During pregnancy, it is important to watch out for:
It is very important to avoid:
- Foods that contain the bacteria Listeria, like soft cheeses (brie, camembert, ricotta, feta and blue cheese) as well as bean sprouts and some sandwich meats. Listeria causes flu like symptoms and usually takes about 30 days for the symptoms to occur.
- Raw eggs, unpasteurised dairy products, uncooked sprouts, raw meats and poultry as they may contain salmonella. Salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever and headache. Salmonella poisoning can cause miscarriage.
- Fish that may contain high levels of mercury. Mercury can affect brain development and the nervous system in babies.
It is very important to avoid:
- Alcohol- consumption during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or your baby could be born with foetal alcohol syndrome (impaired growth before and after birth and mental disabilities).
- Caffeine- small amounts are safe but excessive consumption can lead to miscarriage and premature birth. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks. Pregnant women should limit themselves to 200mg of caffeine daily. That amount would be equivalent to: 4 cans of cola, 4 cups of hot chocolate or 3 cups of instant coffee.
- Smoking- increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, respiratory problems and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). There is no safe level of smoking during pregnancy.