New Years Eve and Pregnant

Well, here we are on New Years Eve. Big party night for some folks!!!

But what if you are pregnant or trying to conceive and could be pregnant?

You can pretty much kiss the booze good bye, although recent studies suggest that a single, small, glass of champagne isn't the worst thing you could do. But what about all that sumptuous party food? Let's take a quick peek at some of the foods that pregnant women are encouraged to stay away from and then we will see what is left over for you to celebrate with. In fact because it is such a momentous day, let's play a little game of Eat/Don't Eat with a theme of safe foods for pregnancy, okay?

1. You walk in the door and are immediately greeted by a reveler who hands you a pudding shot. Do you Eat or Don't Eat?

DON'T EAT; Okay, this one is obvious right? We have alcohol and pregnancy combined with potentially unrefrigerated dairy products... just don't do it. It isn't worth it.

2. You sashay (or waddle depending on how far along you are and how relaxed your joints have become) on over to the buffet table and see the shrimp cocktails waving at you. Eat or Don't Eat?

Yummy shrimp and seafood.... STOP!

DON'T EAT; Those cute little pink shrimp are raw and as such carry a significant risk of food poisoning which you are waaay more vulnerable to when you are pregnant. Certain fish such as salmon, swordfish, tuna, marlin and shark can contain dangerous levels of mercury and should be eaten in strict moderation. Shrimp cocktail and pregnancy is a big no no.

3. Phew narrowly avoided calamity there... but wait, right next to the shrimp platter of potential death is the cheese plate with crispy crackers and ooey gooey, some what smelly cheeses and mystery meats and pates. Will you Eat or Don't Eat?

DON'T EAT; Cheese has calcium and that is good for growing a person right? Yes, it is good...BUT unfortunately cheeses that have the whitish, moldy rind (brie and Camembert), are unpasteurized (goat's milk etc) or have the blue veins running through them (blue cheese...duh) are all considered unsafe during pregnancy due to the potential exposure to listeria bacteria. Those deli slices and fancy pates also carry a risk listeriosis and strangely enough Toxoplasmosis (which I thought was more of a cat litter issue, which is really making me question those mystery meat pates....)

Quick side note... this is fun isn't it? All this stuff you can and can't eat? Who doesn't love to know all the restrictions on their lives?

4. Oh wait, there is tiramisu, so sweet and creamy and decadent. Eat or Don't Eat?

EHHHHH. DON'T EAT; Nope can't have tiramisu, if it was made in the traditional manner with raw eggs. Sadly you and your darling baby could be exposed to salmonella bacteria. Skip over this delicacy and wait until you have popped the little buzz-kill out. But wait, now that we know it is made with raw eggs... it's a little bit ewww now isn't it? What's the deal with all this party food? Is it originally based on a dare?

So what can you eat? Well, raw vegetables and pasteurized dips are safe. Fresh fruit is always a good bet. Order yourself a Shirley Temple if you want to have a festive and fun drink (your really in it for the little sword and cherry though right?).Use common sense and remind yourself that pregnancy only lasts for 9 months, but that the damaging effects of food poisoning or fetal alcohol syndrome can last a life time. Your pregnancy and baby deserve the very best chances of healthy success.

Party safe and have fun!