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· 30 Dec 2021

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Why Can’t Pregnant Women Eat Lunch Meat?

Meat is delicious and nutritious during pregnancy, but you must take some measures to avoid foodborne diseases. When pregnant, follow safe food handling recommendations and avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Furthermore, avoid eating lunch or deli meats, bacon, or hot dogs while pregnant unless they're piping hot or 165 degrees F. So here are some of the information about why you can't pregnant women eat lunch meat.

Is It Okay For Me To Eat Meat During My Pregnancy?

Yes. Many pregnant women seek and enjoy eating meat since it is a good source of protein and iron. However, it would help if you took measures. Certain varieties of beef, as well as meat that hasn't been prepared or handled correctly, can endanger you and your baby's health.

Listeria, toxoplasma, and salmonella are among the parasites and bacteria that can cause food poisoning in meat and poultry. Because pregnancy reduces your body's immune system and ability to fight disease, these disorders are especially harmful to pregnant women. Because their immune systems are still developing, unborn newborns are more vulnerable to infection.

Why Are Pregnant Women Unable To Consume Deli Meat?

When you're pregnant, it's recommended not to eat deli or lunch meats unless they've heated to 165 degrees F shortly before serving.

Avoid The Following Meats:

•    Meats for the deli (such as turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, prosciutto, and bologna).
•    Sausages that haven't been cooked (such as salami and pepperoni).
•    Pâtés and meat spread that can be refrigerated.
• You've made your cures.

Maintain 40 degrees F or less temperature in your fridge to prevent bacteria from growing in these meats. However, it would help heat the dish until it is steaming hot before eating it to destroy the bacteria. Foods like canned chicken or ham, as well as shelf-stable smoked fish, are safe to consume.

Is It Okay To Eat Hot Dogs Or Bacon When Pregnant?

Hot dogs and bacon, like deli meats, can carry viruses such as listeria. Before eating, heat the flesh until they're piping hot, or 165 degrees F. After a week in the refrigerator, trash the packaging after it's opened.

There are preservatives called nitrates and nitrites, and other processed meats are also a risk. The intake of this chemicals-laced meat regularly has been linked to elevated cancer risk. According to research, the consumption of nitrate-containing foods may also increase the risk of preterm birth in women taking nitrosatable medicines during pregnancy. Finally, hot dogs and bacon are high in sodium and saturated fat, both of which should consume in small amounts.

Conclusion:

Only if the meat is properly handled and prepared, because the quantity of antibiotics that reaches your baby when you consume meat is so tiny, your child is unlikely to be damaged in this way. On the other hand, antibiotic-laced beef or poultry could include antibiotic-resistant germs, which develop in animals given antibiotics regularly. You could get an antibiotic-resistant infection from this meat if it is not handled or cooked correctly. These infections can result in severe disease or even death. Always follow food safety recommendations to avoid becoming ill from antibiotic-laced beef (or any meat). The information given above will clear all your doubts regarding why you can't pregnant women eat lunch meat.