Pregnant women should think about changing their food habits to adjust to the changes that pregnancy brings about in their bodies. One of the most important factors that might affect a pregnant woman's general welfare and the health of her unborn child is her diet. Undercooked eggs and shellfish are important items to avoid. While eating well while pregnant is important, there are several foods that pregnant women should avoid both internally and externally. While many people are aware of the risks associated with eating raw or high-mercury seafood, there are additional foods that many people wouldn't anticipate to be problematic during pregnancy.
Is it okay to have rare or raw meat when expecting?
Pregnant women should avoid eating undercooked meat since it might damage the developing fetus and make them feel nauseous. When you consume meat that is raw or undercooked, toxoplasma parasites can infect you, resulting in toxoplasmosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms to appear weeks after infection. Your unborn kid might have major health issues as a result of this illness, which occasionally could lead to miscarriage. Even though this ailment is still quite uncommon, you still need to take particular caution.
If you consume raw or undercooked meat, you also run the risk of contracting a salmonella-related illness. When you are pregnant, your body and the system that protects the developing fetus change. As a result, you become more susceptible to disease. However, illnesses like severe vomiting and diarrhea, stomach discomfort, headaches, and high temperatures seldom damage your baby but may make you feel unwell.
Another item to be on the lookout for is raw shellfish, such as oysters, crabs, and clams, since they might cause cholera and other infections due to a potential source of Vibrio bacteria. The body may experience electrolyte loss and dehydration as a result of this illness.
Although eating this meal while pregnant might be harmful, it is important to note that when meat is cooked to the proper temperature and thoroughly cooked, it is a fantastic source of protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Together with your attending physician and/or clinical dietician, take steps to avoid ingesting any foods that might be harmful to you or your unborn child.
PDO I Kimberly M. Tanador, RND
References:
- What foods are off limits while pregnant?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324377
- Is it safe to eat rare or raw meat during pregnancy?
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x536443/is-it-safe-to-eat-rare-or-raw-meat-during-pregnancy#:~:text=It's%20best%20not%20to%20eat,and%20bloody%20in%20the%20middle.
