7 foods every pregnant woman should eat in moderation

A woman’s diet during pregnancy can be decisive for her and her baby’s health. This subject is surrounded by a lot of advice, myths and tips that pregnant women listen to during pregnancy. But after all, when it comes to food, what care should be taken by those who are expecting a child?

In this post, the awesome.club shares information about certain foods you should consume in moderation if you are about to be a mother.

Within the gastronomy, there are some dishes in which the meat is served raw, such as carpaccio, for example. During pregnancy, it is recommended not to consume this type of raw protein, due to the possible infections that can arise with the consumption of the food in this way. One of them is toxoplasmosis, a disease that can be very dangerous for both mother and baby, causing hearing loss, reduced mental capacity and blindness. After birth, the child may develop brain problems or vision difficulties.

Cheeses that are not pasteurized, such as brie, camembert, feta and fresh cheese, are contraindicated during pregnancy as they can contain harmful bacteria, including listeria. This increases the chances of a miscarriage, fetal death, premature delivery, and potentially fatal infection for the newborn.

Sausages are made from a mixture of minced and seasoned meat. It is better to avoid eating these raw foods, unless they are cooked to a temperature above 74°, or if they are pre-cooked sausages, such as ham and turkey breast. The so-called Iberian ham (or pata negra) undergoes a process of at least 24 months, which reduces the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. In addition, its healing process allows you to concentrate minerals and vitamins, as well as highlighting iron, zinc and the vitamin B complex, being an important source of vitamin B12, folic acid and healthy fats. On the other hand, Professor Sabine Rohrmann pointed out in a study that 3.3% of deaths could be avoided if people consumed less than 20 grams of processed meat per day.

Eating fish and seafood with a high level of mercury is also contraindicated during pregnancy. The expectant mother should at least reduce the consumption of these products, as they can harm the baby’s nervous system. In the United States, authorities recommend that pregnant women, children and women of childbearing age avoid eating fish rich in mercury, or limit their consumption to 340 g per week. Also, be careful with sushi, as it is usually made from raw fish. If not prepared properly, it can cause parasite infections, be contaminated by bacteria, or have high levels of mercury.

Eggs are one of the most common causes of salmonella infection, and while pregnant women are no more at risk than other people, raw or only lightly cooked eggs should be avoided unless pasteurized eggs are used instead. This goes for homemade raw egg-based foods such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, ice cream, and cookie and pie doughs. Mass-produced products often use pasteurized eggs, so they are safer for human consumption. These precautions are justified because raw egg consumption can pave the way for bacteria that trigger neonatal sepsis.

While many doctors recommend avoiding caffeine-containing products, as the substance could increase the likelihood of infertility, birth defects, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, fetal growth restriction, and sudden death, one study found that moderate caffeine intake (less than 200 mg per day) does not appear to be a major factor in pregnancy problems. It is worth mentioning that soft drinks, teas, chocolates and sweets can also have caffeine. In any case, it is best to consult a doctor to find out the ideal and safe dose for your body.

It is a fact that the consumption of salt is very important during pregnancy, both for the mother and for the baby, since sodium, as long as it is consumed without exaggeration, is a necessary mineral for the correct functioning of the body. However, the amount of salt needs to be controlled. The results of a study suggest that excess during pregnancy can affect the kidney development of the fetus, in addition to paving the way for the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Do you know someone who had to follow dietary restrictions during pregnancy? Or did this happen to you? What foods did you need to avoid? Comment!