A Manual to Eating During Pregnancy

A Manual to Eating During Pregnancy

Article by Freddie Brister

Eating for two can be a challenge, especially when you are experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy. Most women feel its symptoms when they reach their 6th week. Nausea and vomiting is common in the first trimester, but will start to subside during the 12th week of pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is important to eat well while you are pregnant. Carrying a baby requires you to eat more nutritious food. It is important to eat well-balanced meals, in order to supply your baby with essential nutrients. Dieting should definitely be avoided, as this can harm you and your baby as well. It’s easy to keep your weight down without having to sacrifice nutrition. Refrain from eating sugary snacks and fatty food. These are full of empty calories that do nothing except pack on more pounds. Be sure to consult your doctor if you want to go on a diet. Never take dietary supplements without a doctor’s advice. There are no strict rules for eating while you are pregnant. Though, there are a few items that you need to look out for. Refrain from eating raw eggs. Raw eggs can be found in homemade mayonnaise and salad dressing. If you really need to have these food items, make sure to buy commercially-made ones from a trusted seller. Unpasteurized eggs can cause salmonella poisoning, which is dangerous for you and your child. Cooking them slightly might kill salmonella. Cook meat thoroughly before serving. Undercooked or raw seafood and beef can be contaminated with salmonella, toxoplasmosis and coliform. Pregnant women should avoid eating uncooked shellfish. Some types of water-borne infections still survive even after shellfish are cooked thoroughly. Algae-borne diseases, for instance, can be fatal when passed on to humans. Listen for health warnings on red tide. Unpasteurized milk is more susceptible to listeria contamination. Exposure to these bacteria can be fatal for both mother and child. Once listeria bacteria enter the body, there is a possible risk of blood poisoning and fetal infection. Drinking pasteurized milk is recommended, instead of its unpasteurized variety. Soft cheeses like camembert, brie, Roquefort, feta and gorgonzola are sometimes made of unpasteurized milk. Mexican cheeses, such as Queso fresco or blanco, are also common carriers of listeria. Watch out for health advisories on unsafe fishing areas. Lakes and rivers that are located near industrial areas are unsafe for fishing. Fish that are caught in industrial areas may be tainted with high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. Refrain from eating striped bass, bluefish, salmon, pike and trout while you are pregnant. These freshwater fish are possible carriers of toxic substances from industrial pollutants. When in doubt, call the Environment Protection Agency or your local health department. Alcohol and tobacco smoke should be avoided, especially when you are expecting a baby. Alcohol consumption has been shown to cause FAS in infants. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) affects babies who have been exposed to alcohol in their mother’s womb. They usually have a lower birth weight and abnormal physical features. Mild mental retardation and hydrocephalus are also common in babies whose mothers have consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Doc. No:11046789drfvlult

About the Author

Colby is the loving parent of two kids and loves writing about situations parents are usually faced with. Check out his JoJo Designs Bumble Bee collection or his JoJo Designs Pink and Purple Butterfly Sets.

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