Publisher's Synopsis
Proper food hygiene and preparation is always recommended, especially during pregnancy. However, this is not always easy to do, since some foods may already be contaminated when you purchase them. For this reason, it's best to avoid certain foods as much as possible. Your health and that of your unborn child should come first. A healthy diet during pregnancy is essential to provide all the nutrients needed by a mother and her growing baby. It is a common misconception that pregnant women need to "eat for two". Most of the additional nutrients needed during pregnancy can be obtained by selecting appropriate foods and eating a high-quality nutrient-dense diet. However, there are some specific recommendations, which include taking folic acid supplements in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. It is also important for pregnant women to adopt good food hygiene practices to minimize the risk of food poisoning from harmful bacteria and to avoid substances in foods and drinks that might be potentially harmful to them or their growing baby.