FOODS AND FLUIDS TO BE AWARE OF
It is important to be aware of the different type of foods and fluids that you need to limit during pregnancy. This section provides more information on foods and fluids to avoid, handling certain fluids with care and food allergies.
Foods to be Aware Of
Foods High in Vitamin A
Foods Which Can Cause Allergies
Fluids to Limit
FOODS TO BE AWARE OF
Shellfish
Try to avoid oysters and other shellfish, unless they have been thoroughly cooked. If you're concerned about eating shellfish, you might choose to avoid them during pregnancy.
Oily Fish
Oily fish are all great sources of protein and essential fatty acids, aim to eat 1-2 portions per week. Why not try salmon or mackerel in a fish soup, with lots of green vegetables, for a great nutritious meal. Examples of oily fish include:
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Tuna
- Sardines
TunaDue to potential toxicity from mercury, the FSA advise pregnant women to consume no more than four medium sized cans of tuna or two tuna steaks per week. There is a risk that these toxins can damage the developing foetus’s nervous system.
Predatory FishLarge predatory fish, such as Marlin, Shark and Swordfish should be avoided altogether.
FOODS HIGH IN VITAMIN A
Foods rich in Vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy. For more information on Vitamin A, link to Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements.
Foods most likely to cause food poisoning
It is particularly important during pregnancy to avoid food poisoning. The following are the most common types of food poisoning (the food types that are most likely to carry them are also mentioned):
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a flu-like illness that can cause miscarriage, still-birth or severe illness in infants. The bacteria that causes this is found in Pate and Blue veined and soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by a parasite found in cat faeces, raw meat and occasionally in goat’s milk. To reduce the risk of contracting the illness and passing it to an unborn child avoid:
- Raw or partially cooked meat
- Un-pasteurised goats milk or cheese
- Unwashed raw fruit and vegetables
And remember to always wear gloves when emptying cat litter trays and maintain good hygiene practice.
Salmonella Although Salmonella may not have a directly harmful effect on an unborn baby, illness caused by this bacteria is best avoided. You can help prevent Salmonella by:
- Washing all fruit and vegetables well
- Washing hands before preparing food
- Keeping kitchen surfaces clean
- Only serving food that is piping hot
- Avoiding partially cooked foods and un-pasteurised dairy products or raw eggs.
FOODS WHICH CAN CAUSE ALLERGIES
The latest guidelines state that avoiding potential allergens during pregnancy has no benefit in reducing the risk of allergy in the child. The latest advice for women who eat nuts is not to increase the amount of nuts eaten drastically, but not to cut them out of the diet completely. Large changes have the least beneficial effects. Continue eating around the same quantities of these foods as before pregnancy.
Click here for more information regarding Allergy Awareness.
FLUIDS TO LIMIT
Alcohol
In the first three months of pregnancy, important organs including the brain and nervous system are formed. Heavy drinking around this time is associated with birth defects and poor intellectual development, so it's wise to limit your alcohol intake to no more than one or two units of alcohol a week or better still to stop altogether. You might find you no longer like the taste of alcohol during pregnancy.
Caffeine
A high intake of caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage and has been associated with babies of a low birth weight. Consumption should be limited to no more than 300mg per day (about four cups of coffee).
You can find more information on Alcohol, Smoking and Caffeine here.
If you require further information or help, please speak to a healthcare professional, GP, midwife or a dietitian.
