Taking care of pregnant women. Foods not recommended throughout a pregnancy.

The National Health Service in the United 

Kingdom and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA make these recommendations in regards to the foods that should not be eaten by pregnant women or that are simply restricted. This is due to the possible presence of bacteria, parasites or chemicals that can be found within them and which can harm the foetus.

These are:

1. Cheese.

Soft and smooth cheese such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Blue cheese and Gorgonzola should be avoided, as the bacteria Listeria can be easily found within them, which would harm foetus.

2. Eggs.

Undercooked eggs as well as homemade mayonnaise should not be consumed as it can contain the bacterium Salmonella.

3. Milk.

Milk that is not pasteurised should also be avoided regardless of its origin.

4. Pate.

All tips of pates should be avoided, including those that are apt for vegetarians, as they could contain a large number of bacteria.

5. Meat.

Do not eat meat that is undercooked where blood can be still seen due to the presence of Toxoplasma. Cured meats such as Salami, Chorizo, Pepperoni and Ham such as Serrano or Parma harm should also be avoided as they have been cured and not cooked. However, Cured ham or Pepperoni can be eaten if it is part of a pizza as it has been cooked.

6. Liver.

Liver as such or in the form of pate should be avoided due to the levels of Vitamin A that it contains.

7. Vitamin A.

Too much Vitamin A can harm the foetus, therefore vitamin supplements that have high levels of this vitamin such as fish oil should be avoided.

8. Fish.

Fish is very beneficial for pregnant women, but the intake of Oily Fish such as Salmon, Trout, Mackerel, Tuna, etc. should be reduced and fish such as Swordfish, Shark and Marlin should be avoided due to the high levels of mercury that they possess as it would harm the foetus’ nervous system.

There are no issues that prevent pregnant women from eating white fish such as Hake, Cod, Sole, etc.

Shellfish such as Live Oysters are not recommended along with Clams and Mussels that are of a dubious origin due to the amount of toxins that they could possess. Oily and White Fish can be distinguished due to the way their tail is shaped, as Oily Fish have a tail in the shape of a V whilst White Fish have a rounded tale.

9. Alcohol should be restricted completely and the intake of coffee should also be reduced.

And do not forget that all precautions are never enough when it comes to having a healthy child.

Dr J. Hurtado Martinez

Medical Director of HealthSalus

Taking care of pregnant women. Folic Acid or Vitamin B9.

The body is unable to synthesize certain vitamins such as Folic acid therefore it needs to acquire it through foods. Green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, asparagus, watercress, legumes, nuts and fortified cereals among many others, have the highest levels of this vitamin. The body has a high demand for this vitamin during pregnancy making supplements a necessity during this time.

The ‘British Medical Journal’ recently published that only 20% of pregnant women in Europe were taking this supplement and recommended that it should be made mandatory just as it is in the US.

Why the need to provide pregnant women with Folic acid?

It has been shown that Folic acid prevents the emergence of spina bifida and anencephaly or lack of development of the brain, which would result in the emergence of mental retardation, problems with urination and difficulties when walking for the child.

Recent studies have shown that supplements of Folic acid in pregnant women would also aid in preventing congenital heart disease and cleft lips in children, whilst also reducing by the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by 60%.

The recommended dosage would always depend on whether there has been a previous family history of children with spina bifida, or if the mum is obese or diabetic.

It would be ideal to start taking Folic acid two months prior to conceiving if the pregnancy is planned; if it is not, then it is recommended that a pregnancy test should be carried out as soon as possible to confirm the pregnancy and begin taking Folic acid.

Never forget that our health and that of our children deserve it.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus