Can Pregnant Women Eat Bologna?

When you get pregnant, you may start experiencing a lot of strange cravings. However, if you suddenly feel the urge to eat a bologna and Brie sandwich, you might want to hold off. Certain foods can be potentially dangerous for you and your baby. So, before you order that burger rare, learn which foods are potentially bad for your developing child.

Can I Eat Seafood if I’m Pregnant?

While some fish are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acid, which helps your baby’s brain and eye development, certain kinds of seafood are potentially dangerous to your child. While pregnant, you should avoid:

– Uncooked Seafood: Any refrigerated, smoked seafood should be avoided. These fish are often called lox, nova style, jerky or kippered. However, if the fish is canned and does not need to be refrigerated, it is safe to eat.

– Raw Seafood: This includes sushi, raw oysters, scallops and clams or seafood that has not been heated at all.

– Seafood High in Mercury: The larger a fish is, the more mercury it may contain. Some fish high in mercury include swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tilefish.

Raw or Undercooked Meat?

When pregnant, your body is more susceptible to bacterial food poisoning. Raw or undercooked meat can contain coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella, all of which can make you and your baby very sick. Make sure all you meat is well done, and cooked completely through.

Any Foods With Listeria?

Listeria is a dangerous bacterium found in many ready to eat foods, such as deli meats and unpasteurized milk. People with Listeria could experience fever, chills, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, and loss of balance. However, many times there are no symptoms. The mother may unknowingly pass the infection to her baby. In this case, it may cause miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, or even infant death.

It’s important you avoid all foods with listeria. This includes:

– Soft cheese made with unpasteurized milk
– Pâté or meat spreads
– Deli meats or hot dogs
– Smoked seafood
– Unpasteurized milk

Can Pregnant Women Eat Cookie Dough?

While you’re body may be craving some raw cookie dough, you should stay away. Any food containing raw eggs can increase your exposure to salmonella. Avoid homemade versions of Caesar dressing, ice cream, Hollandaise sauce and mayonnaise as they may be made with raw eggs.

Unwashed Fruits and Veggies?

It’s important to eat plenty of fruits and veggies while pregnant, but make sure they’re washed! Unwashed fruits and veggies carry harmful bacteria that can harm you and your baby.

Caffeine?

You may feel like you need that cup of coffee in the morning to wake you up, but stay away. Caffeine can affect your baby’s heart rate and increases your chance of miscarriage. While a little caffeine is all right, it is best to cut it out as much as possible.

Learn More by Calling OB-GYN Women’s Centre in Lakewood Ranch

Your diet is vital to your child health! Do the right thing for your baby and give them the nourishment they need. If you are already pregnant, or planning on being, come visit us at OB-GYN Women’s Centre. Our experienced physicians can help customize your pregnancy diet, and make sure your baby is getting the nutrition he or she needs. So don’t wait, call OB-GYN Women’s Centre today!