What NOT to Eat When You’re Expecting

If you’re eating for two, you already know that maintaining a healthy diet is important.  But when it comes to eating while you’re pregnant, it’s also important to know which foods to avoid – foods that contain bacteria and chemicals that can be harmful to you and baby. But how do you know what you can and can’t eat during your pregnancy? Here’s a list of foods to embrace for the next nine months.

• Caffeine. Drinking coffee in moderation is fine during pregnancy , but you’ll definitely need to curb your caffeine intake now that you’re pregnant. Lighten up on coffee and other sources of caffeinated beverages and energy drinks. Too much caffeine can make it hard for your body to absorb iron which can lead to anemia.
• Unpasteurized cheeses. Soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk contain Listeria and other pathogens, so avoid eating Brie, goat cheese, feta. Instead, opt for harder cheeses like cheddar and Swiss.
• Raw seafood. Tempting though it may be, just say no to sushi and oysters on the half shell while you’re pregnant as they increase your risk of digesting bacteria and parasites. But you don’t have to avoid seafood altogether. Just make sure it’s well cooked.
• Alcohol. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. When alcohol enters your baby’s bloodstream, it lingers there twice as long as it does for you. So if you’re drinking an alcoholic beverage, your baby is too. But if you imbibed before you found out you were pregnant, not to worry. While  having had a couple of drinks before you knew you were pregnant isn't ideal, it is somewhat common. Just abstain going forward to be on the safe side.
• Raw eggs. We’re not talking about sitting down to a bowl of raw eggs. But you may be surprised that raw eggs lurk in more places than you think. Refrain from eating raw cookie dough, mayonnaise and eggnog. And avoid Caesar dressing and hollandaise sauce unless you’re positive they’re egg-free. And, finally, order your omelets well done. You don’t want Salmonella rearing its ugly head.
• Undercooked meat. Your body may be craving a rare cut of meat, but don’t give in. Undercooked meat can contain E. coli and Salmonella, both of which can cause food poisoning. Wait until after baby arrives to indulge on that medium-rare steak.

To learn more about the best foods for you and baby during pregnancy, contact Women’s Care of Beverly Hills Group to learn more about our range of services by calling 310-657-1600.