Foods you can't eat during pregnancy?

Question

I am 27wks pregnant and have only just found out i shouldn't eat Feta Cheese or deli meats.. and i've been eating these the whole way through my pregnancy because thats what i've been craving. The feta cheese has been in my salads and the deli meat on sandwiches. How could i not know about this before? I don't know.. i was never told so by my doc....

Now i've discovered i can't eat these things due to the possibility of contracting listeriosis i'm really concerned.

If i stopped eating these things as of right now would my baby be alright or does it have an incubation period? Would i know if it had already harmed baby??

Answer 1

Listeria is an infection and if you had contracted it you would know. Not eating the foods you mention is an extra precaution. Yes, if you stop eating those things right now, your baby will be all right.

Here is information and a link:

"Listeria infections (known as listeriosis) are caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Infection is rare, but when it does occur it most frequently affects pregnant women in their last trimester, newborns, and children and adults whose immunity is weakened by diseases such as cancer or AIDS. People who have had various types of transplants are also more at risk for listeriosis."

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/listeria.html

Answer 2

Well you can't eat soft cheeses like blue cheese and feta cheeses b/c they aren't as pasturized and you can eat deli meat but you should heat it up before you eat it. Also under cooked fish never sushi, avoid eating any kind of sprouts b/c of bacteria. Swodfish, shark, king mackrel and tile fish b/c they could contain high levels of mercury. got these from a little booklet my doctor gave me when I first found out that I was pregnant. But you can also buy the book "What to Eat Before, During and Aftere Pregnancy" it has alot of good info in it too. It helped me alot and it also has meds and vitamens and minerals you shouldn't take too.

I pretty sure your baby is fine, I wouldn't worry too much about it but if you are ask your doctor about the risks.

Good Luck

Answer 3

You CAN have caffeine in moderation, 1 or 2 beverages per day is fine. Alcohol is a no no. So are a lot of over the counter and prescription meds. If you eat cold lunch meats or any other prepackaged meats you have a chance of getting listeria, so heat them up first if you eat them. Sushi is a no no too, unless you get pieces in which all the ingredients are cooked. Peanut butter is fine, there's no hard medical evidence that it is linked to allergies in babies. Also, try not to eat fish more than twice or 3 times a week, and large fish like swordfish no more than once a month. They can have high levels of methylmercury.

Answer 4

the reason why you can't eat deli meats is because they are not really cooked all the way through. If it's a craving just throw it in a pan and fry it a little. About the feta cheese, I haven't heard. I'm pregnant with number two....

Answer 5

Talk to your doctor but I think you'll be fine. I know I ate feta cheese before I found out I was pregnant, and my doctor told me it was fine. Deli meat is also totally ok! As long as it is fully cooked, which it usually is in most places. Now that you know, stay away from the cheeses that you aren't supposed to have. You should be just fine.

Also, no sushi, swordfish, shark, etc. Only 1 can of canned tuna a week. Talk to your doctor just to be sure.

Good luck and Congrats!

Answer 6

I was given a list of foods to avoid during pregnancy from a nutritionist that my OB/GYN sent me to. It says to reh-heat deli meats, but also limit the consumption because they are high in sodium/nitrates. Feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican style cheese such as Queso Blanco fresco". Refrigerated pate or meat spreads, or refrigerated smoked fish (Canned is completely safe) Refrigrated smoked fish can be eaten if it is cooked in something like a casserole. TOTALLY avoid any juice or dairy that is "RAW".

Answer 7

Don't listen to the second poster.. it is something that both doctors and books advise against.

as to something already being wrong with your baby i would talk to the doctor about you already eating the foods. I wouldn't work yourself up about it i'm sure everything is probably fine but just to make yourself feel better go ahead and ask!

Answer 8

The only thing my doctor ever told me not to eat or to eat very little of during pregnancy was seafood! Deli meat and Cheese are not bad for the baby!

Answer 9

It just has a higher risk of the bacteria. You should be fine.

Stay away from sea food especially bottom feeders. They can contain traces of heavy metals.

Answer 10

It is just a precaution, it is probable that your baby is fine. I have heard that you should not eat too much canned tuna.