Importance of food safety during pregnancy

(Kelsey McLaughlin/ Conscious Pregnancy) — Pregnant women commonly wonder if there are certain foods that could impact the health of the baby and pregnancy.

Keep reading to learn which foods pregnant women should avoid and the science behind these recommendations. 

The growing fetus gets its nutrients from the pregnant mother. The umbilical cord attaches the fetus and the pregnant woman and nutrients in the mother’s blood pass through the placenta into the baby’s blood stream. The blood of the mother and the blood of the developing fetus never come into direct contact.

​Therefore, any substances that are in the mother’s blood can be introduced into the baby’s system. Pregnant women are recommended to increase certain nutrients in their diet to support the growth and development of the fetus. On the other hand, pregnant women should also avoid certain foods that could cause harm to the fetus. (…)