Finger food and New Year parties can seem like a minefield of party treats you can't indulge in if you're pregnant. But there are things that can keep your healthy pregnancy on track. Find out what's on the menu for you this New Year, and what's not...
Seafood
ENJOY
You can eat sushi as long as the fish was frozen first (the raw variety may contain tiny worms that are killed by freezing). Ready-made sushi should be fine as regulations mean that the fish must be frozen first. But a restaurant making sushi may use fresh fish, so ask before you order.
AVOID
Shellfish, including oysters, prawns and mussels, can cause food poisoning, unless served piping hot.
Puddings
ENJOY
Christmas cake - although if it's home-made check that the icing doesn't contain raw egg - mince pies, cake, trifle and most shop-bought ice-cream - as long as it's been made using pasteurised eggs.
AVOID
Give puddings containing raw or partly cooked eggs a miss, such as home-made mousse, cheesecake and meringues, as these can contain salmonella.
Cold meats
ENJOY
Smoked salmon is safe. However, if it's been on a buffet table for a while, the risk of listeria increases.
AVOID
Parma ham and salami. These are cured but not cooked and can cause toxoplasmosis, which can adversely affect your baby's development.
Salads
ENJOY
Leafy green salads, but only if you make sure they're thoroughly washed first.
AVOID
Coleslaw can contain listeria. Also, steer clear of salads made with home-made mayonnaise, as the raw eggs may contain salmonella. Mayonnaise from a jar is a good, safe alternative.
The nut bowl
ENJOY
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help keep the skin soft. Omega-3 is also essential for your baby's brain and nervous system.
AVOID
Recent research has questioned current government guidelines that advise pregnant women to avoid peanuts in order to reduce the risk of your child developing a peanut allergy. Further studies are now under way in the UK to clarify the situation.
Cheese board
ENJOY
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, and pasteurised soft cheeses like Boursin.
AVOID
Soft mould-ripened cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, and blue cheeses like Stilton. These can contain listeria unless they're cooked thoroughly and eaten hot.
Mulled wine
AVOID
Hot, spiced wine counts as a proper drink and alcohol's on the not-to-touch list. Ask your man to stock up on non-alcoholic wine or elderflower cordial for New Year. At least it means fewer calories - every cloud and all that!
Remember...
Don't worry if you eat something accidentally - the risk of food poisoning is small. But you're more susceptible due to changes to your immune system, and the consequences can be long-term. If you're not sure how food has been prepared, ask, or play it safe and avoid it.
