Preventing Food-borne Illnesses During Pregnancy

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

That is a very good mindset, and it shows how much you care as a mother. Protecting yourself and your baby from food-borne illnesses is crucial as it can put both of you at risk. Please follow the following advice:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.

2. Cook food completely: Ensure all meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs are cooked thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.

3. Avoid certain foods: Stay away from raw or undercooked seafood, unpasteurized dairy products like soft cheese, and deli meats unless they have been reheated to steaming hot.

4. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables: Rinse all raw fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption. Consider peeling them whenever possible to minimize risk.

5. Store food properly: Promptly refrigerate or freeze perishable items to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid consuming foods that have been left at room temperature for too long.

6. Be cautious while eating out: Choose restaurants that follow proper food handling and hygiene practices. Avoid buffets or salad bars where food may have been sitting out for a while.

7. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water from a clean and reliable source.

I hope this advice helps you and all pregnant women and their babies stay safe and protected from food-borne illnesses. Have a nice day!

Thanks