Holiday Food Safety Tips for Expecting Moms

The holiday season is a time for celebration, delicious meals, and indulgent treats—but if you’re expecting, it’s also a time to be extra mindful about food safety. Pregnancy can make you more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, which can affect both you and your baby. With the hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings, it’s easy to overlook key safety precautions.

Here’s a guide to help you enjoy festive meals while keeping you and your little one safe:

1. Avoid Undercooked Meat, Seafood, and Eggs

Pregnancy increases the risk of infections like listeria, salmonella, and toxoplasmosis. Make sure any meats, poultry, seafood, or eggs are thoroughly cooked:

• Poultry: Cook until no pink remains and juices run clear.

• Meat: Beef, lamb, and pork should reach safe internal temperatures.

• Seafood: Avoid raw fish or shellfish, including sushi, oysters, and ceviche.

• Eggs: Enjoy fully cooked eggs; skip runny yolks or homemade dressings made with raw eggs.

2. Skip Soft Cheeses and Unpasteurized Dairy

Certain cheeses are more likely to carry listeria.

Avoid:

• Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, feta, and queso fresco (unless clearly pasteurized).

• Unpasteurized milk or dairy products.

Stick to hard cheeses or pasteurized varieties—your taste buds won’t miss out, and your baby will thank you.

3. Keep Hot Foods Hot and Cold Foods Cold

Holiday buffets, potlucks, and gatherings can be tricky for temperature control.

As a general rule:

• Foods should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

• Keep cold foods like salads, dips, and desserts on ice.

• Keep hot foods steaming or in warming trays until served.

This helps prevent bacteria from multiplying and keeps meals safe for you and your baby.

4. Food Safety Tips: Wash Produce Thoroughly

Even if produce is pre-washed, giving fruits and vegetables an extra rinse is a smart move. Wash all fresh produce under running water, and scrub firm-skinned fruits and vegetables like potatoes, apples, and cucumbers.

5. Practice Clean Hands and Surfaces

Frequent handwashing is key, especially when handling raw meats or eggs. Make sure cutting boards, utensils, and counters are sanitized to avoid cross-contamination.

6. Be Mindful of Leftovers

Holiday meals often result in plenty of leftovers—here’s how to store them safely:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

• Keep foods in shallow containers to cool quickly.

• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.

• Reheat to at least 165°F (74°C) before eating.

Enjoy the Holidays Safely and Nourish Yourself

The holidays can be a time of joy, connection, and nourishment, even during pregnancy. By keeping these food safety tips in mind, you can enjoy your favorite seasonal dishes with confidence.

At Couture Wellness, we believe that every stage of pregnancy deserves intentional, nutrient-rich support. Our registered dietitians can help you create a pregnancy-friendly nutrition plan that keeps you energized, nourished, and satisfied—through the holidays and beyond. From managing cravings and optimizing nutrient intake to preparing for postpartum recovery, we’re here to support you and your growing baby every step of the way.

Reach out today to learn how we can help you enjoy a healthy, happy pregnancy with confidence.