subject: Foods To Eat When Pregnant: Pregnancy Foods To Avoid. [print this page] A person's diet has a direct impact on the quality of their life. However when the person is expecting, the diet has an effect on two lives, both the mother and the baby. An expecting woman's body has different needs than a non-expecting one in order to keep both mother and fetus healthy. Therefore, it is important to be careful when planning which foods to eat when pregnant.
Controversy has surrounded the question of eating seafood during pregnancy. It can often be confusing to figure out whether or not it is safe to consume fish and other seafood while expecting a baby. Thankfully, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have set some guidelines regarding this issue.
The most important concern about foods such as shark, king mackerel and swordfish are the levels of mercury that they may contain. While these seafood products are not considered safe foods to eat when pregnant, up to 12 ounces each week of other fish is considered to be safe. The seafood and fish lowest in mercury content are shrimp, catfish, salmon and canned tuna. Having two or three meals of these each week is okay during pregnancy. It is safest to mix up the amounts and types of the fish consumed. Never eat the same type of fish at every meal.
Chocolate is also another food commonly considered to be questionable for pregnant women. While most women crave it and eat it, many have doubts about whether it is safe for the fetus. To the relief of many expecting moms, in most cases chocolate is one of the safe foods to eat when pregnant. However, it is important to remember that too much of anything can be harmful. Overeating chocolate is harmful to the body since it adds empty calories and can cause excessive weight gain. However, unless you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, chocolate can be safely consumed in moderation during pregnancy.
Eggs are another concern for the expectant mother. While some mothers have heard otherwise, eggs are actually a good source of much needed protein while expecting. The way that the eggs are handled ultimately affects their safety. Eggs should remain stored at a cold temperature to avoid the growth of salmonella. Eggs should always be cooked thoroughly before consuming. Egg whites are safer than egg yolks. Many nutritionists will suggest that pregnant women eat no more than four egg yolks each week due to the cholesterol that they contain.
Anytime that doubt arises concerning the safety of foods to eat when pregnant, it is best to talk with your obstetrician rather than consuming a questionable item. Keep in mind that seafood, chocolate and eggs can all be eaten while pregnant but safety measures and precautions are essential to your health as well as to the health of your baby.
by: Roger Noonan
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