Here’s the latest research on the foods and drinks you’ve been told to avoid.
Plus, get the scoop on what’s OK to eat when you are pregnant.
Getting pregnant can be an exciting time.
But avoiding lattes and red wine for nine months?
Is it really necessary to cut out caffeine, alcohol, cheese and sushi while you are pregnant?
Here’s the latest research on what to avoid and what to be cautious about.
Plus, learn which foods and key nutrients you should definitely eat for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
It’s best to avoid rare burgers and steaks during your pregnancyif those are typically your thing.
Eating raw or undercooked meat can expose you to two dangerous bacteria,ListeriaandToxoplasma.
Listeriosis can cross the placenta and increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor or stillbirth.
However, the risk is still relatively low.
Unpasteurized Soft Cheeses
You may have heard to stay away from some cheeses if you are pregnant.
Be sure to check the label on your cheese, which will let you know if it’s pasteurized.
If you’re eating out, ask your server if the cheese you’re ordering is pasteurized.
Eggs
Pregnant or not, eating raw or undercooked eggs can cause foodborne illness fromSalmonella.
Avoid shark, swordfish, mackerel, tilefish and tuna steaks, which are high in mercury.
Mercury can interfere with the baby’s developing nervous system and brain.
Otherwise, it is safe to consume up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish each week.
This includes salmon, trout, sardines, shrimp and canned tuna.
Limit canned albacore tuna to no more than 6 ounces per week, which is about one standard can.
Sushi
Steer clear of sushi, smoked seafood and ceviche.
Raw fish and shellfish could be contaminated with fish-borne parasites orNorovirus.
The research on caffeine consumption during pregnancy is conflicting.
Studies have raised concerns about too much caffeine and miscarriages, preterm birth and low birth weight.
More studies are needed in this area.
There is also not enough evidence to confirm that caffeine causes growth restrictions.
One 8-ounce cup of coffee has about100 mg caffeine.
Alcohol
You’ve heard it before: no amount of alcohol is considered safe in pregnancy.
Heavy alcohol consumption is associated withfetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), birth defects and neurodevelopment disorders.
But, what about an occasional drink?
Bottom line: We don’t know the effects of low to moderate alcohol consumption on the fetus.
To have the safest pregnancy, avoid alcohol altogether.
During the first trimester your calorie needs are about the same as pre-pregnancy.
For the second trimester, your needs go up by about 340 calories daily.
So give in to those pregnancy cravings occasionally (they happen, right?)
but focus on filling up with healthy foods and getting more of these key nutrients.
Caffeine can block the absorption of iron so leave 1 to 3 hours between your coffee and iron.
Fatty fish, such as salmon and albacore tuna, are high in omega-3s.
For optimal intake, take a prenatal vitamin with DHA or a fish oil supplement.
You also don’t have to worry about something you ate months ago.
If you got a foodborne illness, you would know within 24 to 48 hours.
Up next:21 Quick & Easy Dinners For a Healthy Pregnancy
