(Tips to be followed when you eat out during pregnancy)
Food cravings in pregnancy are quite normal. When pregnant, you could feel tempted to eat at hotels or certain circumstances could require you to do so. Going out to eat is fine, but keep in mind that some foods are unsafe to eat while pregnant because they could harm both you and your baby. Read on to learn the important tips to be followed while eating out during pregnancy.
Tips to be followed when you eat out during pregnancy
Select the ideal place
Find a location that follows high standards of hygiene. You can learn a lot about the quality of service being provided by observing the tables, cutlery, crockery, and servers Therefore, choose the most hygienic place first because your baby’s health as well as yours depends on good hygiene.
Avoid the roadside stalls
Avoid eating at outdoor restaurants or roadside shops that are situated near a lot of traffic or stray animals.
Have freshly cooked food
Enjoy foods that are prepared only when you place your order, hot and freshly cooked. Moreover, try to avoid any pre-prepared food and buffet food that has been laid out on display.
Eat in moderation
Instead of consuming large amounts of food at once, it is preferable to consume smaller amounts more frequently. Furthermore, acidity, heartburn, and indigestion are common pregnancy problems that might worsen if you eat a lot at once.
Ask your doubts
Don’t be hesitant to inquire about a dish’s ingredients or preparation if you have any queries about it after reading the menu.
What foods should I avoid while eating out
While pregnant, certain foods are unsafe(foods to avoid in pregnancy) to eat when dining out. Here is a list of things to stay away from eating and drinking:
- Sometimes eating street foods increases your vulnerability to the bacteria that cause food poisoning. Moreover, it also depends on where and what you eat.
- Be cautious while eating foods that contain raw cabbage, raw onions, raw tomatoes, raw cucumbers, raw radish, and other unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables as they might cause food poisoning and other issues.
- Avoid dishes containing raw or undercooked eggs such as desserts, mayonnaise etc
- Stay away from undercooked meat and fish
- Skip the soft, mould-ripened, and blue-veined cheeses because listeria may be found in them which could harm your infant
- Avoid fast foods as they may contain some food additives
- Stay away from alcohol, caffeinated drinks and soft drinks
To sum up
Hence, moderation is the key rule when you are eating out during pregnancy. Therefore, occasionally eating out is quite normal but regular consumption of outside foods may harm both your and baby’s health.
