Is it Safe During Pregnancy?

What's safe to eat and drink during your pregnancy

By Lisa van de Geyn

Alcohol?

Play it safe and stay away from alcohol, especially in the first trimester.

Artificial sweeteners?

It depends on the type, so read the packaging. According to Health Canada, moderate amounts of aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal) and sucralose (Splenda) are considered safe during pregnancy, but saccharin (Sweet’N Low, Sugar Twin) is not.

Caffeine?

Your morning cup of coffee is okay, but don’t overdo it. Health Canada says 300mg/day (2½ cups) is safe, but The Hospital for Sick Children’s Motherisk program in Toronto says half of that amount (150 mg) is better.

Deli meats?

Whether prepackaged or fresh from the deli counter, you should reheat your turkey slices until they’re super-hot before giving into that turkey-sandwich craving. The same goes for fast-food subs with cold cuts. Avoid cured meats (proscuitto, salami) because they contain high amounts of nitrates.

Eggs?

Eggs are high in protein, so go ahead and have them scrambled, fried or in an omelet. Skip them runny; partially cooked or raw eggs can carry salmonella. Avoid homemade varieties of Caesar dressing, Hollandaise sauce, mayo, ice cream and custards. Products made for retail and dishes made in restaurants use pasteurized eggs and are safe.

Fish and seafood?

Skip sushi, smoked salmon, clams and oysters. Limit frozen or fresh tuna, swordfish and shark to once a month, and canned tuna to once a week. Enjoy canned salmon (those omega-3s are good for you and your babe), mackerel, sardines, shrimp and scallops up to two times a week.

Herbal tea?

Check with your caregiver before drinking any herbal teas. Some teas have been found to cause birth defects or contractions. Health Canada says you can have a couple cups of lemon balm, rose hip, ginger and citrus or orange peel tea each day. Avoid chamomile and teas that contain nutritional supplements such as ginseng or St. John’s Wort. Raspberry leaf tea is commonly used to promote contractions in labour.

Meat?

Avoid raw or undercooked meat because it can contain toxoplasmosis, a parasite that causes an infection that can be harmful to you and the baby. Cook steak, pork and burgers thoroughly, so there are no visible pink spots in the centre. Limit liver to once a month (it is packed with vitamin A and high amounts aren’t safe for your baby).

Paté and meat spreads?

Eat the canned or shelf varieties, but stay away from the refrigerated kinds because they can carry listeria, a bacteria that has been associated with miscarriage and preterm labour.

Peanuts?

If you’re at high-risk for a peanut allergy, talk to your caregiver. Otherwise, eating peanuts when you’re pregnant will not give the baby nut allergies.

Protein bars/shakes?

Skip them. You’re getting enough protein (60 to 70 g) as long as you’re eating protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs and nuts.

Soft cheeses?

Check the label to see if it has been pasteurized. Resist the urge to eat brie, Camembert, blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, feta and other blue-veined and soft cheeses because they can be unpasteurized and carry listeria, a bacteria that has been associated with miscarriage and preterm labour. Hard cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.) are fine.

• Spicy foods

They’re safe, but if you suffer from heartburn (and many pregnant women do), spicy meals might aggravate your condition.

For more questions about your pregnancy:
• At home & at work
• Beauty
• Exercise, travel & fun
• Food & drink
• Health & medicine