Gynaecology & Fertility Centre

Christmas treats you can eat when pregnant.
You can enjoy many festive treats when pregnant, but some are better to avoid. The truth is that you are more prone to food poisoning due to changes in your immune system. If you are in doubt about its ingredients or how a plate has been prepared, avoid it altogether.

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is important during the holiday season as well. The New Year isn’t time for detox or diets if you are pregnant. You can enjoy a small chocolate and other festive goodies!

When pregnant avoid sushi (raw fish) and shellfish (e.g. oysters, mussels, shrimp, etc.). They run the risk of Listeria, a bacterial infection with severe side effects during pregnancy.

Smoked salmon is safe. However, if it has been outside the refrigerator for a while, the risk of Listeria increases.

Avoid Parma ham, mortadella, salami and other pre-prepared raw meats. They can cause Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite that can have adverse affects during pregnancy.

Hard cheeses, as well as pasteurized soft cheeses are safe. The same goes for all dairy products made from pasteurized milk.

Avoid soft mould-ripened cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, and blue cheeses like Roquefort and Stilton. Such cheeses are likely to allow the growth of bacteria, e.g. Listeria.
Nevertheless, appropriate cooking kills Listeria so thoroughly cooked soft cheeses are safe.

You may enjoy desserts that do not contain raw eggs. Be aware of desserts that contain raw or partially cooked eggs, such as mousse, cheesecake, meringues, etc., as they may contain Salmonella.

Leafy green salads should be thoroughly washed because they may carry Toxoplasmosis. Order boiled salads when eating out.

Steer clear of salads prepared with homemade mayonnaise – the raw eggs may contain Salmonella. Mayonnaise from a jar is a good, safe alternative.