Is Eating Meat During Pregnancy Safe?
Eating Meat During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are advised time and again about how important their diet is and how it affects their newborn. They are advised to have a wholesome diet consisting of all varied nutrition. Meat is a rich source of protein which is essential for the healthy development of the baby. But the concern arises regarding the safety associated with consumption of meat. It is absolutely safe to consume meat just that you need to heed to a few cautions.
Any form of raw meat would spell trouble and is best avoided. Raw seafood or poultry could lead to contraction of toxoplasmosis and salmonella. Both of these problems result in severe vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and elevated body temperature. The loss of body fluids through fever, vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to dehydration which is a serious condition during pregnancy. Deli meat has become a favorite over time and has many takers but pregnant women are best off it. It is known to be contaminated with listeria, a food-borne pathogen that can be life-threatening. Listeria can cause stillbirth, premature birth, birth defects and spontaneous miscarriage. Moreover prepackaged meat usually contains high levels of sodium nitrate; research has demonstrated that nitrates can decrease the blood’s ability to effectively carry oxygen in infants.
Eating Fish During Pregnancy
Fish that contain high levels of mercury like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish should be taken off a pregnancy diet list. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna but still should only be eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish used to prepare sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is a caveat for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include: bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye.
The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish; which include oysters, clams and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection but it does not prevent the algae-related infections. Raw shellfish pose a major concern and they should be dished off an expecting mother’s diet list. Raw eggs or any food that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream and custards are best kept for post pregnancy indulgence.
Eating smart and safe is essential for a healthy pregnancy. After all, it’s not just about feeding your baby, it’s about feeding your little one right.
