Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a crucial period in a woman's life. To ensure the smoothest possible pregnancy and keep your baby healthy, several nutritional recommendations should be followed.
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| 5 Dangerous Foods Pregnant Women Should Avoid |
What foods are to be avoided during pregnancy?
Taking care of your health and
your baby's health is paramount during pregnancy. In addition to a good
lifestyle, diet is an essential factor to consider. On the one hand, to provide
you and your baby with all the nutrients you need. On the other hand, to
prevent the occurrence of disorders that can potentially be serious for the
fetus's health. Here is the list of foods to avoid throughout pregnancy:
Raw fish
Consumption of raw fish, particularly during pregnancy, can pose significant health risks. This is due to the increased likelihood of raw seafood harboring harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause severe complications for the developing fetus, including an increased risk of premature birth or miscarriage.
Consequently, the consumption of raw fish is strongly discouraged throughout pregnancy. This includes sushi, ceviche, and other tartare dishes. Instead, opt for thoroughly cooked fish, as Listeria is effectively eliminated at temperatures exceeding 65°C (149°F).
Additional Notes:
- The translation emphasizes the risks associated with raw fish consumption, particularly for pregnant women.
- It highlights the potential presence of Listeria bacteria in raw seafood and its detrimental effects on fetal health.
- It clearly advises against consuming raw fish during pregnancy and suggests thoroughly cooked fish as a safer alternative.
- It specifies the temperature at which Listeria is rendered inactive to ensure effective cooking.
Raw meat
As with raw fish, raw meat is
also prohibited during pregnancy due to the same risk of bacterial
contamination. In addition to listeriosis, meat can also cause toxoplasmosis,
which is a very serious disease for the fetus. If you have already had
toxoplasmosis, you are normally immune and your doctor will tell you. In all cases,
it is recommended that you avoid consuming raw meats and cold cuts such as
tartare, undercooked meats, terrines and foie gras.
The risk of bacterial contamination from raw meat is higher for pregnant women because their immune systems are suppressed.
- Toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects.
- Listeriosis can cause serious illness in pregnant women, including meningitis and septicemia.
- It is important to cook all meat to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
- Pregnant women should also avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products, as well as soft cheeses that are made with unpasteurized milk.
Raw milk cheeses
Raw milk cheeses are not limited to meats and fish: they also include many cheeses that are sometimes consumed on a daily basis. During pregnancy, it is recommended that you avoid all raw milk cheeses to also avoid the Listeria bacteria.
The category of raw milk cheeses includes Reblochon, Roquefort, Brie, some Camemberts and Morbier. As a general rule, it is recommended to avoid unpasteurized cheeses. These include raw milk cheeses, but also soft cheeses with a bloomy rind such as Coulommiers, blue cheeses such as Fourme d'Ambert, and soft unpasteurized cheeses such as goat or sheep cheeses.
During your pregnancy, you can
however consume hard cheeses such as Comté and Emmental, as well as soft
cheeses made from pasteurized milk such as mozzarella or spreadable cheeses. If
in doubt, check the list of ingredients carefully to identify the type of milk
used to make the cheese you wish to buy.
Raw milk cheeses: Raw milk
cheeses are cheeses made from unpasteurized milk. This means that the milk has
not been heated to kill harmful bacteria.
Listeria: Listeria is a
bacterium that can cause listeriosis, an infection that can be serious for
pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Soft cheeses with a bloomy
rind: Soft cheeses with a bloomy rind are cheeses that have a white, moldy
rind. These cheeses are often made from raw milk.
Blue cheeses: Blue cheeses are
cheeses that have blue or green veins of mold running through them. These
cheeses are often made from raw milk.
Hard cheeses: Hard cheeses are
cheeses that have a firm, dry texture. These cheeses are usually made from
pasteurized milk.
Pasteurized milk: Pasteurized milk is milk that has been heated to kill harmful bacteria.
Additional information:
- The risk of listeriosis from raw milk cheeses is low, but it is important to be aware of the risks, especially if you are pregnant.
- Pregnant women should also avoid other foods that are high in risk for listeriosis, such as unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, deli meats, and raw seafood.
- If you are pregnant and have any concerns about eating raw milk cheese, talk to your doctor.
Seafood
Seafood, like raw fish, should also be avoided throughout pregnancy. The reason is simple: the potential presence of listeria. Seafood is all the more risky because it is sometimes difficult to know exactly how fresh it is and the conditions in which it was stored before being offered for sale. It is therefore best to abstain!
Here are some medical terms:
Listeria: A type of bacteria
that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can be harmful to pregnant
women and their unborn babies.
Contaminated: Containing
harmful bacteria or other substances.
High-risk foods: Foods that
are more likely to be contaminated with listeria or other harmful bacteria.
Foodborne illness: An illness
caused by eating contaminated food.
Miscarriage: The spontaneous
loss of a fetus before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Stillbirth: The death of a
fetus or baby before or during delivery.
Raw Eggs and Pregnancy Risks
Pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs due to the potential for salmonellosis.
Here's a breakdown of the risk:
Salmonella: This bacteria can be present in raw eggs and cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Pregnancy and Increased Risk: Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making women more susceptible to foodborne illnesses and their complications. Salmonella can potentially pass from the mother to the developing baby, leading to health problems.
Safe Consumption: Eggs are a valuable source of nutrients during pregnancy. To enjoy them safely, ensure they are thoroughly cooked (firm yolks and whites) or pasteurized (a process eliminating harmful bacteria).
Examples to Avoid:
- Raw or runny eggs (sunny-side up, poached)
- Homemade mayonnaise or salad dressings with raw eggs
- Mousse or other desserts containing raw eggs (unless made with pasteurized eggs)
- Uncooked batters or doughs with eggs
- By following these guidelines, pregnant women can enjoy the benefits of eggs while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.