Getting pregnant is the start of a wonderful journey and there are plenty of things you can do to help make it pleasurable. In addition to taking care of yourself, it is equally important to take care of your growing baby. The best way to give your baby the best start is through healthy eating while you are pregnant. There are some things that you should avoid during pregnancy, however. Mommy Formula has put together a guide covering various food and drinks that should be avoided during pregnancy. 

Tips On Dairy Consumption During Pregnancy

Pretty much all milk sold in regular stores and even in restaurants is pasteurized. Milk and many dairy products sold at farmers' markets or even directly from the farm may not be. While those living in urban areas may not come across unpasteurized dairy products often, with more people looking for organic options the chances have increased. It is important that pregnant women only consume cow, goat, and sheep milk that has been properly pasteurized. If you do prefer to get your milk from the farm or even from a farmers market, make sure to boil it for at least 10 minutes prior to consumption. There are also certain cheeses and yogurts that should be avoided during pregnancy. Mainly soft cheese and mold-ripened cheese such as camembert and brie. Also, soft blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort, gorgonzola, and Danish blue should be avoided. 

Eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products can result in Campylobacter, listeriosis, or toxoplasmosis, all of which are bad for fetus health. Campylobacter causes a diarrheal disease called campylobacteriosis which will take away vital nutrients from a growing fetus. Listeriosis will also cause diarrhea in addition to fever, pregnant women are especially vulnerable to this infection. 

Tips On Meat Consumption During Pregnancy

Most food offers at least some nutritional value during pregnancy, though certain preparations can be harmful during pregnancy. Any meat that is raw or undercooked should be avoided at all costs. Minced meat, sausages, rare steak, and so on are best avoided when you are pregnant. Any meat that you do eat should be cooked long enough that there is no blood and that all traces of pink in the meat have been eliminated. There is a low risk of harm with raw cured meat, but it is still a good idea to ensure that it is cooked well or avoided before you eat it. Chorizo, salami, Parma ham, and pepperoni are just a few common cured types of meat that you should cook well before consuming. 

Eating uncooked and undercooked meat carries the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. This tiny parasite lives and thrives in a few places such as raw meat, cat feces, and in the soil. It is harmful to human health, and though most healthy adults can fight an infection, it is hazardous for pregnant women. 

Tips On Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy

No amount of wine, beer, or spirits are safe during pregnancy. Several studies show the many negative side effects of alcohol use during pregnancy. There is little to any danger of consumption during the first six weeks of gestation, however, any consumption beyond that point is considered harmful to infant health. 

Vitamin A Consumption During Pregnancy

Vitamin A is an important part of any diet, but during pregnancy, it is important not to get too much. Liver and liver supplements contain high levels of vitamin A which can be harmful to pregnant women. Liver sausage, liver pâté, fish liver oils, cod liver oil, and multivitamins with added vitamins A should all be avoided. Some foods may also have added minerals and vitamins, make sure to check the list to see if extra vitamins A has been added. 

Tips On Seafood Consumption During Pregnancy

Fish is a great source of protein and healthy omega-3s. It is a good idea to eat at least two servings each week during pregnancy. The best types to consume is fresh, but properly cooked tuna, sardines, and mackerel. Several more types of fish are also good for health, so long as they are fully cooked before consumption. There are some types of seafood and certain seafood preparations that are best avoided during pregnancy, however. 

During pregnancy, it is a good idea to avoid the consumption of certain fish that have high levels of mercury. Marlin, swordfish, and shark are just a few. Too much mercury can have a negative effect on an infant's developing nervous system. Tuna is a healthy option, but just make sure to limit your consumption to no more than four cans of canned tuna or two large fresh tuna steaks weekly. Oily fish such as trough, salmon, herring, mackerel, and pilchards can be eaten in limited quantities. They do have healthy oils, but they also contain pollutants that can be harmful in high concentrations. 

Raw seafood and raw shellfish should not be consumed at all during pregnancy. There is a high risk of food poisoning that is not only harmful to infant health but also the health of the mother. Cooked versions of these foods, including pre-cooked but cold shrimp are okay to eat. 

Other Healthy Eating Tips For Pregnant Women

If you have a toddler at home already, it can be tempting to finish their leftover food. You should avoid eating from your toddler's plate to avoid contracting the Cytomegalovirus. CMV sounds scary, but it is a common virus that most nursery age children contract. It is not harmful to toddlers, but it is dangerous for fetuses. Too much caffeine should also be avoided. Studies have linked heavy caffeine consumption during pregnancy with low birth rates and higher instances of miscarriage. Eggs are a great source of protein, but should only be consumed fully cooked during pregnancy, that means no eggs over easy until your little one is safely in your arms. 

Staying Healthy With Mommy Formula

Here at Mommy Formula, we care about the health of you and your child. We hope the tips above will help you give them the best start possible. Once your bundle of joy is here, make sure to check out our wide selection of European infant formulas from HiPP, Holle, Nanny Care, Kabrita, and more.