However, health. True tea lovers who enjoy multiple cups in their day will need to start substituting with herbal teas to stay within the recommended amount of caffeine. This does have some basis in fact, as high sugar consumption during pregnancy has been linked to higher incidences of gestational diabetes (Source: Cambridge University Press). Hydrating throughout the day. Safe seafood while pregnant. For example, a sheet cake may have fewer hits than a bundt cake. Bananas are loaded with iron, and can hike your iron levels and fight pregnancy anemia (3). Consuming prawns, particularly raw prawns is extremely harmful during pregnancy, and is thought to be associated with a number of health risks including-. Add the aguachile mixture to the shrimps. Boba is a popular drink that originated in taiwan and is made of tapioca pearls, tea, milk, and sweeteners. In higher amounts, it can affect your. 8 L) of water. Total Time 45 mins. Fruit and vegetables in pregnancy. If cod is your go-to fish dish, there's no reason to stop eating it just because you're pregnant. Eating a variety of healthy proteins including seafood such as whiting may. 1. Purchase freshly cooked and eat while hot. There are also some foods that are safe to eat, but you need to be careful not to have too much of them. Don't exceed 45 mg a day. Still, the harmful bacteria and viruses that may exist in shrimp can only be killed through high-temperature cooking ( 3, 6 ). During pregnancy, you must ensure that you do not eat any raw fish. Uncooked sausages may contain listeria and hence are unsafe to eat (4). Raisins are rich in calcium as well as oleanolic acid both of which can help protect your teeth. Examples include seafood labeled nova style, lox, kippered, smoked or jerky. Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy. Hard and pasteurized cheeses like cheddar and parmesan are safe during pregnancy. In fact, dishes like shrimp ceviche are prepared this way. In fact, aguachile is a lot closer to Japanese sashimi than it is in any way to Peruvian ceviche. Savory-but-sweet oatmeal dishes can be great for a quick lunch or a dinner side. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and help in the nutrient absorption of iron, which an expecting mother needs to overcome pregnancy-related-anemia i ( 3 ). Tulsi leaves may not be completely safe for consumption during pregnancy, but you can eat 1-2 leaves a day. It is served cold, has tons of fresh flavors, and makes the perfect appetizer or main course. It is important to cook the shrimp thoroughly, and to avoid raw shrimp, as is found in sushi. If you have sensitive skin, avoid fennel seeds during pregnancy. Now let’s dive into the factors you should consider before enjoying a meal at Wendy’s during pregnancy. At home, the temperature should reach at least 145 F for whole cuts, 160 F for ground meats like hamburger, and 165 F for. October 11, 2023 by Marjorie R. Folate Intake. For most healthy adults, the bacteria may not cause any serious problem; this is not the case for pregnant women where listeriosis (the name of the infection) can lead to miscarriage, early delivery or stillbirth. Protein is an important nutrient for any pregnant woman because it helps the placenta form and it supports the baby’s growth. 03g protein (13%). 7. Consider some forms of corn are not good for pregnant ladies, including corn syrup and popcorn; however, other forms including corn. But it’s actually much more okay than the food police would have you believe. You Can Eat Acai Berries: Acai berries are safe to eat during pregnancy, frozen and dried. Cooking fish thoroughly kills many of the microbes that cause foodborne illness (Source: FDA). While you can do something about the. The acid might come from lime, lemon, or. Again, pregnant women should. Smoked fish/seafood: That means no smoked salmon and Lox though you can enjoy it if it’s been cooked to steaming hot or if its purchased in a shelf stable can. Can Pregnant Woman Eat at Chipotle Mexican Grill? Like many other Mexican restaurants, the majority of the food at Chipotle is safe for pregnant women to eat. If you are underweight during pregnancy, then peanuts can help gain weight. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and choose high-quality ingredients. Add the lime juice and fold gently, ensuring all shrimp are covered with the juice. In fact, pasteurized cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, which promote strong bones and healthy growth in your baby. They are packed with calories that help you achieve a healthy weight ( 8 ). Cucumbers are safe to eat during pregnancy. So, can pregnant women eat cooked salami? Yes. RDA for iron is 27 mg per day during pregnancy and 9-10 mg while breastfeeding. But with a little. However, too much salt can actually inhibit growth or cause Orbeez to shrink. Meanwhile, in a mortar and pestle, combine chilies with a pinch of salt and pulverize thoroughly, then add water and continue to work until chilies are reduced to tiny bits. Refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes until shrimp begin to turn pink. Hummus is a rich source of dietary fibre: the more fibre consumption, the better digestion. If you’re expecting, you may be wondering what foods are safe to consume during your pregnancy. Prepare the shrimp. However, it is. The fiber content in groundnuts can help ease constipation ( 9 ). 5g of fat, 28g carbohydrates, 4g of protein and less than 270mg sodium . Raw sprouts: No more raw alfalfa, clover, radish, or mung bean sprouts, though cooking them is safe. Add 2 teaspoons of water and do it once more. It’s usually cooked as part of a larger dish, for example, in a sauce or pasta. Getting fresh air. These legal technicalities became deeply relevant when my job as cheese-guide means helping a pregnant. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fats that are good for fetal brain development. Crab is a good source of folate, low in calories and cholesterol, and can aid in the overall growth of the fetus. That cup of sauerkraut also delivers folate, which. Aguachiles is a popular mexican dish made with shrimp marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, and other seasonings. While a bite of jerky can curb a craving, it’s also high in salt. This is aguachile! Pour into the lime juice mixture, add olive oil and a few pinches of salt. It is a critical nutrient for the formation and maintenance of cells. Mercury is highly toxic element and can occur in polluted waters. If ordering meat. Pour the green sauce over the shrimp. Therefore, it is essential to maintain food safety. Eating fruit during pregnancy as part of a balanced diet can provide many benefits to both the pregnant person and the baby. It helps develop the brain as well as the nervous system and prevents neural defects in the unborn baby. Eating flaxseeds in excessive amounts may cause nausea and diarrhoea. If you want to be 100% sure that any cheese is safe, you can cook it until it’s steaming hot. Anchovies: Very economical and packed with healthy omega-3s. Salmon: A fantastic and tasty source of omega-3 fatty acids. It's usually served with avocado and tostadas, and is a popular. Yes, you can have queso at a Mexican restaurant while pregnant. One Rice Krispie Treat (19g) has 90 calories. Don't exceed 45 mg a day. Raw or undercooked meat. Key Takeaways. If a pregnant woman is concerned about the safety of eating aguachiles, she can ask her doctor if it is safe to eat shrimp in moderation. Cold chicken or turkey, eg. Noodles have a lot of salt in them and can affect your pregnancy if you eat them often. The magnesium content in grapes helps combat muscle cramping. First, make sure the queso is made with pasteurized cheese. It will not have any effect on your blood sugar, and does not contain any calorie that can harm you or your unborn baby. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant. Carrots are a significant source of vitamin A (source: Nutrition Data). In fact, aguachile is a lot closer to Japanese sashimi than it is in any way to Peruvian ceviche. Risk: Listeria. In 1 ounce of almonds, there are 164 calories, 14. This nutrient has been shown to reduce how often a pregnant woman experiences leg cramps and migraines. Due. Yes, you can eat the bacon and Gouda roll from Starbucks – all the ingredients in it are pregnancy-safe. You have to watch out for the foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy. 1. Save that spoonful of brownie batter or eggs over-easy until after pregnancy: Foods that contain runny or undercooked eggs can be. . Yogurt is a rich source of protein and can help a pregnant woman get her. 2. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Raw fish or seafood can cause food poisoning. Typically, it is not safe or recommended for a pregnant woman to consume ceviche because it contains raw fish. A cake bar is a dessert that typically contains cake, frosting, and other decorations. Expert Recommendations on Consuming Aguachiles During Pregnancy. Adequate blood supply for your baby: By consuming ginger, the blood circulation in your body gets spiked up. Some pregnant women may develop pica disorder due to hormonal changes, stress or anxiety, cultural beliefs, and mental health conditions. Vegetables and leafy greens can become. Pregnant women have a higher chance of getting sick, being sick longer, and having serious side effects. The process is to open it like a butterfly and not cutting all the way through. Out of 208 samples, ten tested positive for listeria (three of the minced tuna, and seven of the fish eggs). COOK THE SHRIMP. Additionally, some flavors of. Raw or undercooked greens and sprouts. In addition to making healthy food choices, taking a daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting at least three months before conception — can help ensure you're getting enough of this essential nutrient. Eating Shrimp During Pregnancy: Safety, Benefits & Precautions. If in doubt, consult the FDA's guidelines . One serving (5 crackers) contains 80 calories, 1 gram of protein, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. The smoking doesn’t make any difference to its safety –. Folate works towards supporting the development of neural tubes and the nervous system of the baby, keeping his brain development on the right path. Mussels are rich sources of many nutrients, yet they can be poisonous if consumed incorrectly. The main risk of eating feta cheese, or any soft cheese during pregnancy, is that it can contain a harmful type of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes that can be very harmful to your unborn baby. In addition, raw bananas have a greater iron absorption percentage than cooked bananas. A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy. Of course, you can get heartburn during pregnancy for the same reasons you might get heartburn when you aren’t carrying a child. Eating chicken during early pregnancy will provide the necessary nourishment to aid the healthy development of the baby in the womb. Unfortunately, this one definitely lands in the “no” pile. A cup of sauerkraut supplies about 2 milligrams of iron, which is 7 percent of the 27 milligrams of iron you need each day during pregnancy. Pregnant women have a higher chance of getting sick, being sick longer, and having serious side effects. If these bacteria are present in the meat, they can contaminate the pregnant woman and her unborn child, leading to serious illness or even death. 1 small orange (96 g) 29 mcg. 2. The ideal ratio is 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon (3. You might've heard an old wives’ tale saying that. Adding green leafy vegetables to the dish aids in improved bowel movements, thereby preventing common pregnancy problems like constipation and haemorrhoids. The following are the health benefits of consuming mangoes during pregnancy. Eating seafood during pregnancy is a good way to get the nutrients you and your baby need. (Sardines and herring are other good choices. But before you submit to that sub, consider this: Processed, ready-to-eat deli meats of all kinds (and that goes for all the usual, and arguably delicious, suspects — including turkey, roast beef, salami, bologna and pepperoni) can be contaminated with Listeria. The high fibre content of cashew nuts can help fight constipation and diarrhoea. If you are pregnant and suffering from constipation, you can eat hummus with fibre-rich vegetables, such as carrots, to help bring the digestive system back on track. Acidity and heartburn are a common problem during pregnancy. This dish is popular in Mexico, where it is often served as a main course or side dish. Dried berries are also available since the Superfruit is in trend these. Mostly, soy sauce and vinegars, which even go into the making of. Raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided during pregnancy because of the risk of Salmonella. Foods made using raw egg, such as mayonnaise or mousse, should also be avoided. This can negate any benefits that eating pickles may have during pregnancy. In general, pregnant women cannot eat medium steak because the internal cooking temperature is below 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The risk is associated with large amounts of licorice consumption, which for the study was identified as 250 grams (just about a cup) of licorice per week. Don’t diet. It can be a lot to think about. 3. Prep Time 45 mins. The most common species of pineapple in the US, the Smooth Cayenne, has a high acid content. Second, avoid quesos that are made with raw eggs or unpasteurized milk. Raw cornstarch may be safe to consume in. Reasons To Avoid Chinese Food During Pregnancy. Consuming raw fish or seafood increases the risk of getting food poisoning. It shouldn’t be eaten cold, ‘as is’, without cooking. Eat in Moderation. A 100 gram slice of a store-bought plain cheesecake has 350 calories, 27. How long are Aguachiles good for?October 11, 2023 by Marjorie R. Food historians I’ve spoken to have said that it has to do with the influx of Japanese migrants to Baja California. Phew. Restricts constipation. Drink: Pasteurized and fortified orange juice. Helps Prevent Acidity and Heartburn. Depending on how much you consume. It could happen because you lack essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc. Unpasteurized juices. This will create a realistic bruised effect. ; Having gestational. Swollen Glands. The main health risks of squid and shellfish come from their mercury levels and allergies. Lamb is a safe red meat to eat during pregnancy, if cooked to a safe internal temperature, depending on the cut. In India, many people believe that sesame seeds are a ‘heat generating’ food and increase body heat and upset the natural balance of the body. Being pregnant comes with so many rules. If not, stay away. It has 150 grams of sodium, 8 grams of sugar, and 17 grams of carbohydrates. Shrimp is a soft-textured shellfish rich in vital nutrients, such as lean protein, selenium, and several B vitamins, such as vitamin B12. Eating fish during pregnancy can be safe and healthy. These nutrients are essential, particularly for pregnant moms and kids, as they foster healthy fetal, infant and childhood development. 27 mcg. Also Read: Eating Mango while Pregnant. The risk of a foodborne illness isn’t the only reason to avoid beef jerky in pregnancy. For this reason, it is best to avoid salami (and. Any raw meat, raw chicken or other poultry, beef, pork etc. Peanuts. It’s important to be cautious about the ingredients used in boba drinks, especially as an expectant mother. Mercury can harm a developing baby's brain. However, if the cold-smoked salmon product is cooked through, for example, in a stew or casserole, then it is considered safe to eat. If you’re able to measure the temperature (and the best way is with a food thermometer ), then the temperature should reach 165F / 74C to make it safe. The highest instances of listeria in cured meat, for example, tend to occur during the commercialization process or while using it at home (Source: MDPI). Yes, it is generally safe to eat McDonald’s during pregnancy, but it should be consumed in moderation and with consideration of nutritional balance. To honor the roots of the dish, I always stay true to the basic tenets of aguachile — the fundamentals of salt, acid, heat, and a little bit of sugar. Iron prevents anemia. The Benefits of Eating Carrots During Pregnancy . Radish is a root vegetable that is commonly consumed across the world due to its numerous health benefits. 2. Certain ingredients such as. Advertisement. In conclusion, wearing a hearing aid can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss and a pacemaker. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant. Theraflu tea is not recommended for pregnant women due to potential risks to the baby. Chipotle sour cream is made with pasteurized milk. The Nutritional Value of Ritz Crackers. Chipotle steak can be safe for pregnant women to eat in moderation. Add the lime juice and fold gently, ensuring all shrimp are covered with the juice. Yes, it is safe to eat mac and cheese while pregnant. Raw seafood is a no-no during pregnancy unless it's been frozen. If anything, eating cornstarch may mean that your body is deficient in iron and zinc and uses cornstarch cravings as a. Recommendations for eating chocolate during pregnancy. 2. However, Finland, where the study took place, listed it as a food to avoid for pregnant women back in 2016, before the study was published. Raw fish or seafood can cause food poisoning. It also assists in better digestion of food. These can lead to foodborne illnesses like listeriosis. Since hot smoked meat is fully cooked during the hot smoking process, it only. pre-prepared or unwashed fruits and vegetables. Happily, there are many types of salmon dishes that pregnant women can eat safely. Vitamin A, or retinol, is essential for health during pregnancy, but too much can be harfmul. Is intermittent fasting safe while pregnant? Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern in which you eat normally for specified periods of time and then fast for a number of hours or days in between. undercooked or raw eggs. Throughout their pregnancy, women are given recommendations of food to eat while pregnant and foods to avoid. The smoking process does not thoroughly cook the cheese and therefore makes no. Vitamin D status is important for everyone—it’s one of the best vitamins to take for hormonal imabalance, and it helps with skeletal health, hormonal regulation, and blood sugar balance. Reduces Hypertension. As an expectant mother, you want to make sure that you are taking good care of yourself and your baby. Pecans. Other nutrients found in seafood—including protein, calcium, vitamin D and iron—help build bones and muscles. To put that into perspective, 0. Some people also believe that eating heat-generating foods like sesame seeds in. No, I wouldn't and didn't. You can safely eat up to 12 ounces of seafood a week, so choose fish that are low in mercury: catfish, salmon, cod, and canned light tuna. Listeria, a type of food poisoning, can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Mixing almonds with raisins and dates decreases the pitta aggravation in blood. These fish are very high in important nutrients and are low in mercury. Be sure to carefully read the label of any cheese you plan to eat to ensure it’s pasteurized. Types of Salmon That are Safe to Eat in Pregnancy. Don't Abandon a Healthy Diet. The amount of sour cream you can safely eat while pregnant will depend on your daily caloric needs. However, pregnant women should avoid eating raw or. Constant hunger. “Occasionally, raw fish such as salmon may contain small parasitic worms that can cause illness, and raw shellfish can contain harmful viruses and bacteria. Practicing careful food preparation and always cooking seafood thoroughly are other ways people can protect themselves and the growing fetus from food poisoning dangers. For storing lamb, it is recommended to. 3. Broccoli salad with bacon and spinach and bacon pasta are appetizing bacon recipes for pregnant women. As the blood volume increases during pregnancy, your body needs extra minerals. 6. One question that often comes up during pregnancy is whether it is safe to eat certain foods, such as aguachiles. Health Benefits of Eating Kiwi Fruit for Pregnant Women. Eating feta while pregnant is safe as long as you know that the cheese, or any other soft cheese, is made of pasteurized milk which prevents milk from containing a harmful bacteria called Listeria. However, before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the product for your individual situation. Yes, you can eat whiting fish while pregnant. Cheesecakes tend to be high in calories and sugar. Although fruit is part of a good balanced diet, certain fruits —including. What happens if you eat a lot of seafood while pregnant? In pregnancy, eating too much fish can raise a child’s obesity risk, study says. Yes, you can eat Takis while pregnant, but in moderation due to its high sodium and artificial flavor content. However, cold cuts—like prosciutto and pepperoni—are a different story. Folate: Folic acid plays an integral role in the cognitive development of the foetus. Cod and Haddock. Eating foods that don’t aggravate your stomach, such as crackers. Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene. S. Aloe vera not just affects the uterus and trigger contractions. It may seem foreign to many Americans, but preparing seafood like this has been around for 100s of years. The famous Mediterranean herb parsley can enhance the flavor of any dish it gets added to. Pregnant women have a higher chance of getting sick, being sick longer, and having serious side effects. Mix to combine. When considering purchasing a hearing aid, individuals with a pacemaker should inform their audiologist of their device to ensure the compatibility of the two devices. But don’t overdo it. Eat at least three servings of iron-rich foods a day. Safe drinking water is the best thing you can drink while pregnant, but — let's be honest — sometimes you want something that's, you know, not water. The lime marinade chemically “cooks” the seafood, making it safe to eat. Canned salmon is safe to eat during pregnancy as it’s pasteurized or sterilized during the canning process (source: Science Direct). Yes, you can eat ground beef while pregnant. Pregnant women can safely eat tinned or canned tuna. Octopus can be high in cholesterol, although recent scientific evidence has found that dietary cholesterol doesn’t necessarily affect blood cholesterol levels (source: PubMed). Consuming flaxseed oil, especially in the last two months of pregnancy, can increase the risk of premature birth. This boosts the blood supply to the foetus as well. High sodium intake can be dangerous for your unborn baby and you if taken regularly over a period of time. Children whose mothers ate fish during their pregnancy had a “higher intelligence quotient” than those who didn’t eat fish, due to omega-3 fatty acids. Place the sliced shrimp into a bowl and cover with 1 cup fresh lime juice, enough to completely cover the shrimp. Salmon is a safe seafood choice for pregnancy, so feel free to enjoy 8 to 12 ounces (two to three servings) a week. What to Avoid Eating While You're Pregnant . Reduces Chances of Birth Defects. 2. This is because when you are pregnant, your immune system is often weaker, putting you more at risk of developing a foodborne illness. Raw fish or seafood can cause food poisoning. No, it is not safe to eat expired sausage during pregnancy. Authentic Mexican Aguachile Verde Recipe. The notion that white sesame seeds are not safe for consumption during pregnancy is nothing but a myth. Yes, it is generally safe to eat aguachiles while pregnant as long as the shrimp is fully cooked. Avoid that. When cooked, both crab and imitation crab are safe to eat during pregnancy. Can I eat crab legs while pregnant? Seafood is a great source of. If you order sour cream, get it on the side and make sure it is cold before you eat it to reduce your risk of foodborne illness. This recipe is Aguachile Verde – in a green sauce. Of particular concern is a type of bacteria called listeria monocytogenes. First, avoid eating the mayonnaise or any other sauce that comes on the sandwich, as these. 2. It's just temporary. If it says the product is “made with pasteurized milk,” it’s safe. The antispasmodic, phytoestrogen, and anti-inflammatory properties in fennel are found to stimulate the uterus, leading to premature contractions. 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day during early pregnancy and 1. Use more as needed. If you feel hungry all the time, it may be because you are not eating properly at proper intervals. However, doctors recommend. When trying to decide what to eat during pregnancy, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and it can be confusing to know what is and isn’t safe. Herbal Tea. Having. “Raw seafood, such as sushi and oysters, is best avoided when pregnant,” says Strudwick. It is also low in fibre and may lead to constipation in pregnancy. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe for pregnant people. Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms in pregnant women, which can affect fetal well-being. Eating spicy food can lead to pre-term labour. Overall, acai can be part of a healthy and safe diet during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is characterized by increased blood pressure and a high level of protein discharge in urine. The high ricinoleic acid content of the oil stimulates bowel movements, acting as a laxative. However, ensure the cucumber is thoroughly washed, and avoid pre-packaged or pre-cut cucumbers where possible. Place the cleaned king prawns in a small bowl and add the juice of 2 limes. Combining sweet potatoes — another amazing pregnancy superfood — with the benefits of oats is a winning combination that will leave you energized and satisfied. Squid ink contains many minerals and amino acids, such as melanin (which gives it its dark color) (source: PubMed). Yes, it is generally safe to eat aguachiles while pregnant as long as the shrimp is fully cooked. vitamin B-6. It’s fine to eat a Lunchable every once in a while during your pregnancy if you find you’re having a strong craving for one. ) Stick with wild salmon over farmed when possible. (Sardines and herring are other good choices. Unpasteurized Foods: High Risk. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the bowl is prepared hygienically, as pregnant. Aguachile verde is a flavorful Mexican appetizer made with shrimp, serrano peppers, and lime. You can order your sandwich, customize it, and pay all on the app. The main risk is the potential for food poisoning from the raw fish or shellfish used in aguachiles. Spicy food can have an adverse impact on your baby. 8. 4. 52 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. 1 small orange (96 g) 29 mcg. There is no need to stop eating fish during pregnancy if you love eating it. Food past. Eating immediately after taking castor oil may interfere with absorption, leading to cramping, bloating, or diarrhea. Pregnant women should avoid consuming prosciutto that is not cooked or heated thoroughly. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables because these provide vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre, which helps digestion and can help prevent constipation. There are, however,. These may contain Listeria, a bacteria that can cause an illness called listeriosis. Shrimp is a good source of protein,. Prepare the marinade. Unpasteurized juices. 5. It’s fine to eat a Lunchable every once in a while during your pregnancy if you find you’re having a strong craving for one. Figs contain a good amount of calcium, iron, potassium, copper and magnesium. 45 grams of. It is safe to eat popcorn while pregnant. McDonalds Breakfast Items – Eating McMuffins, Griddles, Biscuits or Bagels in Pregnancy. The liberal usage of vinegar, especially in dishes like Sushi, also puts the cuisine under the nutrition scanner. 4. Although pregnant women should avoid some cold smoked foods, like smoked salmon, you can safely eat smoked cheddar during pregnancy. Overall, as long as the salad greens are well-washed and the toppings and dressings are safe during pregnancy, there are no unwanted side effects from enjoying a daily salad while pregnant. Salmon is a safe seafood choice for pregnancy, so feel free to enjoy 8 to 12 ounces (two to three servings) a week. If you’re wondering whether agua chiles are safe to eat during pregnancy, the answer is generally yes. Unpasteurized milk or fruit juices. Canned sardines are a safe and nutritious option for pregnant women due to their high omega-3 fatty acid content and low mercury levels. In addition to making healthy food choices, taking a daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting at least three months before conception — can help ensure you're getting enough of this essential nutrient. It is important to make sure the ingredients are fresh and the sandwiches are prepared in a clean environment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should eat 8 to 12 ounces (that's two to three servings) of low-mercury fish every week, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug. Consuming fewer calories can help you.