Good to know.
One of the most exciting things about Christmas time is of course the food.
Let's face it, it's especially good when you're pregnant and 'eating for two' but there are still some foods that you should avoid this holiday season if you're expecting.
Here is a list of foods recommended by Jennifer Luddy, Lead Nutritionist at Aptaclub to avoid or limit over the Christmas period to keep both you and your baby happy and healthy.
Meats
With meat being the hero of the day, mums-to-be will be glad to hear that turkey and ham get a big thumbs up. However, it’s vital to ensure that meat is cooked right through, is piping hot and isn’t the slightest bit pink.
Cured meats, however, should be avoided. The likes of salami, prosciutto, chorizo and pepperoni are not actually cooked, just cured, and so there's a risk they contain toxoplasmosis-causing parasites.
Patê
A Christmas favourite, Patê, is definitely off the cards. Put simply, mums-to-be should avoid all types of pâté, including vegetable pâtés, as they can contain listeria.
Certain Soft Cheese
Mould-ripened soft cheese (cheeses with a white rind) such as brie, camembert and soft goat’s cheese are not permitted in pregnancy.
You should also avoid soft blue-veined cheeses such as Danish blue, gorgonzola and Roquefort. All of these cheeses are only safe to eat in pregnancy if they've been cooked.
However, some cheeses that can be enjoyed include cheddar, parmesan, feta, cottage cheese, halloumi and cream cheese.
Homemade Ice-cream and desserts
If you’re a whizz in the kitchen or are being hosted by someone who usually pulls out all the stops, it’s worth remembering that the raw egg in homemade ice-cream and some other egg-based dessert recipes like custard can be dangerous for expectant mums. Be sure to check or stick to shop-bought!
Brandy butter
Sticking with desserts, it’s also worth remembering that while cooked alcohol is fine, brandy butter is a no-go as the alcohol hasn’t evaporated.
Leftovers
Great news! Leftover turkey, as long as it’s been well stored in the fridge and used within two days of cooking it, is safe during pregnancy. If reheating be sure it’s piping hot right through.
