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If youre expecting a baby, the upcoming holiday seasons arrive with some new red flags. No eggnog. No cookie dough. No cold deli meats! Are those veggies thoroughly washed?
You may have heard that some foods are a no-no during pregnancy, but do you know why? Dr. Kristin Wexler at Timpanogos Womens Center in Lehi talks about what to avoid and for what reasons.
Alcohol is at the top of the list. None. Period. And this recommendation is important for nursing mothers too. The March of Dimes says:
- Dont drink alcohol if youre pregnant, trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Alcohol can cause problems for your baby at any time in pregnancy, even before you know youre expecting.
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy makes it more likely that your baby will be born too early or develop birth defects and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Caffeine also comes under fire. According to the American Pregnancy Association, Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is permissible, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Given conflicting studies, try avoiding caffeine during the first trimester, which is often when a miscarriage occurs.
Then, if you can't say no to your morning Joe or your afternoon pick-me-up, limit yourself to 200 milligrams of caffeine per day or less, Wexler advises. Like all diuretics, caffeine can decrease blood volume and trigger early labor.
Listeria is a bacterium that should be avoided at all times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is harmful to the general population and can cause miscarriages in pregnant women.
"Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby, which could lead to infection or blood poisoning and may be life-threatening," says the American Pregnancy Association.
The problem is that it can show up in the most unexpected of places, such as:
- Deli meats. If you choose to eat deli meats, heat them until they are steaming.
- Smoked seafood. Lox, nova style, kippered or jerky refrigerated varieties should be avoided because they could be contaminated with listeria. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually fine to eat.
- Raw fruits and vegetables. Be sure to wash the exterior of your produce, even if it will be peeled later or if you aren't eating the rind. Approach those healthy looking veggie plates with caution!
- Unpasteurized milk and soft cheese. Queso blanco, queso fresco and other soft white cheese; dont eat them unless they are clearly made from pasteurized milk. All soft, non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.
Make sure that apple cider is pasteurized too, warns Wexler.
Salmonella, E. coli and Toxoplasma cause 1 million cases of foodborne illnesses in the United States every year and put 19,000 people in the hospital. The associated diarrhea makes it especially dangerous for pregnant women. To make sure you dont fall victim to these bacteria, avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood and raw eggs yes, that includes cookie dough, homemade ice cream and eggnog.
Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. Tuna is notorious for having high levels of mercury, as is some of the fish used in sushi. Canned light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation.
Fish naturally contain omega-3 fatty acids and may be an important part of brain development, Wexler says. So consider other alternatives that are considered safe like salmon, tilapia, shrimp, cod and catfish.
Pregnancy is a great time to evaluate your eating habits. Following these tips and sticking to nutritious foods will help keep you healthy and your baby growing strong.