Preggers! - food to avoid.

[Yess]

hi, just found out I'm pregnant. What food do I need to avoid? [Can I eat prawns?]

[momsy]

This has been discussed before.  Do a search for the thread.

Prawns should be fine - sashimi, unless from trusted sources should probably be avoided.

[Yum]

Unpasturised cheese, eggs with runny yolks - ergo proper mayo etc

[munchable]

I ate what I wanted to eat.  the things they tell you to avoid are often unpasturised things and I don't think I've ever come across unpasturised cheese etc in my life!

Liver was another one (too much vitamin A apparently), but I still had the odd liver and bacon casserole.  I would imagine only someone who eats such things morning noon and night would be in any high risk.

I think there is some sort of 'no no' about shellfish.  I can't remember what it is - is it uncooked shellfish like oysters?  Can't say I ever ate them anyway!  

If you are uncertain, search for pregnancy websites - it will definitely say on them.

[munchable]

oh yes, congratulations by the way  

[Yum]

to Munchable.  Unpasturised cheese is quite common in Europe and certain cheeses are just delicious!!!  But can give you salmonelia (sp?).  As you can get quite a few European cheeses here, it is wise to check - it will be plainly listed on the packaging.  If in doubt, don't salmonelia will make you very sick and can cause sever problems to a fetous.

[just a point]

Although salmonella is unpleasant it is actually listeria which is the pathogen dangerous for a foetus.  For this reason unpasterised or soft cheeses are not recommended for pregnant women.

[Yum]

"Just a point" is totally correct - got my food poisonings mixed up.  Apologies.

You don't want either actually but listeria is the real nasty.

[Yum]

Oh, and to just a Point:  Thank god one of us can spell  

[Also....]

Not too much coffee and coke and tea - keep coffeine low.
Liver: non more than once a week (vit. A is too high).
Do not eat raw meat, as it may infect you with toxoplasma.
All the best!! Take some vitamins and folic acid!

[latest thing]

all nuts!!

[Kiwi 2]

There is actually quite a big list of stuff that it is recommended pregnant women don't eat. Any seafood other than fish (and no swordfish- too much mercury) because of the food poisoning risks. Prawns are off the list sorry. Anything that you buy at a Deli counter ie cold meats, premade salads etc. You are not suppose to eat any cold meats at all including ham and salami. You are not allowed soft serve ice cream like they sell at McDonalds or any soft cheeses including things made with soft cheeses like cheesecake (unless cooked). You should not drink alcohol. Nothing with undercooked eggs in it. You also cannot have raw fish- no sushi!

I'm sure I have left some stuff out. I remember being astounded by the list. My mother and mother in law thought I was mad when I resticted my diet. The number of time I heard "we ate what we wanted and you turned out ok"!!!! If you are going to you doctor the just ask. What you eat in the first trimester is probably the most important because thats when most limbs and organs are being developed. Listeria causes birth defects I think.