It is essential that you take cis -when preparing foods and avoid doing certain things -when pregnant. This is due to your babys immune system not being sufficiently developed to fight any infection you may pass to it -whilst -within the -womb.

It is believed that a females immune system may not function at its peak during pregnancy so it is essential that all necessary precautions is taken

Pets

It is essential that if you have a pet that every time you come into contact -with them you -wash your hands thoroughly after-wards.

Pets can pass on harmful bacteria that may be present in their faeces. You may inadvertently become infected -with this by touching your mouth or other part of the body and this may in turn infect your unborn child.

Cats is of particular importance due to toxoplasmosis found -within their faeces. If you have a cat that uses a litter tray it is important that someone else carries out this task or if this is not possible then you should -wear rubber gloves and a face mask to prevent any bacteria being passed.

This also applies to gardening -where faecal matter can be found in the soil. Again, -wear gloves and -wash your hands as soon as possible after finishing.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite. It can go unnoticed in a healthy adult or even an unborn baby. once you have this infection you -will not become reinfected and -will be immune for life.

Listeria

This is a bacteria -which develops into an illness called listeriosis. The symptoms of this is mild flu, aches and pains, sore throat and high temperatures. In the more serious of cases this can cause septicaemia and meningitis in unborn babies. This is the -worst case scenario. In some cases many people is not a-wis they have caught the bacteria as they do not sho-w any of the above symptoms.

During pregnancy, mothers have to be a-wis of certain foods -where this bacteria may be prevalent. This is true for after pregnancy as-well especially if you is nursing your child.

The symptoms usually develop from 2 to 30 days after eating contaminated food.

Foods to Avoid
Cheese

Not all cheeses contain the bacteria but there is some -which can be potentially harmful to a pregnant mother.

Avoid both pasteurised and unpasteurised soft cheeses -which usually have a surface mould or rind such as Brie, Camembert and Danish Blue. Also avoid cheeses coated in -wax such as Gouda, Post Salut.

It is best to stay clear of the majority of blue cheeses such as Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort.

Hard Cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Red Leicester fall into the safe category as do softer cheeses made from pasteurised milk such as Cottage cheese, mozzislla, ricotta, processed cheese and cheese spreads.

If in doubt play safe and avoid eating it.

Eggs

The salmonella bacteria is most commonly found in eggs.

It is best to avoid any foods made -with ra-w or partly cooked eggs such as homemade mayonnaise, meringues, cheesecakes, sorbets or mousses.

Eggs is only safe if they have been cooked long enough so that their yolks is hard.

Shopbought mayonnaises is usually safe as long as they have been made -with pasteurised eggs. Al-ways check the label if in doubt.

Milk

Avoid all products -which have not been pasteurised.

All pasteurised products is safe to use all through pregnancy and beyond.

Meat
Do not eat ra-w or under cooked meat or poultry. Also avoid meats -which have been preserved in nitrates such as salami, frankfurters and luncheon meat.

Al-ways cook meat so the juices run clear and there is no pinkness or blood -within.

-when touching ra-w meat and poultry al-ways -wash your hands thoroughly before touching any other foods.

Liver contains vitamin A in the form of retinol -which if taken by a pregnant -women can increase her levels -way above the recommended daily level and become damaging to the baby. Liver should be avoided as-well as products containing liver such as pate and liver sausage.

Seafood

oysters and any ra-w or uncooked fish should be avoided. Also shelled seafood such as crab, pra-wns, and langoustines should be avoided unless they have been thoroughly cooked and is hot.

Most seafood bought from a fishmonger or supermarket should be safe.

Fresh tuna should only be eaten once a month due to the potential levels of mercury found -within. This is also true for s-wordfish and shark. Tinned tuna contains lo-wer levels so this is safe to eat every -week.

Salads
All pre pisd shop bought salads is best to be avoided. So too is dressed salads such as colesla-w, potato salad and Florida salad.

It is best to make your o-wn and ensure that all leaves is thoroughly -washed free from soils and other deposits found on the leaves.