Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

We all know the basics about what not to do while pregnant;  don't smoke, don't drink alcohol,  don't take drugs, don't clean the cat's litter box, etc.  Did you know that there are foods you should avoid while pregnant?

There are some foods that need to be avoided due to the risk they pose on the growing baby.

Pregnant women should make sure that all meat they eat is fully cooked.  That means no more rare steaks or burgers.  Raw meat can contain salmonella which will make both the mother and baby sick. 

Listeria is a bacteria that can cross the placenta and cause infection or blood poisoning to the baby.  Some soft cheeses like brie, feta and Gorgonzola can contain listeria.  These cheeses don't always use pasteurized milk leaving it susceptible to bacteria.  If you are wanting to eat  these cheeses, check the label to make sure it is made from pasteurized milk, then you and the baby will be safe.  Cold cuts can also contain listeria.  If you heat up the meat before eating it, that will reduce the risk.

Fish has become a concern to pregnant women.  Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and fish used in sushi are all known for having a higher mercury levels than other fish.  High levels of mercury have been directly linked to developmental delays and in some cases brain damage.  It is also recommended to avoid raw shellfish during pregnancy.

Pregnant women should avoid raw eggs.  Raw eggs can also contain salmonella.  This means no snacking on raw cooking dough or brownie mix!  You may want to use caution with sauces that are made with raw eggs, such as hollandaise sauce.

While I don't want to cause alarm if you have already eaten any of these foods;  I'm sure both you and the baby are fine.  Do take extra precautions throughout your pregnancy.  There are still plenty of delicious healthy choices out there.

Overcoming Morning Sickness

They say every pregnancy is different from the one before.  This is also true when it comes to "morning sickness".  I managed to carry five pregnancies without a single moment of queasiness, yet the last pregnancy was not so lucky.

The mere sight of a food commercial or a certain smell in the air was all it would take to make my stomach turn.  I could prepare chicken because I instantly though about the animal in it's former state!  It is just amazing to me how your body can play such tricks on you.  Even through it all, I had what would be considered a mild case of morning sickness.  I was able to eat  and never had to actually run to a toilet, I was just in a state of queasy.

It can be helpful to eat smaller portions more often.  It has been shown that an empty stomach tends to make your morning sickness even worse.  Your stomach has no food to help absorb the acids so they tend to go crazy making you feel ill.  This is where the name "morning sickness" came from.  Since we do not eat while we sleep, most women feels their worst right when they wake up. 

A few of the foods that seem to work like magic are crackers, melons, pretzels, cheese, nuts, toast or yogurt.  And most of all, remember this condition will not last forever.  The end result is worth the discomfort of today.   

Ectopic Pregnancy - A Thing of the Past

There is a new test on the forefront of identifying ectopic pregnancies.  The test is being developed by doctor's at Queen's Hospital in the UK.  The test involves a blood test that could result in earlier diagnosis of the ectopic pregnancy. 

Ectopic pregnancies is increasing.  20 years ago the rate was 1 in 200 pregnancies, today the rate is 1 in 60 pregnancies in their 30's.  Experts blame the growing trend to put off motherhood until later in life, making it more difficult for the embryo to reach the womb before it implants.

The new diagnostic test is based on testing for eight "markers" in the blood, which show up between four and six weeks into a pregnancy.

An early diagnosis will mean that patients can be treated using just an injection, rather than having to have surgery.

This new test could save lives and provide a second chance to women to have a child.