By Sarah Baafi
Pregnant women have been advised to enjoy the Christmas season in moderation by paying close attention to food safety and nutrition, especially during the harsh, dusty harmattan period.
Principal Midwifery Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Felicia Martey Dodoo, said festive eating must be guided by the fact that “we are dealing with two lives” and that the baby depends entirely on what the mother consumes.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show during a discussion on “Safe Festive Foods For Pregnant Women,” she noted that expectant mothers are not banned from enjoying Christmas meals, but must be deliberate about their choices.
According to her, nutrition is critical in pregnancy, and the abundance of food and parties at Christmas increases the risk of unsafe eating habits for pregnant women.
She cautioned strongly against alcohol intake in any form, including “one glass of wine once in a while,” stressing that it is not safe at any stage of pregnancy. She further advised pregnant women to avoid leftover foods, especially cold salads brought home from parties, unless they are thoroughly reheated, as such foods are easily contaminated and can cause food poisoning.
Madam Martey Dodoo also warned against overly oily meals and highly processed foods, explaining that too much oil predisposes pregnant women to heartburn and excessive weight gain.
She said cravings are normal due to pregnancy hormones, but women should be careful with energy drinks and other unhealthy options, as some of these can interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients such as iron.
On food safety, she urged pregnant women to ensure that all meats are well cooked before eating and that fruits and vegetables are properly washed. In the absence of vinegar, she recommended using salt in water to thoroughly clean produce before consumption. She added that pregnant women should stay away from leftover salads during the festive period because of the high risk of contamination.
The midwife revealed that many of the cases that present at health facilities during Christmas include diarrhoea and severe heartburn linked to unsafe food and excessive oil in meals. She encouraged pregnant women who suspect food poisoning not to travel long distances to major hospitals but to report first to the nearest clinic or health facility for immediate attention.
Outlining a recommended “four-star diet” for expectant mothers, she mentioned grains such as maize, millet and sorghum; tubers including yam and plantain; seeds and legumes like agushi and groundnuts; as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, mango, pineapple, lettuce and carrots.
She added that these should be combined with animal protein from sources like chicken and meat to provide a balanced festive plate.
Madam Martey Dodoo emphasised that water intake is also crucial and advised pregnant women not to wait until they feel thirsty before drinking. Regular hydration, she noted, helps prevent constipation, headaches and skin dryness, all of which can be worsened by the dry harmattan weather.
