Some of the Dos and Don'ts During Pregnancy

Do Overcome Food Aversions and Cravings

   

Certain food aversions and cravings may develop around the second trimester (why: change of hormones changes food taste and smell). Do overcome food aversions and cravings (why: they may lead to problematic stealth nutrients).

Do overcome healthy food aversions and unhealthy food cravings by:

    

Eating mild-tasting vegetables, such as mash potato and sweet yam

Pureeing cooked legumes and strong-tasting vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower

Whipping up a healthy smoothie

    

Do Observe Food Safety

    

   Food is never completely sterile and safe (why not: food has nutrition, water, and warmth—an environment for germs to grow). Contaminated food may result in listeriosis, causing miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low-birth-weight baby with symptoms of fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea; E. coli infection from contaminated sprouts and vegetables causing kidney dysfunction with symptoms of abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea; and salmonella poisoning with severe symptoms of eye irritation and painful urination.

    

Do handle and store food safely to avoid bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

Do reheat hot dogs, luncheon meats, ham, and turkey until steaming hot.

Do keep your hands and utensils clean.

Do keep separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.

Do keep your foods fresh.

Do sanitize the kitchen countertops with homemade cleanser (small amount of chlorine bleach with water).

Do cook food thoroughly.

Do refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food, and leftovers within two hours.

Do read food labels to avoid additives and chemicals as much as possible.

Do reduce the consumption of fruits, such as cherries, grapes, pears, and strawberries; and vegetables, such as bell peppers, celery, lettuce, spinach, and potatoes (why: they are more vulnerable to pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group; do consume their organic counterparts).

Don’t eat smoked seafood unless they are thoroughly cooked.

Don’t eat soft cheese made with unpasteurized milk.

Don’t reuse a marinade on cooked food.

Don’t take unpasteurized milk or foods that contain them.

    

Stephen Lau