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