Pregnancy is a time of joy for most women, but it can also be a time of great worry and concern. There are so many rules and suggestions about things to do or not do that it can be overwhelming at times. However, pregnant women must take precautions to ensure a healthy delivery of the baby. This is especially true of diet, since the fetus is exposed to everything that the mother puts into her body.
Fish with Mercury
While seafood does not have to be avoided completely during pregnancy, the American Pregnancy Association indicates that consuming mercury during pregnancy can increase the chances of developmental delays and brain damage to the fetus. Fish with a high mercury content include mackerel, tilefish, swordfish and shark. These should not be eaten during pregnancy. However, fish containing little or no mercury provide a good source of protein, iron and fatty acids. The Mayo Clinic states that pregnant women can safely consume up to 12 ounces per week of shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollack or catfish.
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Unpasteurized dairy products may be contaminated with a bacteria called listeria. Listeria can cross the placenta and infect the baby, causing miscarriage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that infection can result in flu-like symptoms in the mother, but if the infection reaches the nervous system, headache, confusion and convulsions can ensue. Soft cheeses are often unpasteurized, and these can be contaminated with listeria as well. Soft cheese includes brie, feta, gorgonzola, queso blanco and queso fresco. Soft cheese is safe to be eaten if it has been pasteurized.
Deli Meat
Infection with listeria can also be caused by consuming deli meats, hot dogs or luncheon meats. It is best to forgo these foods during pregnancy, but if eaten, the CDC states that they must be heated by steaming to kill any bacteria. It is possible that residual liquid from hot dog and deli meat packages can be infected, so it is important to dispose of the juices properly. Refrigerated meats and meat spreads such as pate also pose a danger of listeria contamination. These should only be eaten as a part of cooked dishes.
Undercooked Meat/Seafood
All meat and seafood should be cooked to well-done during pregnancy. Raw or undercooked meat can be infected with salmonella, toxoplasmosis or other bacteria. Avoid raw sushi and sashimi during pregnancy, as well as undercooked shellfish such as oysters, scallops, clams and mussels. MayoClinic.com indicates that fish should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. Fish should be opaque and flaky when it is done cooking, and shellfish should be a milky white color.
