Pregnancy and the Holidays: Guidelines for Food
Did you know that pregnant women are at increased risk of food poisoning? Follow these guidelines set out by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to keep you and your baby safe!
Raw or unpasteurized milk and products made with it
Avoid soft cheeses include queso fresco, brie, camembert, feta, goat cheese or blue-veined cheese if they are made from raw or unpasteurized milk, as they can contain harmful germs
Safer choces are processed cheeses, cream cheese, mozzarella, and hard cheeses
Raw or unpasteurized juice and cider
Even fresh-squeezed juice can cause foodborne illness.
Safer choices are pasteurized version or bring unpasteurized juice or cider to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before drinking
Seafood
Smoked seafood that was sold refrigerated can contain bacteria. They are usually labeled as nova-style, lox, kippered, smoked, or jerky.
Safer choices are shelf-stable smoked seafood in cans that do not require refrigeration. It is also okay to eat smoked seafood if it is an ingredient in a cooked dish such as a casserole.
Holiday beverages
Holiday punches and eggnogs contain alcohol. Drinking any type of alcohol can affect your baby’s growth and development.
Eggnog should be avoided because it may contain unpasteurized eggs and milk.