoid soft cheeses which usually have
a surface mould or rind such as Brie, Camembert and Danish Blue. Also avoid
cheeses coated in wax such as Gouda, Post Salut. It is best to stay clear of
the majority of blue veined cheeses such as Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort. There's a chance these soft cheeses could contain listeria, a bacteria that would otherwise get killed during pasteurization. This infection can lead to miscarriage or preterm delivery.
Hard
Cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Red Leicester fall into the safe
category as do softer cheeses made from pasteurized milk such as Cottage
cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, processed cheese and cheese spreads. If in doubt, play safe and avoid eating it.
2.Eggs
The salmonella bacteria is most commonly found in eggs. It is best to
avoid eating soft or half boiled eggs or any foods made with raw or partly cooked eggs such as homemade
mayonnaise, cheesecakes, sorbets or mousses. Eggs are only safe if
they have been cooked long enough so that their yolks are hard. Shop-bought
mayonnaise is usually safe as long as they have been made with pasteurised
eggs. Always check the label if in doubt.
3. Unpasteurized Milk
Avoid all products which have not been pasteurized. Unpasteurized or raw milk are available on dairy farms and some have advocated that raw milk is the freshest form of milk that is beneficial . However, studies have shown that unpasteurized milk can contain bacteria, parasites and virus that can make you and baby seriously ill. Traces of the cow's faeces have even been found in raw milk. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that unpasteurized milk can be a serious health risk.All pasteurised products are safe to use all through pregnancy and
beyond.
4. Meat
Do not eat raw or under cooked meat or poultry. Also avoid meats which
have been preserved in nitrates such as salami, frankfurters and luncheon meat.
Always cook meat so the juices run clear and there is no ‘pinkness’ or blood
within. When touching raw meat and poultry always wash your hands thoroughly
before touching any other foods. Liver contains vitamin A in the form of
retinol which if taken by a pregnant women can increase
her levels way above the recommended daily level and become damaging to
the baby. Liver should be avoided aswell as products containing liver such as
pate and liver sausage.
5. Seafood
Oysters and any raw or uncooked fish should be avoided. Also shelled
seafood such as crab, prawns, and cockles should be avoided unless they
have been thoroughly cooked and are hot. Most seafood bought from a fishmonger
or supermarket should be safe. Fresh tuna should only be eaten once a month due
to the potential levels of mercury found within. This is also true for
swordfish and shark. Tinned tuna contains lower levels so this is safe to eat
every week.
6. All prepared shop-bought salads are best to be avoided. So too are
dressed salads such as coleslaw, potato salad and Florida salad. It is best to
make your own and ensure that all leaves are thoroughly washed free from soils
and other deposits found on the leaves.
