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Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnant, what am I allowed to eat? This question, we have all asked ourselves. We must closely monitor our diet, but without falling into psychosis! To limit the risk of listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, one should refrain from eating (or severely limit) foods that can be dangerous: soft or raw milk cheeses (unpasteurized), such as camembert, grated cheese in sachets, products purchased by the cut, raw and smoked fish, raw or cooked meat or cold cuts artisanal (eg rillettes). Thoroughly cook all your meats and egg preparations. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite found in the earth. To avoid contamination, wash vegetables, fruits and aromatic herbs very carefully to remove any soil residue.
Regarding seafood, raw or undercooked shellfish, the surimi and Taramasalata are also to be banned. Note: avoid the consumption of shelled shellfish sold cooked (it is preferable to cook them yourself).
Pregnant: foods not to be recommended
It is known that extremely high doses of vitamin A can pose risks to the fetus. This is why, as a precaution, due to the high vitamin A content of animal livers, pregnant women are recommended to avoid eating liver (whatever the species) or products made from liver. But do not panic if you have consumed it. the soybeans and soy products contain phytoestrogens, substances that can interfere with the hormonal system of mother and baby. As a precaution, it is advisable during pregnancy to avoid consuming food supplements containing soy extracts, to limit soy foods. No more than one per day. Products enriched with phytosterols – margarines, yogurts, milk drinks, etc. – are reserved for people who have “too much cholesterol”. Even if this is your case, it is not recommended for expectant mothers to consume it, because the possible risks are still not known. Last point, aspartame, if one of the report of the National Food Safety Agency (ANSES), the environment had ruled out the “proven risk during pregnancy”, other studies have highlighted a risk of premature birth. In short, as a precaution, we forget the sweeteners.
Watch out for certain fish during pregnancy
Fish is a very interesting food from a nutritional standpoint, it is therefore recommended to consume it twice a week, including a fatty fish. However, some fish are susceptible to contamination by toxic chemicals, such as mercury, but also by microorganisms. ANSES issued an opinion on the assessment of the risks associated with the consumption of fish. Expectant mothers, who are particularly vulnerable, must be extra vigilant. All wild fish such as monkfish, wolf (bass), eel, emperor, halibut, pike, sea bream, ray, tuna are to be avoided. The same goes for swordfish, marlin and shark …
Coffee and tea during pregnancy: in moderation
Too much tea consumption decreases the absorption of iron from food. To be consumed in moderation therefore, so as not to risk anemia. Furthermore, tea is just as exciting as coffee, don’t overdo it!
It is safe to drink citrus peel, ginger, lemon balm, rosehip tea, two to three cups a day. Studies have shown that consuming more than 600 mg of coffee per day can reduce the baby’s birth weight. At 800 mg per day, the risk of mortality is increased. Be reasonable on your consumption, and favor “light” coffees. Also, limit sodas that are too sweet or contain caffeine.
Pregnant, only one real ban: alcohol
Alcohol, in all its forms, should be avoided because it attacks the brain of the fetus. Each year, one child per week is born in France with “fetal alcohol syndrome” (or FAS), which creates mental retardation or attention disorders, while their mother was not an alcoholic. So a single watchword: we abstain.