6 foods you should avoid this Christmas if you are expecting
If you love your food, the restriction list that comes with pregnancy is probably one of the hardest things about expecting.
While you know very well the list for everyday food, it can be a bit tricky to know what you should or shouldn't eat and drink when Christmas comes.
Dangerous bacteria and parasites like listeria, toxoplasma, salmonella, or E. coli can lurk in improperly prepared, cooked and stored foods.
To make sure you don't put yourself or your baby at risk during the holiday season, we have made a list of food that are unsafe for you to consume. Don't be afraid to ask your host about what comes in each dish, they will understand!
1. Cheese
We know, the cheeseboard is one of our favourite indulgence during the holiday season, but pregnant women should avoid blue cheeses and soft cheeses like brie or camembert if they are not pasteurised. So it doesn't mean no cheese for you, but just not all the cheese. If you are unsure if they are pasteurised, stick to hard cheeses like cheddar or gruyère.
If the cheeseboard comes with fruits, make sure they are thoroughly washed or peeled.
2. Alcohol
This sounds quite obvious but you shouldn't drink any alcohol if you are expecting.
What is tricky during the holiday season though is all the food that contains alcohol, which is why your host needs to be aware you are pregnant: eggnog, trifles, Christmas pudding and cake, truffles…
3. Raw eggs
Again, you probably know to stay away from raw eggs because of salmonella but it can become tricky during the holiday season. Don't drink eggnog and ask your host about the dressings and the desserts (raw eggs can be used in mayonnaise or icing for example) before you start digging.
4. Undercooked meat
No reason for you to deprive yourself from the turkey or the ham. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked through and steaming hot.
If you like stuffing, make sure it was cooked separately from the rest of the poultry.
5. Salads
Again, it is important your host knows you are expecting if they plan on serving side salads as everything needs to be carefully washed. Same goes for fruits and any raw vegetable.
6. Raw shellfish and fish
Oysters, raw shellfish and fish are unsafe to consume during a pregnancy due to the possible presence of different bacteria.
It is okay however to eat smoked salmon (make sure it is pasteurised), shrimps or prawns as long as they are well cooked.