According to health experts, there are foods that pregnant woman should avoid because of the chances that they could harm the unborn baby. Consider these 5 foods to avoid during pregnancy, and reasons why health experts suggest abstaining from them:

1. Raw meat. If you love your steak rare, pregnancy is not the time to eat it that way. Raw meats can carry bacteria such as salmonella and toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to you and your unborn baby. Take care to make sure that any seafood and poultry you eat is cooked well done to ensure any bacteria is cooked away.

2.  Deli meats.  Deli meats have long been linked with listeria. Listeria passes through the placenta to the baby and is linked to miscarriage.

3.  Fish and mercury. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the advice to avoid fish during pregnancy. The reason it is important to avoid certain types of fish is because of high mercury levels. In particular, fish to avoid include shark, swordfish, tilefish and mackerel. Fish, however, are a great source of healthful fatty acids. So, adding certain fish in moderation to your diet is recommended.

4.  Raw eggs. Any food product that contains raw eggs, or eggs that are undercooked, should be approached with caution. Health authorities in the UK have changed guidelines so that certain eggs are safe for pregnant moms, but this recommendation isn’t yet global. Use caution with products that contain raw eggs in the ingredient list, such as ice cream and salad dressings. Additionally, avoid ALL dairy products that are unpasteurized.

5. Unpasteurized soft cheeses.  Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include Queso Blanco and Queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

During pregnancy, it is very important to make sure that you keep cooking surfaces and areas clean to avoid cross contamination. If you can wear gloves while handling raw meats and raw foods, plan to do so. The bacteria associated with foods can be very harmful to your baby and has been linked to miscarriage.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Years ago, women were forbidden from eating certain fish and seafood during pregnancy. The issue was due to the high levels of mercury in some fish products. In fact, the news was so widely spread and largely misunderstood that many women halted their consumption of fish and seafood altogether.

Today, for many people living health conscious lives, fish is a common main meal ingredient. In order to help clear up any confusion in regard to eating fish in pregnancy, read on…

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises pregnant women, or women trying to conceive, to eat no more than 12 ounces of fish per week. To make this easier, fish such as tuna, or fish fillets should be eaten no more than twice per week. The FDA also recommends that pregnant women, or those trying to conceive, eat shrimp, salmon, pollock, and catfish while avoiding swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel due to their higher potential mercury levels. Albacore tuna and tuna steaks have more mercury than chunk light tuna in a pouch or can, but if you limit yourself to about one serving of either per week, you should be fine, according to the FDA. Most physicians also agree that shellfish, such as oysters, should only be eaten in season, although crabs, lobster, clams, scallops, and oysters have very low levels of mercury compared to other grocery market fish.

Their high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids make fish and seafood one of the ultimate super foods of pregnancy. Not only are they good for you, but they are also good for your growing baby. In fact research has proven that these essential fatty acids can help to prevent preeclampsia, preterm labor, and help to increase your baby’s cognitive development. Additionally, pregnant women who maintain good levels of Omega-3s are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. The good news is that you can get these fatty acids without consuming fish by taking supplements. Before buying one over-the-counter, talk to your physician. In fact, today many prenatal supplements come fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take fish oil capsules available from most drug stores or herb shops. Just remember to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements.

If you aren’t a fan of fish, but want the health benefits of the fatty acids contained in fish, look for fish oil supplements, or other foods such as Omega-3 vegetarian eggs, to add to your well balanced diet. But, if you love fish, and are limiting your intake to twice per week or no more than 12 ounces per week – you should have nothing to worry about when eating fish in pregnancy.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Eating healthy during pregnancy is vital in order to ensure that you and your baby are getting the right nutrients. Whether you are a seafood lover or not, you might have heard that eating fish during pregnancy can be good since it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. You may have come across contradicting statements, as well, claiming that eating fish during pregnancy can be dangerous. So you are wondering, “Can I eat fish during pregnancy or not?”

Both of the statements are true in their own way. If you are not careful about what type of fish you are eating during pregnancy, it can go from being one of the healthiest foods to one of the most harmful. Be sure to educate yourself on what is healthy and what is not healthy for you and your baby. So for all you sushi and sashimi lovers out there, brace yourselves, because we’re about to reveal the skinny on eating seafood during pregnancy.

Why Is Fish Good for You?

Fish is filled with healthy nutrients that are good for your baby’s development. These nutrients include essential fatty acids, proteins, iron, zinc, and much more. The good part about fish is that it is low in fat, making it an ideal food for not just pregnant women but for anyone who wants to stay healthy. Most importantly, fish is the richest source of Omega-3, which plays a vital role in the development of your baby’s brain and in your baby’s visual development. Most experts believe that the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful!

How Can Fish Be Dangerous?

The biggest problem with certain types of fish is the high level of mercury and other contaminants. Predatory fish, or those that have a longer life span, usually have a higher level of mercury and should be avoided. Make sure you do research on what types of fish has longer life spans so you can avoid it. Eating fish that contains contamination during pregnancy can put your baby’s developing body at the risk, so make sure you are well aware of what you’re eating.

What Is Safe to Eat?

The trick to eating fish during pregnancy is to learn which type of fish is low in mercury and, hence, safe for your consumption. “Friendly” fish, or fish that you can eat safely throughout your pregnancy include salmon, pollock, trout, haddock, flounder, sole, ocean perch, cod and halibut – a good variety of fish!

Other types of fish that you can eat, but in a limited quantity approved by your doctor or from a certified authority include shellfish, canned or packaged tuna, and fresh-water fish (wild caught or store-bought).

Other types of fish, usually ocean fish, should be avoided as much as possible. The fish that you should stay away from during your pregnancy include shark, fresh tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, sea bass, amberjack, mahi-mahi, grouper, and tilefish.

How Much Fish Should You Eat?

In order to ensure staying safe while pregnant, the US Food and Drug Administration has provided a complete guideline regarding the safe consumption of fish during pregnancy. They advise you limit the consumption of fish from 6 ounces to 12 ounces per weeks. In addition, if you are unsure about fish, why not consult your healthcare provider? He or she will be able to guide you towards the right kind of nutrition for your baby, especially since every pregnancy is different. Depending on your medical history and general well-being and fitness, your doctor can be in a much better position to advise you.

What are your favorite fish recipes?

Written by Team Health & Parenting

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.