While pg can I eat...........?

[HulaJenn]

1. Probiotic yogurt?
I've heard that some soft cheeses are supposed to be avoided.
Are live bacterial cultures (activia) safe to eat while pg?

2. Wild meat (venison/deer)?

Is there a thread on here that has a list of things to avoid while pg (certain herbal teas, etc...)?
I have done this twice before and it's funny how one forgets and is so suddenly reminded that everything you put in your mouth could have a consequence! :-)
Thanks in advance!

[Pastrydemon]

really quick answer:

1) Active culture yogurt is great for you -- especially while pregnant. It's soft cheeses that are to be avoided during pg due to the (slight) risk of listeriosis

2) Oh hell yes you can eat wild game -- just make sure it's cooked properly!

[GISDiva]

First off, congrats!

Yogurt is great, as is taking probiotic supplements, as yeast infections and tummy upset is much more common in pregnancy and they can help stave them off. Try to stick to yogurt that isn't so sweet (like plain yogurt, I like to flavor it with dried orange peel and nuts), because excess sugar will only give food to the yeasties and will defeat the purpose.

The wild game one is a first, I'm not sure about that one. My first instinct would be to say as long as it's well-cooked, but someone else might have a more educated opinion on that one.

As far as a list of what not to eat, you'll find lots of varying opinions here. For instance, the soft cheeses are often said to be a no-no, but many of us eat it with abandon. Some of the "warnings" go a bit too far in my opinion. Deli meat is another one you hear a lot, but I always avoided that before I was pregnant because you just never know what they chop up in there!

[clintonhillmama]

most cheese in the US is pasturized, so you can eat it - soft, hard, whatever!

[HulaJenn]

First off, congrats!

Deli meat is another one you hear a lot, but I always avoided that before I was pregnant because you just never know what they chop up in there!

OMG I laughed so hard! That is too true. Unfortunately I am craving salty meat like genoa salami or proscuitto! LOL

[kluella]

Oh I sure hope that venison is okay because that's the only meat we keep in this house, aside from an occasional package of chicken breasts!

I am 24 weeks and have never questioned whether venison was good for me. I would say it's healthier than any other meat you can get, in fact. It is lower in fat and higher in protein than beef, pork, etc. And you know (if your family hunts) what that animals was eating, and that they weren't treated with antibiotics, hormones, etc. It adds further mental security for me that we butcher it ourselves, so I see how the meat was handled from the time the animal was killed to the time it's on my plate. That can be really reassuring in our factory-farming world.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=139

This website also mentions that it has more iron and in a more absorbable form than beef, another plus for pregnant women!

[HulaJenn]

Oh I sure hope that venison is okay because that's the only meat we keep in this house, aside from an occasional package of chicken breasts!

I am 24 weeks and have never questioned whether venison was good for me. I would say it's healthier than any other meat you can get, in fact. It is lower in fat and higher in protein than beef, pork, etc. And you know (if your family hunts) what that animals was eating, and that they weren't treated with antibiotics, hormones, etc. It adds further mental security for me that we butcher it ourselves, so I see how the meat was handled from the time the animal was killed to the time it's on my plate. That can be really reassuring in our factory-farming world.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=139

This website also mentions that it has more iron and in a more absorbable form than beef, another plus for pregnant women!

Thanks. I figured it was safe to eat (and like you said -WAY more healthy!) but I suddenly got paranoid about it (I know in our area, deer and moose are high risk for Chronic wasting disease).

Anyone know about green tea? Didn't I hear that it was good if you were ttc but after you were pg it could cause m/c?
Arg i really should quit reading so much! LOL

[kluella]

Oh, we don't have CWD around here (knock wood) but my understanding is that it is VERY obvious if an animal has it-low body mass, stumbling/erratic movements, excessive salivation. Basically, they don't behave like normal, healthy deer (and other cervids). I would of course caution against eating animals with suspicious-looking behavior, but even if they have CWD, as long as you avoid brains, organ meats, etc. the chances of transmission are very very slim.

[busybusymomma]

Green tea is okay, in moderation same as you would other teas or coffee. :)