Holiday Eating Rules at Christmas For Expectant Mummies | Mother & Child (2024)

FAQs

What can pregnant people eat at Christmas? ›

Safer: Freshly well-cooked fish served straight away. Meats and poultry. Turkey, chicken, beef and pork are fine provided they've been cooked to the right temperature and eaten hot. Accompaniments: Salad greens and vegetables should be freshly prepared (not pre-made or pre-packaged) and washed right before chopping.

This is because there is a risk of toxoplasmosis, a tiny parasite that can live in raw meat which can be harmful to you and your baby. It is safe to eat cold, pre-packed meats such as ham and corned beef.

It's best not to eat deli or lunch meats while you're pregnant, unless the food has been heated until steaming (165 degrees F) right before serving.

You can enjoy bacon safely during pregnancy. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, until it's steaming hot. Avoid ordering bacon at a restaurant because you don't know how well it's cooked. If you want to avoid all risks completely, there are meat-free bacon alternatives available, like soy or mushroom bacon.

Christmas Eve is a vigil or fasting day, and the abundance of seafood reflects the observance of abstinence from meat until the feast of Christmas Day itself.

Don't eat mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie, camembert and chevre (a type of goat's cheese) and others with a similar rind. You should also avoid ricotta, feta, mozzarella, bocconcini and blue-veined cheeses. These may contain listeria, which can get in during the manufacturing process.

Watermelon is a fruit that contains many nutrients and beneficial compounds for health. Eating it regularly during pregnancy can reduce your risk of developing preeclampsia, constipation, or hemorrhoids. Its rich water content may also contribute to a lower risk of poor fetal growth, premature birth, and birth defects.

Certain meats and fish

Raw or undercooked meat, including beef, poultry and pork. This includes hotdogs and deli meat (like ham or bologna). If you eat hotdogs or deli meat, cook them until they are steaming hot or just avoid completely.

Yes, pregnant women can have pizza if it is prepared freshly and consumed in moderation.

Can you eat pineapple when pregnant? ›

Pineapple is a safe, healthy choice during pregnancy. Someone might have told you to avoid this fruit because it may cause early miscarriage or bring on labor. However, this is just a myth. There's no scientific evidence to support that pineapple is dangerous during pregnancy.

Pasteurised cream and ice cream are safe, but are not considered 'dairy' by The Eatwell Guide and have high sugar and fat content.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Eggs? It is safe for pregnant women to eat eggs as long as the eggs are completely cooked or pasteurised. Pregnant women can enjoy cooked eggs however should be aware to avoid raw eggs in foods such as aioli, homemade mayonnaise, cake batter or mousse.

It's generally safe for all population groups, including pregnant women, to consume 2-3 serves of any type of tuna or salmon a week, canned or fresh. Canned tuna usually has lower mercury levels than other tuna because tuna used for canning are smaller species that are caught when less than 1 year old.

Mince pies, Christmas cake and fruit cakes (the alcohol evaporates in the oven) are all ideal for you to tuck into! Make sure to avoid the brandy butter though and keep an eye out for raw eggs in mousses and custard. You won't need to miss out on your smoked salmon and eggs for Christmas Day breakfast.

All other soft types of cheese (other than mould-ripened ones) are OK to eat, provided they're made from pasteurised milk. These cheeses include mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese and cream cheese. Mould-ripened goat's cheese, called Chevre, should be avoided. But it can be eaten if it's cooked.

Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread. Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu. Low-fat or fat-free dairy — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified soy beverages (soy milk) or soy yogurt.