Ceasar salads while pregnant

June 30, 2008

I'm 15 weeks today and I didn't realize that i'm not suppose to be eating ceasar salads due to the raw eggs in the dressing and i've been pigging out on them for the last week!!! Could I have done any serious harm to my baby?

June 30, 2008

You will be ok if you haven't already been sick . . it's hard to remember what you can and can't eat. . .but the most important thing is not to stress about it and just avoid ceaser salad from now on.

June 30, 2008

Holly congrats it is ok not in gallon loads treat it like a the hot dog and lunch meats stuff.

June 30, 2008

I think like they said- in moderation, as with the hotdogs and meats and sodas ;)

I wouldnt worry- :)

June 30, 2008

Thanks girls! I've been craving ceasar salads like a crazy women, but NO more for me!!!!!! :)

June 30, 2008

Holly you can have it but don't go crazy with it...
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KEM

June 30, 2008

you can't eat lunch meat??
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KEM

June 30, 2008

I have never heard that...ever

June 30, 2008

Hi Holly!

I think your fine. Just as long as you dont eat them everyday. Act as if it's lunch meat or hot dogs! I eat lunch meat a few times a week but only if it's fresh! I wont eat it if it's 2-3 days old. I eat them the day I buy them! And it's mostly turkey. You're lucky your craving salads! I bet your having another girl!
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KEM

June 30, 2008

I posted that too early.....I would have never thought of that! What else are you not supposed to eat. I know the obvious stuff like soda and stuff.

June 30, 2008

What do you think Dr.Q?

June 30, 2008

Does something like Kraft Dressing using that raw egg in their Caesar dressing as well? I had asked my doctor this same question Holly and she just said everything other than alcohol in moderation is just fine.

June 30, 2008

ok the biggest concern is the listeria that you can get. So just stop eating the salads and you'll be fine :) No damage, don't worry!

June 30, 2008

Yeah, I bought kraft Liane and it has the raw eggs and I just looked and so does the kraft ranch dressing. Looks like i'm just going to have to kick this ceasar salad craving out the door! :)

Anyway, how was your weekend get-a-way with hubby? Did you guys have a lot of fun?? Can't wait to see another pic of you this week!!! :)

Thanks Sarah! What is listeria? Just a form of bacteria?

June 30, 2008

yes but is really really harmful to you and baby.

What is Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that is found in water and soil. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil, and animals can also be carriers. Listeria has been found in uncooked meats, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk, foods from unpasteurized milk and processed foods. Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking. There is a chance that contamination may occur in ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs and deli meats because contamination may occur after cooking and before packaging.

What are the risks of a pregnant woman getting Listeriosis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 2,500 persons become seriously ill each year in the United States and among these, 500 will die. According to research, pregnant women account for 27% of these cases. The CDC claims that pregnant women are 20 times more likely to become infected than non-pregnant healthy adults.

How will I know if I have Listeriosis?

Symptoms of Listeriosis may show up 2-30 days after exposure. Symptoms in pregnant women include mild flu like symptoms, headaches, muscle aches, fever, nausea and vomiting. If the infection spreads to the nervous system it can cause stiff neck, disorientation or convulsions. Infection can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the third trimester when your immune system is somewhat suppressed. Be sure to contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Can Listeriosis harm my baby?

If you are pregnant and are infected with Listeriosis, you could experience:

Miscarriage

Premature delivery

Infection to the newborn

Death to the newborn (only 22% of cases with perinatal Listeriosis result in stillbirth or neonatal death)

Early treatment may prevent fetal infection and fetal death.

How is Listeriosis treated?

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics during pregnancy. These antibiotics, in most cases, will prevent infection to the fetus and newborn. These same antibiotics are also given to newborns with Listeriosis.

What can I do to protect my baby from Listeriosis?

Following these guidelines can greatly reduce your chances of contracting Listeriosis.

Eat hard cheeses instead of soft cheeses: The CDC has recommended that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses and Mexican style cheeses such as queso fresco, queso blanco and Panela.

Hard cheeses such as cheddar and semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella are safe to consume. Pasteurized processed cheese slices and spreads such as cream cheese and cottage cheese can also be safely consumed. The most important thing to do is read the labels!

Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats or deli meats unless they are properly reheated to steaming (or 160 F): Eating out at certain restaurants that provide deli meat sandwiches such as Subway is not recommended for pregnant women since they do not reheat their deli meats. Therefore Subway recommends that pregnant women eat non-luncheon meat items such as meatball, steak & cheese, roasted chicken, seafood & crab and tuna (limit 2 servings a week).

Do not eat refrigerated pates or meat spreads.

Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is contained in a cooked dish, such as a casserole.

Practice safe food handling:

Wash all fruits and vegetables

Keep everything clean including your hands and preparation surfaces

Keep your refrigerator thermometer at 40 degrees or below

Clean your refrigerator often

Avoid cross contamination between raw and uncooked foods (this includes hot dog juices)

Cook foods at proper temperatures (use food thermometers) and reheat all foods until they are steaming hot (or 160 F)

Proper Temperatures for Cooking Foods:

Chicken 165-180 F

Egg Dishes 160 F

Ground Meat 160-165 F

Beef Medium well 160 F

Beef Well Done 170 F (not recommended to eat any meat cooked rare)

Pork 160-170 F

Ham (raw) 160 F

Ham (precooked) 140 F

Refrigerate or freeze food promptly.

June 30, 2008

Thanks Ash! I hated to go without my ceasar salads, that was so hard for me! lol

June 30, 2008

WOW, thanks Sarah! Do you think I should call my doc and go on a antibiotic just in case?

June 30, 2008

no I think you're fine, I had a ton of em too before knowing. :)