Pregnancy is an exciting time for the expectant mother and her family. When a woman is pregnant she will have to closely monitor what foods and beverages she consumes. More foods may affect your baby's health than you realize, so it's important to adhere to the following guidelines to make the healthiest choices for you and your baby.
Meats, Eggs and Cheeses
Meats that are undercooked or rare should be avoided completely. They may contain salmonella, coliform bacteria or toxoplasmosis. Deli meats should also be avoided. They may be contaminated with listeria, a bacteria that may cause miscarriage. If you're going to eat deli meats, heat them thoroughly until steaming hot to kill off any harmful bacteria. Raw and undercooked eggs should also be avoided, as they may contain salmonella. Be careful for places where raw eggs may be hidden, such as in caesar salad dressing or hollandaise sauce. Imported soft cheeses may also be harmful, such as brie, feta, roquefort, gorganzola and mexican type cheeses such as queso blanco and queso fresco. These cheeses may also contain listeria and may induce serious illness or miscarriage.
Seafood
Certain fish are higher in mercury than others. Mercury can cause brain damage and developmental delays when consumed in excess. These include swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and shark. Fish used in sushi preparation are also to be avoided. Raw shellfish can also be dangerous. Albacore tuna is considered higher in mercury than chunk light tuna and should be avoided. If you're going to eat chunk light tuna, it should be in moderation. Fish that are from contaminated lakes may also be dangerous due to high levels of chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls. Your local health department or Environmental Protection Agency may be able to determine which locally caught fish in your area are safe to consume.
Alcohol and Caffeine
In 2008, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a study which concluded that expectant women who consume 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day---the amount in 10 oz. of coffee or 25 oz. of tea---may double their risk of miscarriage. If caffeine is to be consumed it should be after the first trimester and within the limits mentioned. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic in the body and may lead to water and calcium loss. It has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight and caffeine withdrawal in the infant. Most women try to avoid caffeine during their pregnancy.
There is no amount of alcohol considered safe during pregnancy. Therefore, alcohol should be completely avoided. It may lead to developmental disorders and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
