Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to sit at home and miss out on all the fun over the festive period, you just have to be careful about what you eat.
Most foods are safe to eat when expecting, but there are a few typical starters, desserts and party nibbles that you should avoid.
1. Soft boiled eggs
Many people like to enjoy a running egg for breakfast on Christmas morning, but you need to be extra careful if you’re expecting. Make sure you poach or boil your eggs until the yolk is firm – about five minutes.
2. Salmon
Salmon on brown bread is a popular starter but while it is rich in nutrients, it is vital you ensure it is fresh, smoked, and pre-packaged. If i doubt, don’t eat it.
3. Home grown salads
Salads from a package are perfectly ok to consume, but avoid home grown lettuce or tomatoes - unless they have been washed thoroughly – as toxoplasmaosis can be lurking in the soil.
4. Homemade ice-cream or icing made with raw egg
If you are being offered a slice of Christmas cake or a bowl of homemade ice-cream, do ask if either has been made with raw egg. If it has, it is important you avoid it.
5. Mould-ripened or blue-veined cheese
If you are a sucker for a cheese platter, do avoid mould-ripened, blue-veined, soft, unpasteurised sheep or goats’ cheese. They all contain listeria, a bacteria that can be harmful to unborn babies, and is only destroyed with cooking.
6. Shellfish
Oysters, prawns and mussels can cause food poisoning if not cooked properly, so it’s best to avoid them.
7. Parma ham and salami
If there is a meat platter, do avoid parma ham and salami as these are only cured and not cooked, and can cause toxoplasmosis.
8. Homemade cheesecake and meringues
Both of these desserts can contain raw egg, particularly if they are homemade.
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw can contain listeria so it is best to avoid it.
10. Non-alcoholic eggnog
Eggnog is made from raw eggs which can contain the salmonella bacteria.
