Food and pregnancy: what can I eat during the holidays?

Pregnant at Christmas: foie gras yes, but without excess

Foie gras when you are pregnant: are we allowed? This is THE big question linked to New Year’s Eve and pregnancy, since the French adore them. Star of the starters of New Years Eve, fatty liver provides iron, a mineral that pregnant women need as well as good essential fatty acids. On the other hand, it is very rich in vitamin A which should not be abused during pregnancy. But on one evening, the risks are zero. It is better to avoid “homemade” foie gras, cut, and those that are lightly cooked. In addition, it is a very heavy dish, very high in calories and not easily digestible. It promotes weight gain and delays gastric emptying. Limit portions.

Smoked salmon and galantines: caution is required for pregnant women

Are we entitled to smoked salmon when we are pregnant? Like all delicatessen products, the consumption of smoked salmon and galantines is not recommended, as they can be contaminated by the germ of listeriosis, as well as all raw fish and marinated fish or meats of the carpaccio type. If you are entertaining, you can serve your guests from pasteurized smoked salmon.

Savory petits fours & pregnancy: we sort it out

The Cherry tomatoes and other vegetable sticks raw or cooked are perfect. But if you are not protected against toxoplasmosis, they should be washed thoroughly. The savory snacks are bold. Taken in excess, they delay gastric emptying and promote water retention and weight gain, but they are safe for the baby. Listeriosis obliges, beware of charcuteries, raw fish, unpasteurized smoked salmon and tarama.

Seafood (shellfish and fish): under close surveillance during pregnancy

Molluscs and crustaceans are full of iodine and mineral salts. They stimulate the metabolism and are an unrecognized source of iron. But we must ensure their freshness and avoid consuming them raw or undercooked during pregnancy, because of the risk of food poisoning or hepatitis. Frozen shrimp, shells, langoustines or lobsters are safe, provided that the cold chain has not been broken and that they are cooked during or at the end of defrosting. To note : smoked fish are to be avoided as well as shellfish shelled sold cooked (you must cook the shellfish yourself). If you are watching your line, avoid bread and butter and … refuse mayonnaise, to which you are not entitled, pregnant.

As high in protein as meat, fish is much less fatty, especially when it is white (sea bass, sea bream, turbot, brill, sole…). In addition, it brings the essential fatty acids essential for the proper neuronal development of the fetus. However, some species of wild fish may contain mercury, in varying amounts. Pregnant women are therefore recommended not to consume a large wild fish such as sea bass, swordfish, sea bream, ray or tuna every week. But for one evening, fear nothing, it is the accumulation that multiplies the risks.

On the meat side: are we entitled to poultry and game when pregnant?

The stuffed poultry are always the queens of the party. The Turkey meat, low in calories and very rich in protein, is particularly indicated. Capon and goose, fatter and a little less digestible, pose no problem when not abused. On the other hand, stuffing is to be avoided, like all cold cuts.

Low in fat, very rich in protein, energetic but not too much, game meat is tasty and well balanced. But if you are pregnant, beware. On the one hand because of its richness in toxins and uric acid, but above all because the marinade that it is almost always subjected to to tenderize it promotes bacterial proliferation.

Cheese and holiday dessert: avoid raw milk and the log during pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you need calcium and therefore dairy products. But beware, not all cheeses are good to eat. You have to avoid raw milk cheeses, better in taste of course, but likely to be contaminated. For the same reason, take the precaution ofremove the crust of those you have chosen, even if they are pasteurized.

For dessert, the log remains essential. The frozen specialties must have been preserved by scrupulously respecting the cold chain and it is better to know the origin of the cream which was used to fill the biscuit. Another drawback is that it is heavy and very indigestible. If you are served simultaneously a fruit platter, indulge yourself, making sure they are washed well if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis.

Foods prohibited during the Christmas holidays: alcohol and raw eggs

For the holidays like the rest of the year, certain foods are prohibited during pregnancy.

So, all alcohols are prohibited. Remember that alcohol passes directly into the blood of the fetus and compromises its development. As for drinks, although ideal for your health, still waters are not very fun. So, if you like bubbles, go for them sparkling water. Because even if they promote bloating and regurgitation, they often contain bicarbonate, useful at the end of pregnancy to fight heartburn. The sodas light are a good alternative, but don’t overdo their sweet version if you tend to gain a little too much weight. The same goes for fruit juices: choose them instead without added sugar.

Because they present a risk of contamination, raw eggs should also be avoided. So say goodbye to the chocolate mousse, or even the homemade mayonnaise that accompanies seafood. But rest assured, you will probably be entitled to it next year!