Pets
It is essential that if you have a pet that every time you come into
contact with them you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Pets can pass
on harmful bacteria that may be present in their faeces. You may
inadvertently become infected with this by touching your mouth or other
part of the body and this may in turn infect your unborn child.
Cats
are of particular importance due to toxoplasmosis found within their
faeces. If you have a cat that uses a litter tray it is important that
someone else carries out this task or if this is not possible then you
should wear rubber gloves and a face mask to prevent any bacteria being
passed. This also applies to gardening where faecal matter can be found in
the soil. Again, wear gloves and wash your hands as soon as possible after
finishing.
Toxoplasmosis
is caused by a parasite. It can go unnoticed in a healthy adult or even an
unborn baby. Once you have this infection you will not become re-infected
and will be immune for life.
Listeria
This is a bacteria which develops into an illness called listeriosis. The
symptoms of this are mild flu, aches and pains, sore throat and high
temperatures. In the more serious of cases this can cause septicaemia and
meningitis in unborn babies. This is the worst case scenario. In some
cases many people are not aware they have caught the bacteria as they do
not show any of the above symptoms. During pregnancy, mothers have to be
aware of certain foods where this bacteria may be prevalent.
This is true for after pregnancy aswell especially if you are nursing your
child.
The symptoms usually develop from 2 to 30 days after eating contaminated
food.
Foods to Avoid
Cheese
Not all cheeses contain the bacteria but there are some which can be
potentially harmful to a pregnant mother.
Avoid both pasteurised and unpasteurised soft cheeses which usually have a
surface mould or rind such as Brie, Camembert and Danish Blue. Also avoid
cheeses coated in wax such as Gouda, Post Salut. It is best to stay clear
of the majority of blue cheeses such as Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort.
Hard Cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Red Leicester fall into the
safe category as do softer cheeses made from pasteurised milk such as
Cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, processed cheese and cheese spreads.
If in doubt play safe and avoid eating it.
Eggs
The
salmonella bacteria are most commonly found in eggs. It is best to avoid
any foods made with raw or partly cooked eggs such as homemade mayonnaise,
meringues, cheesecakes, sorbets or mousses. Eggs are only safe if they
have been cooked long enough so that their yolks are hard.Shop-bought
mayonnaises are usually safe as long as they have been made with
pasteurised eggs. Always check the label if in doubt.
Milk
Avoid all products which have not been pasteurised.
All pasteurised products are safe to use all through pregnancy and beyond.
Meat
Do not eat raw or under cooked meat or poultry. Also avoid meats which
have been preserved in nitrates such as salami, frankfurters and luncheon
meat. Always cook meat so the juices run clear and there is no 'pinkness'
or blood within. When touching raw meat and poultry always wash your hands
thoroughly before touching any other foods. Liver contains vitamin A in
the form of retinol which if taken by a pregnant women can increase
her levels way above the recommended daily level and become damaging to
the baby. Liver should be avoided aswell as products containing liver such
as pate and liver sausage.
Seafood
Oysters and any raw or uncooked fish should be avoided. Also shelled
seafood such as crab, prawns, and langoustines should be avoided unless
they have been thoroughly cooked and are hot. Most seafood bought from a
fishmonger or supermarket should be safe. Fresh tuna should only be eaten
once a month due to the potential levels of mercury found within. This is
also true for swordfish and shark. Tinned tuna contains lower levels so
this is safe to eat every week.
Salads
All
prepared shop bought salads are best to be avoided. So too are dressed
salads such as coleslaw, potato salad and Florida salad. It is best to
make your own and ensure that all leaves are thoroughly washed free from
soils and other deposits found on the leaves.
Author: Alan Murrayzz
This
article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
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