Talking Baby: Holiday Foods For Mothers-To-Be

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - This week on Talking Baby, CBS4 Morning Anchor, Rhiannon Ally, takes a look at holiday foods pregnant women should avoid to keep mom and baby healthy.

First, lets talk turkey!

Turkey is a healthy option for anyone. As long as the turkey is cooked properly, the bird should be fine. But, if you cook your stuffing inside the turkey, that could make you sick.

Dr. Karla Maguire from The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine said stuffing cooked inside the bird could contain harmful bacteria.

"Sometimes the inside of the turkey doesn't get as warm as it should to kill the bacteria," said Maguire.

And what about those delicious smoked meats, spreads and pate's you see at parties? Are they safe for mom and baby? The canned versions are okay, but it's best to err on the side of caution. Steer clear because they can contain listeria, which is dangerous to mom and baby.

Cheese trays may be delicious but moms-to-be need to steer clear of soft cheeses like feta, brie and bleu.

"Soft cheeses tend to be unpasteurized. Pasteurization kills the bacteria. During pregnancy, it's best to avoid soft cheese and save it until after delivery," said Maguire.

It doesn't seem fair, but here's some good news for those expecting. Hard cheeses, like Cheddar and Swiss, are generally fine just make sure you check the label.

And sushi is a definite no-no. The rolls made with cooked fish are fine for pregnant women, but rolls made with raw fish can contain parasites and bacteria.

When it comes to beverages, specifically cider's, juices and egg nog, steer clear of the homemade varieties. The store-bought varieties are mostly pasteurized, but check the label.

The holidays may be a time to celebrate, but it's not worth putting your babies health or your own at risk.
If you accidentally eat something you shouldn't, call your doctor.