During pregnancy, more than ever, the mother must choose safe food to ensure proper development of the baby. Therefore, it is essential to always keep in mind some tips for safe feeding in pregnancy.
Diseases caused by bacteria found in foods such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis or salmonellosis can have very serious consequences in pregnant women. The microorganisms cross the placental barrier and come into contact with the fetus, which can cause malformations, damage to the baby, premature birth and even fetal death.
Likewise, we must also be cautious of possible contaminants, foods from GM crops or the excess of mercury present in some fish.
Therefore, much attention to food infections that pose a risk in pregnancy and how to prevent them.
Toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, salmonellosis and anisakis
Toxoplasmosis it is a disease caused by the infection of a parasite called toxoplasma gondii It is found in the raw meat of many animals and in the droppings of an infected cat.
A cat that lives at home is very strange to contract the parasite because this happens when eating infected raw meat or being in contact with feces or infected soil. Anyway, it is recommended to ask another person to clean the cat's bathroom or, if not possible, wear gloves and wash your hands very well after doing so.
Listeriosis It is caused by bacteria listeria, a bacterium commonly found in protein-rich foods that are served raw or unheated.
Listeria can grow in cooling temperatures. If a food is contaminated and stored in the refrigerator for long periods of time, a person can get listeriosis after eating such food.
Maintaining the temperature of the refrigerator below 5 ° C reduces the risk of contracting the bacteria, while adequate heating of the food eliminates it.
Salmonellosis It is caused by bacteria Salmonella Mainly contained in raw poultry meat and raw or undercooked meats and eggs.
The anisakis It is a parasite that can be housed in various fish such as cod, sardine, anchovy, herring, salmon, pollock, hake, whiting, mackerel, bonito or horse mackerel.
The parasite is eliminated by subjecting the raw fish to a temperature below -20 ° C, during the 24 or 72 hours prior to its consumption, or cooking it at a temperature that ranges between 55 and 70 ° C for at least 10 minutes.
Tips for safe eating during pregnancy
Therefore, there are certain recommendations that should be taken into account for a safe feeding in pregnancy.
A suitable cleaning of kitchen utensils (tables, knives) and work surfaces. Take special care if there are pets at home that can go up to the counter.
Handwashing with warm water and soap before and after handling food to avoid transmitting microorganisms or toxic substances to the ingredients.
Cook food to a temperature of more than 75ºC: Do not consume raw or undercooked meat to kill all kinds of microorganisms that transmit diseases. Semicidal, "juicy" or raw meats should never be served.
Wash fruits, vegetables and vegetables very well underwater to remove soil, as well as possible bacteria or disease-causing parasites.
- Cook eggs safely. Should be cook very wellDo not leave them without curdling, or take tortillas with liquid eggs. The raw egg at room temperature is a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Avoid dairy products made with unpasteurized milk (milk, fresh or soft cheeses and derived products)
- Avoid the raw food contact with cooked food.
- Avoid the raw fish or shellfish consumption or undercooked (also dishes like ceviche or sushi)
- Eat food after cooking. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Keep perishable food in the refrigerator.
- Avoid the consumption of unprocessed meat productsas well as sausages or smoked
- Thaw well Frozen meat before cooking.
- Do not consume food after its expiration date.
- Avoid the consumption of big fish such as tuna or emperor (swordfish) due to its high concentration of mercury. Instead, choose another type of fish suitable for consumption in pregnant women.
- Avoid the consumption of pate, unless it is canned.
- In case of reheated food, make sure that it has reached high temperatures (more than 75ºC)
Photos | © PhotoXpress.com, reproduced with permission and Jeff Kubina on Flickr In Babies and more | During pregnancy, safe foods more than ever !, Ten tips for healthy eating during pregnancy In Vitónica | During pregnancy, safe foods More than ever! Live to the Palate | Pregnancy feeding: tips for cooking safe dishes
