Ice cream, salad at the beach bar: What can I eat while pregnant this summer ?

Knowing what you can and can't eat during pregnancy can quickly become a headache. So when the season of barbecues, snacks, and ice cream rolls around, can you indulge like everyone else ? Here's a little clarification on how to enjoy summer flavors while staying cautious during your pregnancy 🤰☀️.

Diet and the hot weather be careful !

When you're pregnant, summer requires extra vigilance when it comes to food choices for one key reason: the heat. High temperatures increase the risk of bacterial growth, especially listeria and salmonella. These two can be very harmful to both the expectant mother and her baby.

Salads, raw vegetables  wash everything !

Especially if you're not immune to toxoplasmosis. Be sure to wash all raw vegetables thoroughly before preparing them, as well as any utensils used to prepare them.

Craving ice cream is it safe when pregnant ?

Beware of artisanal ice cream

Artisanal ice cream often contains unpasteurized ingredients (such as cream or milk) that may carry listeria or salmonella. They are, therefore, at a higher risk of containing dangerous bacteria during pregnancy, especially in hot weather. It's best to avoid these for now and opt for industrial ice cream instead.

How about a sorbet?

Made from water and fruit puree, sorbets are super refreshing. Unlike ice cream, they contain no fats, and there's no risk of listeria or salmonella.

If you're on vacation abroad, though, be cautious. Only consume industrial sorbets to ensure the quality of the water. If the water isn't potable, you risk exposure to bacteria, both for you and your baby.

What about seafood?

Seafood is a great source of nutrients for pregnant women: rich in iodine, vitamins, and minerals, it supports thyroid function and the development of the brain in your baby. Therefore, it’s not off limits during pregnancy but should only be eaten if it’s well cooked. So, yes to cooked seafood like shellfish, whelks, crabs, or lobsters, but no to oysters and raw fish like salmon or scallop carpaccio.

Lunch at a restaurant what should I eat ?

Certain foods, like salads, should be avoided because you can't be sure how they were washed. Keep this in mind, especially if you're not immune to toxoplasmosis ! Opt for pasta, rice, and be sure to eat well cooked or grilled meat.

And you know the drill by now: skip dishes like carpaccio, tartare, raw or smoked meats and fish, shellfish, and raw or lightly cooked eggs. Similarly, avoid cheeses made from raw milk.

What if I’m having a barbecue with friends?

Check out our dedicated article where we've gathered all the essential information so you can enjoy yourself while staying safe!