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Safe Eating During Pregnancy and Beyond
Expert advice on safe and healthy eating habits during pregnancy and the first 1000 days of a child's life, focusing on preventing foodborne illnesses and promoting optimal development.
Italian
Italy
HealthLifestyleFood SafetyNutritionPregnancyBaby
Rosa BifulcoValentina Rorato
- What are the major food safety concerns during pregnancy, and why?
- During pregnancy, a woman's immune system is weakened, increasing the risk of foodborne infections. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid raw foods like sushi and undercooked meats to prevent infections like listeria and toxoplasmosis.
- Why is alcohol strictly prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- Alcohol should be completely avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it crosses the placental barrier and can harm the developing baby. There's no safe amount of alcohol consumption.
- What are the guidelines for consuming cured meats and sushi during pregnancy?
- While some cured meats like 24-30 month aged Parma ham are considered safe, other cured meats should be limited due to their high salt content. Cooked meats such as ham and mortadella are safe options.
- How should fruits and vegetables be handled to minimize infection risks during pregnancy?
- Fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled should not be eaten raw due to potential surface contamination with bacteria or toxoplasma eggs. Thorough washing isn't sufficient to guarantee safety.
- Why is maintaining a healthy diet important beyond pregnancy and into the baby's first 1000 days?
- Proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the baby's health, but women should also focus on the first 1000 days of the baby's life, starting before conception and continuing through age two, to prevent future health issues.