Food Hygiene Tips During Pregnancy

Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 14:43

During pregnancy, a woman has to be very careful. When it comes to food, a pregnant woman needs to keep a watch at what she is eating. It is very important to maintain food hygiene during pregnancy. The immune system's functioning is weak during gestation which makes it difficult for the system to fight infections. Food poisoning is a common health problem during pregnancy. Diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting are symptoms of food poisoning. Food born illness can also lead to miscarriage or still birth. By maintaining food hygiene during pregnancy, you ensure good health. Lets take a look at the food hygiene tips during pregnancy.

1. Always wash your hands and utensils with warm water and soap before cooking. Wash the fingernails carefully as bacteria hides inside them. Also wash your hands before eating the food. It is very important to maintain personal hygiene.

2. Keep the frozen food in the fridge only. Don't leave it out for more than 10 minutes. This increases the chances of bacteria growth.

3. Know which food is to be served hot or cold. Be very careful with this aspect. Serve hot food immediately and avoid storing food for later use. It is best to cook and eat instead of storing the left outs. This is an important food hygiene tip during pregnancy.

4. If you are having stored food, reheat the dish well till you see vapours. Avoid reheating more than once.

5. Cook the vegetables. Having uncooked food cannot kill the germs or bacteria. Also uncooked food are not easy to digest. So, cook the food till they become piping hot.

6. Have separate chopping boards and plates while making raw and ready to eat food as the chemicals in ready to eat food may spoil the freshness of the raw food.

7. Cook meat, mutton and fish well. Uncooked meat can lead to food poisoning or illness. By cooking meat and mutton, the bacteria in the skin dies.

8. Have light food if you are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. Vegetables salad or soup are best. Wash the vegetables properly and then boil them completely.

Follow these food hygiene tips during pregnancy to stay away from health problems.