|
We know some foods actually carry risks in pregnancy _ the risks are
very small, and even if you do eat some of these foods, perhaps without
realizing, you are very unlikely to harm yourself or your baby in any way.
However, it makes sense to avoid them when you can.
These foods have been found to have the potential for contamination
with listeria because of the way they're made. Listeria is a bacterium
(germ) that can lead to pre-term birth, miscarriage, and/or flu-like
symptoms.
FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST PLEASE REFER TO A GUIDE TO YOUR
PREGNANCY BOOKLET.
Foods to avoid are:
·
Unpasteurized milks
·
Soft, ripened
cheeses made with unpasteurized milk (imported varieties such as brie,
camembert, and similar blue veined cheeses, cheeses made with pasteurized
milk or domestic brands should be fine)
·
“custard” style
ice-cream made with raw
eggs (wrapped or block
ice-cream is fine)
·
Patés of all types
·
Raw and undercooked
eggs (thoroughly cook eggs until both the white and yolk are solid)
·
Liver and liver
products
·
Mayonnaise
(homemade containing raw eggs)
·
Shark, marlin and swordfish
should be avoided and tuna restricted to two medium cans or one fresh steak
per week. This follows concerns about mercury in these fish and also
applies to women who are breastfeeding or intending to become pregnant.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caught from contact with uncooked or
undercooked meat, contaminated vegetables and fruit, and in cat feces. If
it's caught in pregnancy, it can be passed to the baby and cause severe
problems such as blindness or mental disabilities. You should avoid handling
cat feces or the cat litter tray. Wash your hands after handling a cat, and
after preparing meat and other foods. Make sure cats stay away from all
surfaces where food is eaten or prepared. Toxoplasmosis can be tested for during pregnancy, if
necessary.
Peanuts If you
or members of your close family suffer from peanut allergy or allergic
disease such as atopic eczema, asthma or hayfever, it is recommended that
you avoid eating peanuts or food containing peanut products during
pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
|
