Cravings are quite normal during pregnancy. But there are some foods you should not eat when you’re pregnant because they might make you ill or harm your baby.
Here are the list of foods/drinks you should when pregnant:
Raw or undercooked meat:
Avoid undercooked meat, especially sausages or minced meat. Be careful to cook them thoroughly so there’s no trace of pink or blood. Although the risk is low, you may also prefer to avoid raw cured meat, such as Parma ham, chorizo, pepperoni and salami. It’s safest to eat well-cooked meat when you’re pregnant.
Raw or partially cooked eggs:
Make sure that eggs are thoroughly cooked until the whites and yolks are solid. This prevents the risk of salmonella food poisoning. Don’t eat foods that contain raw and undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise. If you wish to have dishes that contain raw or partially cooked eggs you should consider using pasteurised liquid egg. Don’t use cracked or dirty eggs.
Undercooked ready meals:
It’s important to follow the cooking instructions on the pack of any ready meals you eat. Also, check that the meal is piping hot all the way through before you eat it. This is especially important for meals containing poultry, such as chicken or turkey.
Juice:
They may contain harmful E. coli and salmonella bacteria.
Choose packages juices as they are pasteurized and are kept under refrigeration. Also it’s better to have fruits and vegetable cut or cooked rather than juices.
Alcohol:
There is no safe level of alcohol that you can have during your pregnancy. Whether you are planning a pregnancy, already pregnant or breastfeeding, not drinking is the safest option as alcohol can harm your unborn baby.
What if I’ve already eaten something risky?
Don’t panic. If it didn’t make you ill at the time, it’s unlikely to have affected you or your baby. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re worried about something you’ve eaten.
