Pregnancy

Are There Any Food Guidelines During Pregnancy?

by Cassandra Delage, Founder and CEO

Reviewed by Valerie Pelletier, Birthworker, Doula

Published June 9, 2024 — Last Reviewed March 22, 2024

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  • Contributors

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Excerpt

In the intricate tapestry of pregnancy nutrition guidelines, historical biases and underrepresentation in women's health research cast a shadow. Research exposes a glaring lack of financial support for investigating pregnancy-specific dietary needs, perpetuating a limited grasp on what constitutes optimal nutrition during gestation [1].

Introduction

Societal attitudes towards pregnancy nutrition exert a profound influence on shaping dietary recommendations. Similar to how gender norms shape healthcare priorities (see article Bridging the Gender Health Gap), cultural perceptions color the portrayal of certain foods as either heroes or villains in the narrative of pregnancy.  Foods like soft cheeses and raw sushi often bear the brunt of vilification due to fears of bacterial contamination, eclipsing their potential nutritional contributions when consumed judiciously.

"There’s the tragic tale of soft cheese, looking all innocent and delicious but supposedly harboring the same dramatic flair as a soap opera villain, thanks to potential bacteria like listeria. The workaround? Pasteurization! Yes, those magic words mean you can still have your cheese and eat it too. Look for the “pasteurized” label, and you’re golden—or should we say, brie-lliant?”

— Valerie Pelletier, Birthworker, Doula

Navigating the Maze of Pregnancy Diet Guidelines: A Balanced Perspective

In the realm of pregnancy dining, moderation, quality, and informed choices emerge as cardinal principles. Instead of casting specific foods into the role of dietary demons, it becomes imperative to adopt a nuanced stance that weighs both potential risks and benefits. For instance, while valid concerns regarding listeria contamination in deli meats persist, simple precautions such as thorough cooking or microwaving can effectively mitigate these risks, transforming these items from perceived adversaries into safe dietary selections [2].

 

In the vast landscape of pregnancy nutrition, moderation, quality, and informed decisions serve as guiding beacons. The risks, while real, are often less about the act of eating these foods and more about ensuring they’re consumed in a safe, mindful manner. Therefore, consult with your healthcare provider, listen to your body, and approach your pregnancy menu with a sense of adventure and a dash of caution. Here's to embarking on the journey of pregnancy dining with a well-balanced plate and an equally balanced mindset!

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References to the research cited in this article can be found in the "References" tab at the top of this page.

Contributors

Author(s)

Cassandra Delage

Founder and CEO of Bia

Reviewer(s)

Valerie Pelletier

Birth worker, Doula

References

Bia follows strict article guidelines and only uses credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. In addition, when necessary, each article is reviewed by a member of our healthcare community to further ensure up-to-date information.

[1] Bhutta, Z. A., Das, J. K., Rizvi, A., Gaffey, M. F., Walker, N., Horton, S., ... & Black, R. E. (2013). Evidence-based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition: what can be done and at what cost?. The Lancet, 382(9890), 452-477.

[2] Jackson, K. A., & Gould, L. H. (2019). Multistate outbreak of listeriosis associated with packaged leafy green salads, United States and Canada, 2015-2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(8), 1461.

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"Foods like soft cheeses and raw sushi often bear the brunt of vilification due to fears of bacterial contamination, eclipsing their potential nutritional contributions when consumed judiciously [2]."

Are There Any Food Guidelines During Pregnancy?

Published June 9, 2024

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