Basic rules for eating during pregnancy

24/05/2018

After many years in the clinic looking after pregnant women, I've realised that one of their most common concerns is what they can and cannot eat: All women have heard of those "forbidden" foods during pregnancy and receive advice from their family and friends about what they should and shouldn't consume.

I'm going to give you a simple explanation about the foods to avoid during pregnancy and why, plus the food you can eat without worrying. However, you should obviously follow any recommendations your gynaecologist gives you.

• Coffee, tea and herbal teas: They are not prohibited during pregnancy, although you are advised not to overindulge in them. That means you can continue to have your morning coffee and if you fancy a herbal tea in the afternoon then be my guest, but don’t drink more than two caffeinated drinks per day.
• Alcohol:  Drinking alcohol is totally inadvisable during pregnancy. You must not consume any alcohol during gestation, as it has been proven to have a negative effect on the formation and development of the neurons of the foetus.

During pregnancy there are certain infectious diseases that are potentially very serious for the foetus if the mother contracts them. We can catch two of them—toxoplasmosis and listeriosis—through consumption of certain foods. Below you will find a simple summary of the precautions you should take:

-  If you have not already had toxoplasmosis (your gynaecologist will tell you at the start of the pregnancy) you should take the following advice into account:

• • • 48h of deep freezing or cooking food at high temperatures will destroy the parasite
    • Avoid eating raw red meat or uncooked cold meats
    • Wash and peel fruit and vegetables properly before eating or cooking them
    • Take extreme hygiene measures with the cooking utensils and surfaces where you cook (worktops, chopping boards...)

• To avoid contracting listeriosis (a bacterial disease), take the following advice:
  • • Do not consume raw meat or fish (if it has not been frozen previously)
    • Do not drink unpasteurised milk
    • Avoid eating creamy and fresh cheese
    • Do not consume raw seafood
    • Do not consume smoked foods or pâté that is not tinned or sterilised
    • Thoroughly peel and wash all foods consumed raw (vegetables, fruits...)
    • Do not leave cold meats open in the fridge for too long (cooked ham, tinned pâté...)
    • Do not overindulge in precooked meals
    • If you take your lunch to work or eat leftovers that have been kept in the fridge, heat them up very well before you eat them
    • Clean your fridge and all your cooking utensils regularly
    • Do not mix raw and cooked foods in the fridge

I hope this explanation has helped to clarify any questions you may have about what you can and cannot eat during pregnancy, but if you still have questions, even after reading this article, do not hesitate in contacting your gynaecologist!

Dra. Sofía Fournier Fisas

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