BABY SHOWER - FOODS TO AVOID

Baby Shower Safety - Food at Baby Shower for Mommy-to-Be
Baby Shower food can be wonderful and fun to create and make. We did feel it is important to list what the American Pregnancy Association states pregnant Moms should stay away from which is important to take into consideration as food is being laid out at the baby shower. We strongly suggest any pregnant mom to speak with their doctor in going over the foods. Below we have listed the most common reported from the APA and a few other sources:

1. Deli Meats: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. If the mommy to be is going to eat these meats, it is important to reheat the meats until they are steaming. Hot dogs should also be avoided due to Listeria.

2. Any Sea Food: The ones listed by the American Pregnancy Association specifically are:

• Fish (with Mercury): Fish can contain high levels of mercury and should be avoided. Eating fish during pregnancy when having higher levels of Mercury have been linked to brain damage.
• Smoked Seafood (or Smoked Foods in General) -These foods may also contain Listeria Even though the American Pregnancy Association states canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually OK to eat, we take the conservative approach to not eat these foods as it is only for 9 months.
• Raw Shellfish: Many food illness is caused by under cooked shellfish which includes foods like oysters, clams, and mussels. Any raw fish should definitely be avoided due to bacteria.

3. Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs should be avoided due to salmonella. Some common dressings and sauces such a Caesar, mayonnaise, custards, and Hollandaise sauces are potential made with raw eggs and should not be eaten by pregnant moms.

4. Soft Cheeses: The soft cheeses are known to have Listeria, which can cause miscarriage as stated above. These cheeses include Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco.

5. Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may have Listeria, which can cause miscarriage as stated above.

6. Pate: This meat spread should not be eaten by pregnant moms since it is possible to contain the bacteria - Listeria.

7. Caffeine: Although a little caffeine in moderation may be okay during pregnancy, there are studies that still see a correlation with caffeine and miscarriages, premature birth weight, premature birth, low birth weight and withdrawal symptoms in infants. AS the APA states, caffeine is to be avoided, especially during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. If having caffeine, it is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages since it is a diuretic . The most conservative approach is to not take any caffeine during pregnancy.

8. Alcohol: This is one of the most important rules and should NEVER be used during pregnancy. Alcohol has been directly linked to impede in healthy development of the newborn. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) can be caused by consumption. Even during breastfeeding no alcohol should be taken due to the detrimental effects on your little one.

9. Unwashed Vegetables: Of course vegetables are fine and great to eat, but make sure you wash them well since there is always the potential exposure to Toxoplasmosis which is a contaminant that may have been in the soil.

10. Artificial Sweeteners: Recently some studies have shown that sweeteners such as Aspartame, Saccharine can cause cancer in lab animals although they have not found this in humans (not worth testing as a pregnant mom).

11. Foods that Spoil Quickly: Watch out for food that has been sitting out for awhile. Spoiled food may have bacteria formed on it when sitting out for some time (even in less than one hour spoiling can start). Just be safe when eating food that has been out for some time.

Again, the most important thing is to speak with your doctor in making sure you check with what a pregnant mom is placing in her body to be safe and sound. It is nice to give this to the mommy to be if she is open to information, after reading this and at the baby shower.