Food Safety
As a midwife, I get asked questions frequently about what is safe to eat in pregnancy, especially at this time of year. Foodborne illnesses in extreme cases can not only make you seriously ill but can cause preterm birth and even stillbirth. So it is VERY important to be mindful of what you eat and how you prepare it.
Common at risk foods include raw seafood, raw eggs, soft serve icecream, raw seed sprouts, unpasteurized cheeses, deli meats, salad foods, partially cooked meats, high mercury deep sea fish and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
General food safety rules to follow:
If in doubt heat it up. If you are hankering for that ham sandwich make it a toastie, or hot in an omelette
Prepare it yourself. Wash all salad ingredients and prepare it yourself. Take your own salad to the BBQ and you will know its safe
Leave the leftovers. Don’t eat anything the next day. Listeria grows in the fridge and is the most common foodborne illness in pregnancy
Avoid the deli. Make this a NO GO area while pregnant
Pate. An excellent source of iron. If you love it – make it yourself and eat straight away or freeze it in icecube trays and add to hot meat dishes for that amazing iron and vitamin A boost
Wash your hands. We are getting good at this now from COVID times but good to be reminded how important it is in pregnancy to avoid toxoplasmosis found in soil
Takeaway/Restaurants. Make sure food is prepared just before its served to you, well cooked and piping hot (above 70degreesC)
Our enhanced sense of smell in pregnancy is there to keep you from eating food that is expired and unsafe. Follow your instincts and cravings in pregnancy as your body is wise and will keep you safe. Enjoy the summer.
