Find out if its safe to eat pork during pregnancy, including pork pies and pork scratchings. Plus, precautions to take to keep you and your baby healthy.
Pregnancy cravings can strike at any moment, and when that craving hits for something like crunchy pork crackling, it can be hard to resist But is this tasty treat actually safe for moms-to-be? Let’s take a closer look at whether pork rinds and scratchings are okay during pregnancy
What Exactly Are Pork Cracklings?
Pork cracklings go by a few different names but all refer to the same snack. Here are the key details
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Also called pork rinds, pork scratchings, or chicharrones.
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Made from fried or baked pork skin that puffs up and becomes crispy.
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Often seasoned with salt or other spices and flavorings.
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Sold as snacks in bags, available flavored or plain.
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Shreds of pork skin can be fried in oil or baked until puffy at home.
Are Pork Rinds Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
The good news is that pork rinds are considered safe to consume in moderation during pregnancy. Here’s why:
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During processing, they are fully cooked at high heat, which kills any bacteria or parasites that might be on them. Properly cooked pork is safe.
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Pork cracklings don’t contain raw meat, just the fried or baked skin. No health risks from undercooked meat.
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When plain, pork rinds offer protein, vitamins, and minerals. Choose unseasoned for the most benefits.
So yes, pork scratchings are safe for pregnant women when enjoyed in reasonable amounts. But there are some things to keep in mind, covered next.
Potential Concerns With Eating Pork Crackling While Pregnant
While generally safe, here are a few potential downsides of pork rinds in pregnancy:
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High in salt: Flavored varieties can be very high in sodium, which should be limited. Stick to plain.
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High in fat: Up to 80% of calories can come from fat. Balance intake with veggies and fruits.
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Lack key nutrients: Not a very nutritious snack overall. Pair with more vitamin-rich foods.
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May contain preservatives: Check labels and avoid varieties with nitrites or nitrates.
The main thing is to enjoy pork rinds in moderation as part of an overall healthy pregnancy diet. Be mindful of portions and pair them with more nutritious foods.
Healthy Ways to Eat Pork Crackling When Pregnant
Here are some tips for satisfying pork rind cravings in a healthy way during pregnancy:
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Choose plain, unseasoned varieties to limit salt and preservatives.
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Read nutrition labels and pick options lowest in fat, salt, and calories.
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Stick to small, 1-2 ounce portions for a snack – not giant bags!
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Balance intake by also eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, dairy, etc.
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Use pork rinds as a crunchy topping on salads for added texture.
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Pair pork crackling with fresh salsa, guacamole, or hummus for more nutrition.
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Substitute baked pork rinds for part of breadcrumbs in recipes.
Enjoying the occasional small serving of pork scratchings along with an otherwise balanced diet is perfectly fine for expecting moms!
Are There Any Health Benefits to Eating Pork Rinds During Pregnancy?
In their plain, unseasoned form, pork rinds can actually offer some benefits during pregnancy:
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Protein: Provides protein for baby’s growth and development. Choose rinds over chips for this benefit.
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Iron: Small amounts of iron help prevent pregnancy anemia. Pork contains more iron than many snack foods.
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B vitamins: Important for mom’s energy levels. Thiamine, niacin, B6 and B12 are present.
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Zinc: Helps immune health for mom and baby. Pork is one of the best food sources.
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Magnesium: Supports bone health and muscle function.
So snacking on plain pork rinds in moderation can provide important vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. Just keep portions small and balance with other nutritious foods.
How Should You Store Pork Crackling When Pregnant?
Like any perishable food, it’s important to store pork rinds properly during pregnancy. Follow these tips:
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Check sell-by date: Do not eat rinds past their expiration date.
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Seal bags tightly: Keep unused pork rinds in original packaging or sealed bags.
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Refrigerate after opening: Keep open bags chilled at 40°F (4°C) or below.
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Use within 2 weeks: Consume opened rinds within 2 weeks for safety and quality.
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Watch for spoilage: Do not eat rinds that smell unpleasant or are moldy. Discard if signs of spoilage.
Proper storage keeps pork cracklings fresh and prevents foodborne illness, critical during pregnancy. Follow the above steps for storing scratchings safely.
The Bottom Line – Can Pregnant Women Enjoy Pork Rinds?
Moderation is key, but the answer is yes – pregnant women can safely satisfy cravings for pork rinds and scratchings in reasonable amounts. Focus on unseasoned, natural varieties, keep portions small, balance with nutritious foods, and practice proper storage.
While not the most vitamin-packed snack around, plain pork cracklings can provide important nutrients for expecting moms like protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Just pair them with fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy, etc. for a well-rounded diet.
So go ahead and indulge those pork rind cravings occasionally during pregnancy – just do so mindfully. With some common sense, pork crackling can be part of a healthy diet for you and baby!
The official advice on eating pork in pregnancy
Great news! Pork is safe to eat when you’re pregnant, providing you ensure the meat is well cooked. If you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to get food poisoning, so make sure the juices run clear before you eat pork.
Whether you’re enjoying pork chops, pork mince or a roast pork joint, the NHS advises that all meat, including pork, must be fully cooked during pregnancy. If you eat pork while you’re pregnant, always make sure there is no trace of pink or blood.
If you eat raw or undercooked meat, there is a small risk of getting toxoplasmosis. This is an infection caused by a parasite that lives in raw meat, soil and cat poo. Toxoplasmosis can make your unborn baby very unwell and potentially lead to pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and stillbirth.
Pork pies
Pork pies usually have sausage meat, bacon lardons, and pork mince baked in a pastry crust. Sometimes pork pies are served cold, but it’s okay to eat them while pregnant because the meat is fully cooked from baking them. You might be shocked at how many calories are in a pork pie, though, so eat it in moderation, especially if you don’t want to gain too much weight during pregnancy.
Pork scratchings
Providing the meat has been fully cooked, pork scratchings are safe to eat while you’re pregnant. Pork scratchings are pieces of pork skin that have been roasted or fried in fat until they are nice and crispy. Because they often have a lot of salt and saturated fat, they should only be eaten once in a while.
If you love pork, try one of these great recipes that won’t hurt your baby. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked and has no pink left.
The Day-by-Day Pregnancy Book: Count Down Your Pregnancy Day by Day by Dr Maggie Blott is packed full of advice from a team of experts to help guide you through your pregnancy from conception to birth. See more details here at Amazon.