While pregnant, we want to make sure were getting good quality nutrients and taking our vitamins. Instead of chips and dip, we snack on nuts and fruit, and we put more spinach in our smoothies.
Being cognizant of the foods you are putting into your body while pregnant is super important!
There are foods and drinks that pregnant women should eat less of or not at all, just like there are foods and drinks that pregnant women should eat more of.
Pulled pork is a classic barbecue staple loved by many But is it safe to eat when you’re expecting? I examined the research and talked to experts to find out,
As an expectant mom, you want to make the healthiest choices for your growing baby. At the same time, pregnancy cravings and food temptations are real!
I totally get the struggle. I love my Southern barbecue, especially juicy pulled pork sandwiches smothered in tangy sauce. When I found out I was pregnant, though, I started second guessing my go-to comfort foods.
Could chowing down on pulled pork put my baby at risk? Or was it perfectly fine to indulge my BBQ obsession?
I had to get to the bottom of this porky puzzle. Let’s walk through what I uncovered, one bite at a time.
Is Pork Okay In Pregnancy?
I wanted to know if pork in general is safe for pregnant women before I looked into pulled pork. The verdict? Lean cuts of fully cooked pork are A-OK for moms-to-be.
In fact, pork provides important nutrients for you and baby, like:
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Protein for baby’s growth and development. A 3 ounce serving of pork packs 25 grams of satiating protein.
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Iron to prevent pregnancy anemia. Pork contains less iron than red meat but still provides a decent amount.
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B vitamins including vitamin B12, niacin, and riboflavin. These supports baby’s nervous system and help convert food into energy.
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Zinc for immune support and cell growth. Zinc ensures your immune system keeps both you and baby healthy.
The main cautions with pork are to avoid raw or undercooked meat, deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs due to listeria concerns. As long as you take basic food safety precautions, though, pork can absolutely be part of a healthy pregnancy diet.
With pork in the clear, now let’s tackle the pulled part.
Is Pulled Pork Safe During Pregnancy?
Short answer: Yes, you can safely eat pulled pork while pregnant as long as it’s fully cooked.
Pulled pork that’s heated to the proper internal temperature will kill any harmful bacteria that could make you sick. Just like with any meat, it’s key to ensure it’s properly prepared.
Here are a few pulled pork safety tips from my OBGYN and registered dietitian:
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Cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. At this temperature, any potentially dangerous germs are destroyed.
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Avoid eating raw or undercooked pulled pork. Make sure there are no pink parts. Undercooked pork may harbor toxoplasmosis parasites, salmonella or E. coli bacteria.
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Order carefully at restaurants. Send it back if any pieces look underdone. At home or dining out, err on the side of overdone when cooking pork.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Bacteria multiply fastest at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Store pulled pork within 2 hours of cooking.
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Reheat to 165°F before eating again. This hot temperature further reduces risk of food poisoning. Microwave until piping hot.
Follow these expert tips, and you can feel confident that homemade or takeout pulled pork poses minimal risks during pregnancy.
What About Nitrates in Pulled Pork Rub?
Besides proper cooking, I wanted to look into another potential concern with pulled pork: nitrate rubs.
Many barbecue recipes call for a spice rub containing sodium nitrate or Prague powder to help cure and add flavor to the pork before smoking or slow cooking.
Could nitrates in pulled pork pose a problem during pregnancy? Here’s what I learned:
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Nitrates themselves are not necessarily harmful. Our bodies even produce small amounts of nitrates naturally.
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The issue is nitrosamines – compounds formed when nitrates interact with proteins at high heat. These may raise cancer risk.
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Vitamin C inhibits this reaction. Most spice rub recipes add vitamin C which prevents nitrosamine formation.
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The amount of nitrates/nitrosamines ingested is very small. Traces absorbed from meat are negligible compared to other dietary sources.
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Alternatives like celery powder can provide natural nitrates. If you wish to err on the side of caution, look for nitrate-free rub recipes.
The consensus is that the tiny amounts of nitrates/nitrosamines in properly prepared pulled pork are not worth stressing over. But it’s something to be aware of if you’ll be cooking pork regularly.
Pulled Pork Cravings During Pregnancy
By this point, I felt assured that enjoying the occasional pulled pork sandwich or taco was perfectly fine for me and baby. But why did I suddenly crave it so much now that I was pregnant?
I discovered my pulled pork urges likely stem from normal pregnancy nutrition needs:
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Protein – Pork is packed with satiating protein for baby’s growth and development. Cravings tell us when we need more of key nutrients.
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Iron – Deficiencies are common in pregnancy. Pork provides heme iron that’s readily absorbed by your body.
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B vitamins – These help convert food into energy. Pork is a great source of energizing B12, niacin and riboflavin.
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Flavor changes – Pregnancy hormones and taste bud changes send your cravings into overdrive. Intense flavors like barbecue sauce appeal most.
Giving in to my pulled pork cravings within reason is actually a smart way to nourish my body and baby. The key is sticking to safe preparation methods and portions.
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Pulled Pork While Pregnant
Barbecue pulled pork doesn’t have to derail your healthy pregnancy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here are some tips from my nutritionist:
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Focus on lean cuts like pork tenderloin or sirloin. These have less fat and calories than shoulder or butt. Remove excess fat before cooking.
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Pair with vegetables and whole grains. Make it a bowl or sandwich with slaw, baked beans, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, quinoa, etc.
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Use lighter sauces and seasonings. Opt for vinegar-based barbecue sauce instead of sugary, creamy sauces. Spice it up with chili powder, garlic and cumin instead of salt.
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Portion control matters. Stick to about 3-4 ounces of pulled pork with lots of veggie sides for balance. Slow down and savor the flavors.
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Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, milk or diluted juice. Barbecue’s salty, spicy flavors can dehydrate you.
Enjoying pulled pork in a healthy way just takes a little planning. You’ve got this!
The Verdict: Can You Eat Pulled Pork While Pregnant?
After reviewing the evidence, I can happily conclude that occasional pulled pork is A-OK during pregnancy as long as these guidelines are followed:
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Cook pork thoroughly to safe internal temperatures.
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Eat fully cooked pork from reputable restaurants/vendors only.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat fully before eating.
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Opt for leaner cuts and healthier sides and sauces.
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Limit portions and savor the flavors.
Satisfying pulled pork cravings within reason allows you to reap the nutritional benefits while avoiding risks. Take it from this mama: you can enjoy your barbecue favorites and have a healthy pregnancy too!
Now who wants to join me for a juicy pulled pork sandwich? I’m buying!
Safe cheeses to eat while pregnant
- All hard pasteurized cheeses
- American
- Colby Jack
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Feta
- Ricotta
Why do certain foods need to be avoided?
While pregnant, some foods can not only negatively affect you, but they can also affect your unborn baby. Harmful illnesses and foodborne bacteria can cross the placenta to your baby.
Some of these bacteria we’re going to talk about can lead to things like:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Low birth weight
- Premature delivery
- Neurological issues in baby
- Birth defects
It’s important to remember that the chances of these things happening to you are very low. The risk is still there, which is why we talk about it!.
Now, let’s get into the foods to avoid while pregnant.
What I EAT 6 months PREGNANT in a VAN
FAQ
Can I eat barbecue pulled pork while pregnant?
Is it safe to eat pork while pregnant?
Is it safe to BBQ when pregnant?
Can pregnant ladies eat smoked meats?
How to cook pork during pregnancy?
Whenever you prepare pork for a meal, you must ensure that it is properly cooked. By properly cooked, it means that pork must reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. This helps in killing of all possible bacteria that could affect the pregnant woman or the baby.
Is it safe to eat food during pregnancy?
Not every food is safe to eat during pregnancy. Some foods may be harmful to you or your baby because of the way they’re cooked or because of germs or chemicals they contain. These foods are OK to eat during pregnancy in limited amounts: Fish that have small amounts of mercury. Mercury is a metal that can harm your baby.
Can you eat hotdogs during pregnancy?
Don’t eat these foods during pregnancy. They can be really harmful to you and your baby. Certain meats and fish Raw or undercooked meat, including beef, poultry and pork. This includes hotdogs and deli meat (like ham or bologna). If you eat hotdogs or deli meat, cook them until they are steaming hot or just avoid completely.
What happens if you eat undercooked pork?
If the pork you eat is undercooked, there is a potential for worms to pass from the meat into your intestinal tract. This can be dangerous and result in infection. It’s particularly harmful during pregnancy because it can infect both mother and baby.