Your Pregnancy Food "Rules"?

[melis_d]

Although not pregnant yet, DH and I are trying and so I wanted to ask your help with creating a list of food do's and don'ts for before and during pregnancy. I know that there are several books on this subject, I just haven't had time to get to the library. DH is a physician (although a pediatric cardiologist, so of limited help here) so I've gotten some tips (limited shellfish and tuna for mercury; cut way down on caffeine; cut out raw sushi). Of course once I am pregnant I will go to the doctor for a more formal conversation, but thought I'd start learning while I can...

Those of you who have had children or are health care providers are really the best ones to provide suggestions, so I'll look to you to provide your food "rules" for pre- and during pregnancy.

Thanks in advance!

Melissa

[DanaSD]

Try babycenter.com - the have lots of articles on getting ready to get pregnant and all the phases after that.

no alcohol, raw fish, soft cheese

Do eat foods with folic acid, calcium,

My DF and a friend were discussing this last night. We started discussing how you're not supposed to clean the cat litter and stay away from close contact to your cat. Well my DF travels a lot and my kitten sleeps at my head every night so I don't think this will change. But with all these rules now, how did we get born healthy???

[wallycat]

You may want to dig up some past threads....I know there were at least 2 threads on this..:)

Hope you have a wonderful pregnancy :)

[Molli526]

You're right Wallycat. I believe they were on the Healthy Living Board.

Here are a couple to get you started...

nutrition ??'s (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42448&highlight=pregnancy+AND+diet)

What to Consider Before Conceiving (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=99042&highlight=pregnancy+AND+diet#post99042)

[Beth H]

Dana SD - I don't think you have to be too worried about your kitten sleeping in your bed. If you are pregnant, you might want to have someone else change the litter box because of the possibility of toxoplasmosis. I've actually done quite a bit of reading on this (as I would like to have children soon and we have two cats), and the risk of getting toxoplasmosis from cats is somewhat over-stated, I think. You actually are more at risk at getting it from improperly handling raw meat. If you have had cats for a long time, chances are you already have had toxoplasmosis and not known it. If your cats do not go outside at all, chances are they don't have it and won't (I think they pick it up from catching mice).

[RobinC]

Originally posted by DanaSD
But with all these rules now, how did we get born healthy???

I wonder the same thing. This reminds me of when my mom and I went into Babies R Us several months ago to find a baby shower gift for a friend. She looked around in amazment and said, "Wow, they never had all this stuff around when I had you and your sister." (BTW, I am 33) Then after looking around a bit more she said, with a smile, "It's a wonder I managed to turn out 2 terrific daughters." :)

[badunnin]

Originally posted by DanaSD
But with all these rules now, how did we get born healthy???
I wonder the same thing when I read about all these kids with horrible allergies. From what I've seen, my generation and older has things like allergies to shellfish, or mold or pollen, but corn and wheat and peanuts and and and?

[MrsReber]

Beth is very right about the cat litter- if you have had cats for years, you have probably already been exposed and need not worry so much. My doctor told me the same exact thing when I was pregnant. You may want to limit consumption of cold cuts as well. They can contain listeria. Personally, I ate brie (soft cheese) and ate some cold cuts here and there. I even hung out with my cat. No caffeine, though. I don't normally drink it. I also hate seafood so no problems there! If you are thinking of getting pregnant, however, you should talk to your doctor and start taking a prenatal vitamin. OR start taking folic acid. I got some at GNC and the employees were very helpful with telling me what strength I'd need. And it can't hurt to call your doctor BEFORE you get pregnant and ask some questions. My dr's office had a nurse who was very helpful with such things. Good luck! We'll be waiting to hear the good news!!

Badunnin- I think that most kids outgrow their allergies. The trick now is to not introduce certain foods until after the first year or later if allergies run in the family. I'm surprised at how far they have come with child care. In the one year between the birth of my daughter and the birth of my son, they already had new tests and procedures in place. That's a good sign.

[badunnin]

Originally posted by MrsReber
Badunnin- I think that most kids outgrow their allergies. The trick now is to not introduce certain foods until after the first year or later if allergies run in the family. I'm surprised at how far they have come with child care. In the one year between the birth of my daughter and the birth of my son, they already had new tests and procedures in place. That's a good sign.

Do they outgrow allergies themselves or the RISK of getting new ones? I developed mine at about 25, I'm assuming from sleeping on sheets that were dried on the line and COVERED in pollen (I had to wash my windows daily and my rag was always yellow when I finished :rolleyes: ).

[clairea]

Originally posted by badunnin


Do they outgrow allergies themselves or the RISK of getting new ones? I developed mine at about 25, I'm assuming from sleeping on sheets that were dried on the line and COVERED in pollen (I had to wash my windows daily and my rag was always yellow when I finished :rolleyes: ).

You can definitely develop allergies at any age. I think the theory behind not offering certain foods during the first year is that the child's immune and digestive systems are not as well developed, and so an allergic reaction is more likely to occur. Of course, some kids are going to have an allergic reaction to peanuts or whatever regardless of how old they are when they are first exposed to it, but there are others who may be able to avoid developing an allergy if they are not exposed to the allergen until they are a little older.

Count me among those who wouldn't worry too much about the cat. Both of mine sleep with me every night (and have for years) and I have 2 healthy kids.

One other thing my OB told me to avoid when pregnant was artifical sweeteners. He is pretty conservative though, and generally told me to avoid anything unless he knew for sure it was safe (the absence of evidence that something was dangerous wasn't enough for him). Also, this was several years ago, so there may be some studies now providing support one way or another on this, but it is something to consider.

Claire