Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Food Avoidances in Pregnancy

Deli Meats: luncheon meats (including deli meats such as ham, turkey, salami and bologna) unless they are reheated until steaming hot. They can be contaminated with listeria.

Smoked Meats - Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerkey along with pate may also contain listeria. Canned meats or shelf-safe meats are ok. Some smoked meats may also contain nitrates or nitrites.

Unpasteurized milk or cheeses: Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco can be unpasteurized. Check the labels. Again, listeria and other bacteria are the concern. If it says it is pasteurized, it is ok. Unpasteurized milk is very hard to come by in most states, mainly found on farms.  Unpasteurized is overall not recommened in prengnacy, however this milk can be safe and even good for you if you are sure if is free from contamination from bacteria and know the source.

Fish with high levels of mercury: A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. See a complete list here.

Nitrates - While controversial, some providers recommend avoiding or limiting nitrates to a few times a month.  Specifically, nitrates found in hot dogs, cured meats like bacon and ham, or smoked meats. Check labels.


Raw Eggs: Homemade caesar dressings, mayonnaise, cookie dough, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs.


Caffeine most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Depending on the strength, an 8-12 oz cup of coffee has roughly 150 mg of caffeine. 


Alcohol There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.


Smoking Should be completely avoided in pregnancy as well as exposure to second-hand smoke.


Over the Counter Drugs Tylenol is safe to take in pregnancy, as recommended on the bottle. Any other medication should be discussed with your heath care provider.


*All dietary changes, restrictions and conditions should be discussed with your health care provider. 

Sunday, September 4, 2011

BIRTH: A Play by Karen Brody

A free webcast of BIRTH: A Play by Karen Brody will broadcast tomorrow night (September 5th) at 7pm EDT from New York City. If you miss it, it will be re-broadcast September 17th and September 24th.  

BIRTH, the play, is akin to the vagina-monologues, except it is all about birth.  This art celebrates the successes, emotions, and women in and around birth.  The play is the bread and butter of a movement called BOLD "a global movement to make maternity care mother-friendly."  The play proves to be a great treat for any friend to mothers worldwide.