Christmas is fast approaching and feasting is a large part of this celebration. Before you start piling your plates, here are few tips to help you eat safely and healthily.

Whether it is in the home or at restaurants, the dining table is always beautifully set for the mood and the delectable buffet looks very inviting. The good news is pregnant mummies can still eat most of what they want and not have to miss out! While you may be “eating for two” this year, don’t let your pregnancy be the reason to overload your plate. Besides, not all foods that are on the menu at Christmas time are completely safe for pregnant mummies to eat.

EATING FOR TWO: REALLY?

Eating well and weight gain nourishes the unborn baby and supports you during breastfeeding. While much of this weight is increased fluid, enlarged breasts and uterus, and the growing baby and placenta, some of those extra weight will stay with mothers even after the birth.

And there are always meat, sugar, thick gravy, and butter in cakes during Christmas which adds calories even if the amount of food consumed is still the same portion. “Eating for two is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially with high calorie foods,” said Dr Goh Shen Li, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at S L Goh Women’s Clinic.

“You risk developing gestational diabetes, indigestion from over eating and excessive weight gain for mummy or foetus.”

“A food that I look forward to at Christmas is the log cake. I liked it even before I was pregnant! My husband will nudge to remind me to watch my sugar level if I eat more log cakes than usual,” said Ms Evelyn Tan, who is in her third trimester.

RUM SOAKED CAKES AND WINE

Some holiday baked goods, such as fruitcakes and certain sponge cakes are soaked in rum and brandy for taste. While it is a norm that preggies are discouraged from drinking wine, a little wine at dinner for the occasion is acceptable.

“One unit of alcohol per week is not harmful to the pregnancy, so one glass of wine or a slice of rum soaked cake is ok,” Dr Goh advised.

But for Ms Tan, she decided to avoid alcohol completely during Christmas.

LOOK OUT FOR RAW FOOD

Undercooked meat like beef or some seafood can be a health threat, especially to expectant mummies. In the case of smoked salmon or honey baked ham, although these are pre-cooked food and usually does not require re-heating, it may be worth the while to ensure that these are served to you cooked. However, they can still be eaten cold if you are up to it. “I would avoid cold food during my first few months of pregnancy, but as I’m now in my third trimester, I would not entirely avoid cold food but eat these in moderation,” said Ms Tan.

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This article is taken from our My Alvernia Magazine Issue #32. Click here to read the issue on our website or on Magzter.