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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
I'm halfway through my pregnancy and find out everyday new things not to eat.
Can you please list items you stay away from? (preferably from recommendations from doctor/reliable medical sources)
Alcohol
Seafood in moderation
Artifical Sweeteners
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Posted 11/3/08 3:27 PM  |
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Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
From American Pregnancy.org:
What are the foods I should avoid during pregnancy?
Raw Meat: Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.
Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.
Fish with Mercury: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. 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 in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Please see Mercury in Fish for specific types of fish and further information on how to calculate mercury levels.
Smoked Seafood -Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because it could be contaminated with Listeria. (These are safe to eat when they are in an ingredient in a meal that has been cooked, like a casserole.) This type of fish is often found in the deli section of your grocery store. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually OK to eat.
Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants: Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include: bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. Contact the local health department or Environmental Protection Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. Remember, this is regarding fish caught in local waters and not fish from your local grocery store.
Raw Shellfish: 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 that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs.
If the recipe is cooked at some point, this will reduce the exposure to salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings, and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any recipe that is made with raw eggs, such as Hollandaise sauce or dressings.
Soft Cheeses: Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as: Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.
Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized.
Pate: Refrigerated pate or meat spreads should be avoided because they may contain the bacteria listeria. Canned pate, or shelf-safe meat spreads can be eaten.
Caffeine: Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is to refrain from consuming caffeine.
Alcohol: There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consumed alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. You should continue to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. Exposure of alcohol to an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.
Unwashed Vegetables: Yes, vegetables are safe to eat, so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.
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| Posted 11/3/08 3:28 PM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
unpasturized juices
soft cheeses like brie, blue cheese, etc
fish containing high levels of mercury
caffeine drinks... too much coffee, red bull
sushi (sooo sad, I love sushi and california rolls are not the same)
any undercooked meats
deli meats
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| Posted 11/3/08 3:31 PM |
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BabyAvocado
Happy New Year
Member since 5/05 17334 total posts
Name:
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
IMO, everyone should go by what HER doctor says...not an "official" thread on here. Many doctors say different things, many medical resources say different things. 
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| Posted 11/3/08 4:41 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by davenjess
From American Pregnancy.org:
What are the foods I should avoid during pregnancy?
Raw Meat: Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.
Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.
Fish with Mercury: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. 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 in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Please see Mercury in Fish for specific types of fish and further information on how to calculate mercury levels.
Smoked Seafood -Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because it could be contaminated with Listeria. (These are safe to eat when they are in an ingredient in a meal that has been cooked, like a casserole.) This type of fish is often found in the deli section of your grocery store. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually OK to eat.
Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants: Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include: bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. Contact the local health department or Environmental Protection Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. Remember, this is regarding fish caught in local waters and not fish from your local grocery store.
Raw Shellfish: 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 that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs.
If the recipe is cooked at some point, this will reduce the exposure to salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings, and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any recipe that is made with raw eggs, such as Hollandaise sauce or dressings.
Soft Cheeses: Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as: Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.
Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized.
Pate: Refrigerated pate or meat spreads should be avoided because they may contain the bacteria listeria. Canned pate, or shelf-safe meat spreads can be eaten.
Caffeine: Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is to refrain from consuming caffeine.
Alcohol: There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consumed alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. You should continue to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. Exposure of alcohol to an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.
Unwashed Vegetables: Yes, vegetables are safe to eat, so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.
I think this pretty much sums it up nicely what any dr could possibly say not to eat, for anyone looking to follow all the rules ever suggested by a dr.
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| Posted 11/3/08 4:51 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
From my OB visit Friday - per my OB:
- Limit caffeine or cut it out completely
seafood okay up to 12 ounces a week - This is what my OB said but I found the same thing on the FDA/EPA website which reiterated what he said:
(By following these 3 recommendations for selecting and eating fish or shellfish, women and young children will receive the benefits of eating fish and shellfish and be confident that they have reduced their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.
Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week.
Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. If no advice is available, eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) per week of fish you catch from local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week. )
No alcohol
No raw sushi - if you HAVE to have it cooked only -
No soft cheeses unless they are pasturized
WASH THOROUGHLY all raw veggies and fruit to avoid Listeria
No raw or very undercooked meats
he prefers you cut out cold cuts unless absolutely necessary
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| Posted 11/3/08 5:12 PM |
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luckyinlove
I love my baby girls!
Member since 12/06 2441 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
I wish I could cut out caffeine completely, but I suffer from insane headaches, and I can't survive w/o a little caff every day. I usually have two small glasses of iced tea a day. hope this doesn't hurt the baby! 
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| Posted 11/3/08 6:58 PM |
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butterfly20
Party of 5 - 2015
Member since 4/06 7390 total posts
Name:
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
my ob's biggest thing was to Limit/cut out caffeine
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| Posted 11/3/08 7:08 PM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
Name:
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by BabyAvocado
IMO, everyone should go by what HER doctor says...not an "official" thread on here. Many doctors say different things, many medical resources say different things.
I agree with this.
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| Posted 11/3/08 7:44 PM |
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Blissful
Ultimate Expression of LOVE
Member since 6/08 4985 total posts
Name:
Maria
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by monkeybride
Posted by BabyAvocado
IMO, everyone should go by what HER doctor says...not an "official" thread on here. Many doctors say different things, many medical resources say different things.
I agree with this.
I agree as well!!
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| Posted 11/3/08 7:45 PM |
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Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by Blissful
Posted by monkeybride
Posted by BabyAvocado
IMO, everyone should go by what HER doctor says...not an "official" thread on here. Many doctors say different things, many medical resources say different things.
I agree with this.
I agree as well!!
i do agree with this COMPLETELY (every doctor you see will have a different thing to say about what you can do and what you can't do, etc.), but most doctor's won't see pregnant women until they are 8 weeks in...and this list is a good idea for those in that 'waiting period.
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| Posted 11/3/08 8:27 PM |
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
I know obviously everyone says no caffeine. But I have 2 questions:
(Of course)
what about decaf coffee???
And what about the caffeine in chocolate???
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| Posted 11/4/08 7:16 AM |
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ARIELSMOM
Love my Babes
Member since 8/05 5889 total posts
Name:
MEREDITH
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
i go with anything that is not normally edible- chalk, yarn, dog food- otherwise all the other "no's" are ok to me in moderation- this is JMO and what has worked for me.
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| Posted 11/4/08 8:01 AM |
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Blissful
Ultimate Expression of LOVE
Member since 6/08 4985 total posts
Name:
Maria
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by davenjess
Posted by Blissful
Posted by monkeybride
Posted by BabyAvocado
IMO, everyone should go by what HER doctor says...not an "official" thread on here. Many doctors say different things, many medical resources say different things.
I agree with this.
I agree as well!!
i do agree with this COMPLETELY (every doctor you see will have a different thing to say about what you can do and what you can't do, etc.), but most doctor's won't see pregnant women until they are 8 weeks in...and this list is a good idea for those in that 'waiting period.
You can always call your Dr before your appointment and get all this information. If they won't give it to you over the phone I suggest you find a new Dr.
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| Posted 11/4/08 9:42 AM |
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2BEANS
wow time is going fast.
Member since 9/07 16106 total posts
Name:
Tina
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
bump
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| Posted 11/4/08 11:15 AM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by PrayingWishingHopingALOT
I know obviously everyone says no caffeine. But I have 2 questions:
(Of course)
what about decaf coffee???
And what about the caffeine in chocolate???
this is why a thread like this isn't a great idea.
it is NOT true that you can't have any caffeine. most doctors say 2 cups of caffeinated drinks are okay a day. some are more lenient, some are more strict.
it is important that you ask YOUR doctor based on YOUR medical history about what is right for you.
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| Posted 11/4/08 11:33 AM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
I have chosen to be very cautious. However, everyone has different opinions and does different things.
Also different doctors will tell you different things.
I agree with the others who say to check with your doctor and make your own decisions. I don't think a thread like this is a good idea.
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| Posted 11/4/08 11:38 AM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by SweetTooth
I have chosen to be very cautious. However, everyone has different opinions and does different things.
Also different doctors will tell you different things.
I agree with the others who say to check with your doctor and make your own decisions. I don't think a thread like this is a good idea.
I agree. Some people will take the info from this thread and drive themselves nuts if G-d forbid something on that list passed through their lips. Id hate to see someone upset by a small mistake. I've seen it happen here before when I was PG.
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| Posted 11/4/08 11:52 AM |
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MrsBlueSash
Love my sailor
Member since 6/05 5793 total posts
Name:
Christian
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by Goldi0218
Posted by SweetTooth
I have chosen to be very cautious. However, everyone has different opinions and does different things.
Also different doctors will tell you different things.
I agree with the others who say to check with your doctor and make your own decisions. I don't think a thread like this is a good idea.
I agree. Some people will take the info from this thread and drive themselves nuts if G-d forbid something on that list passed through their lips. Id hate to see someone upset by a small mistake. I've seen it happen here before when I was PG.
I also agree. I don't think this is a one size fits all issue or menu, as it is. Don't smoke or do drugs, those seem to be the only hard and fast rules. Some people drink wine, some moms have coffee, some have ham sandwiches, no one here should condemn anyone for it.
Message edited 11/4/2008 1:47:51 PM.
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| Posted 11/4/08 1:46 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by BabyAvocado
IMO, everyone should go by what HER doctor says...not an "official" thread on here. Many doctors say different things, many medical resources say different things.
I could not agree more. Definitely consult your own Dr. with this kind of question. (Although you know I love you girls ).
daveandjess's post is probably the most reliable with what my OB recommends, but again it is best to use the info to go back & ask your own Dr.
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| Posted 11/4/08 1:48 PM |
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
Posted by ARIELSMOM
i go with anything that is not normally edible- chalk, yarn, dog food...
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| Posted 11/4/08 2:11 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Official Don't Eat While Pregnant Thread
There is an actual medical condition that PG women can get where they crave non-food items. Some of the most common are chalk and ashes.
Just as an FYI
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| Posted 11/4/08 2:23 PM |
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