During pregnancy we have to take into account certain tips to eat safely, since at this stage you have to take care of yourself for two. In addition, the immune system undergoes changes during pregnancy, so the issue of food safety becomes relevant. At home it is easier to follow certain rules but, What happens when we go out to eat during pregnancy? What must be considered?
We are not going to deprive ourselves of a whim like eating in our favorite restaurant from time to time, or having some tapas at the bar, but there are certain risks that we cannot assume. Actually, the conditions for eating to be safe do not differ much from what we should consider if we are at home. Eating out during pregnancy can be safe: let's see how.
Hygiene is essential. Although certain television programs have taught us that "everything that glitters is not gold" and that behind a beautiful facade there may be a disastrous kitchen, do not go to places that seem dirty or without an opening certificate (street stalls, street sales ... ). Better to change the place in the face of suspicion ... and sometimes bathrooms are a good indicator of the cleanliness of the place. There we direct our steps.
Wash your hands before eating, a basic rule at home and anywhere to avoid risks and as a complementary hygienic measure to the preparation of adequate food (which in this case does not depend on us). Always better running water and soap (air dried or with disposable paper), but it could also be using special napkins with gel or alcohol for hand cleaning.
Just like at home, you better not share cutlery or glasses with other people who may be incubating a disease or infected.
Watch out for leftovers that we take home. Although the practice of taking food leftovers home is good and in these times we have to take care not to waste food, we must take into account some points. The leftovers must be in tightly closed containers, without mixing dishes or food and, above all, they must be refrigerated without spending much time (about two hours since it was served). The proliferation of harmful microorganisms occurs rapidly at ambient temperatures and more at high temperatures. Then, when it comes to consuming those leftovers, they must be reheated completely. To avoid excess leftovers, try to ask for the right thing.
If we place our order in a take-away place, we can not take long to get home and consume or refrigerate. But is there anything we cannot ask for, in this or another food establishment?
Foods of the letter to avoid during pregnancy
Foods to avoid from a restaurant's menu during pregnancy are directly related to the risk of transmitting diseases. Restaurants specializing in raw fish may have to wait, but few restaurants do not have delicious and suitable dishes for the pregnant woman on the menu.
What is not convenient is to opt for too fatty dishes, with excess sugar ... especially if we are overweight. But one day is a day and a whim is possible: an ice cream, a chocolate dessert, a hamburger or fast food hot dog ... Those that are vetoed in the pregnant woman's diet are the following ingredients, elements or form of cooking (rather absence of this):
Attention to fish methylmercury, since as we know, it is a metal that accumulates in the organism and can harm the fetus. Then, we will have to skip the blue fish like swordfish (emperor), bluefin tuna, shark, lofolátil or pike.
Avoid listerioris, an infection caused by a bacterium that can be found in certain foods or ingredients and that especially affects pregnant women, fetuses and newborns. Among the foods to avoid we have, fish or raw meats (carpaccios, sushi ...), unwashed fruits and vegetables, sausages without a good cure and other meat derivatives, unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses ...
The dishes must be very made: meats, fish, eggs ... Do not eat anything that looks overheated or comes out mild, since the risks of contamination are increased. Toxoplasmosis is dangerous during pregnancy (if you have not had it before) and the best way to prevent it is by not eating raw, poorly washed or dubious foods (without quality controls ...).
When you are not sure about the ingredients of a dish, ask and avoid it if there is a possibility that it includes any of the above foods or unwashed vegetable sprouts ...
Drink bottled and closed water, untreated water can be dangerous in many areas. If they are in countries at risk of contaminated water, this standard is basic and must be applied even to the ice in beverages.
Of course, at home, avoid alcoholic drinks and make sure that it does not enter as an ingredient or "dressing" in any dish. Coffee or exciting or carbonated drinks are also not recommended.
Freshly prepared juices or milkshakes in stores may not be pasteurized, so it is better to leave them for another occasion and with more reason if it is a place that does not give us guarantees of cleanliness in the elaboration process.
Definitely, considering these points pregnant women can eat safely outside the home and do not worry if you have to deprive yourself of something that you feel like very much: soon you can enjoy it and also with your baby.
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In Babies and more | During pregnancy, safe foods, more than ever !, Healthy eating in pregnancy: ten things you should know, Tips for safe eating during pregnancy
