Sausage tastes delicious and can enhance the taste of soups and sandwiches. An increasing number of pregnant women want it, and it’s safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it’s cooked well and in small amounts. If you are pregnant and want to eat sausage, pick lean varieties that are low in sodium. This will help you eat better. Additionally, opting for organic or nitrate-free options can reduce the potential risks associated with preservatives. That said, it can also lead to certain unwanted pregnancy complications. Should you eat sausage while you’re pregnant? Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of pregnancy sausage eating and make an informed choice.
Pregnancy comes with a whole new set of dietary considerations Foods you once ate freely may now be questionable, like deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw seafood If you’re a sausage fan wondering if chicken sausage is on the “approved” list, read on.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover whether chicken sausage is safe in pregnancy, how to select the healthiest options, proper cooking methods, and signs of foodborne illness. While pregnancy does limit certain foods, you can still enjoy many types of sausage with some simple safety precautions.
Is Chicken Sausage Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
The good news is that it is safe to eat chicken sausage while you are pregnant. Ground or pureed meats are mixed with salt, spices, and other flavorings to make sausage. Chicken sausage simply uses chicken as the base rather than pork or beef.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), any fully cooked sausage made from poultry like chicken is safe to eat in pregnancy as long as you follow proper handling and cooking guidelines.
Undercooked sausage, cross-contamination from raw meats, and foodborne illnesses like listeria and salmonella are the main risks that come with it. As long as you don’t do these things, chicken sausage can be a healthy part of your pregnancy diet.
Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Chicken Sausages
When it comes to nutrition and ingredients, not all chicken sausages are the same. Here are some tips for picking the best options:
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Seek varieties with at least 70% chicken meat and minimal fillers or binders.
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Choose low-sodium options to limit excess salt intake.
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Look for sausages without nitrates/nitrites, MSG, or other concerning preservatives.
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Opt for uncured, preservative-free chicken sausages when possible.
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Avoid highly processed, smoked, or pickled sausages which can harbor bacteria.
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Read labels and select products with short, recognizable ingredient lists.
Focusing on simple seasonings rather than complicated flavor combos reduces the risk of unwanted additives in your chicken sausage. Seek quality over convenience from reputable brands for the healthiest choice.
Safe Handling and Cooking Guidelines for Pregnant Women
You can mitigate the risks of consuming chicken sausage in pregnancy by following strict food safety protocol:
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Cook sausages to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
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Prepare chicken sausages immediately before eating – don’t let them sit out after cooking.
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Always refrigerate raw chicken sausage right away and use within 1-2 days of purchasing.
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Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked meat.
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Be diligent about hand washing before and after handling raw chicken.
Following safe cooking, storage, and hygiene practices greatly reduces the odds of contracting a foodborne illness from chicken sausage while pregnant.
Are There Any Risks With Eating Chicken Sausage?
While considered safe, eating chicken sausage in pregnancy does carry some potential risks to be aware of:
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Undercooked chicken can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. Use a meat thermometer to verify 165°F.
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If left to sit after cooking, bacteria can multiply quickly on perishable cooked sausage.
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Certain precooked, smoked, or cured sausages may have an elevated listeria risk if not heated again before eating.
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Nitrates and nitrites found in some sausage may be linked to certain cancers. Opt for uncured.
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High sodium levels can exacerbate pregnancy-related swelling and increase blood pressure risk. Check labels.
The key is moderating intake of higher-risk varieties, scrutinizing ingredients, and being diligent with food safety practices at home.
Signs of Foodborne Illness in Pregnancy
Pay attention to your body after eating chicken sausage or other perishable foods. Signs of possible food poisoning include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Muscle aches, headache, fever
- Fatigue and general malaise
Contact your doctor right away if you experience multiple symptoms that may indicate exposure to bacteria through contaminated food. Timely treatment is important to avoid dehydration and other complications.
While most healthy adults recover quickly, foodborne illness can be more dangerous in pregnancy due to a weakened immune system. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice as a precaution.
Enjoying Chicken Sausage Safely During Pregnancy
Chicken sausage can be an excellent source of lean protein and flavor in pregnancy when chosen wisely and prepared properly. Here are some delicious ways to eat it:
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In pasta dishes like ziti, penne or orrechiette
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Slice and cook into a veggie egg scramble for breakfast
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Chopped on top of a garden salad for added protein
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Grilled or pan-fried and served with roasted veggies and quinoa
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Baked on mini pretzel buns for easy handheld snacks
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In soups, chili, jambalaya, or other one-pot meals
The culinary possibilities are endless! Just be mindful of labels, ingredients, storage times, cooking temperatures and food safety best practices to protect your health.
The Bottom Line on Chicken Sausage in Pregnancy
You can continue to enjoy the savory flavors of chicken sausage during pregnancy by choosing high-quality, low-sodium uncured brands and preparing them properly. Cook to 165°F, avoid cross-contamination, and refrigerate promptly.
While not completely risk-free, the dangers of foodborne illness from chicken sausage are low if you take precautions. Listen to your body, and seek medical care if you experience any concerning symptoms after eating. With some simple diligence, pregnant sausage lovers can satisfy those cravings safely!
Dry or Semi-Dry Sausage
Most of the time, chopped or ground meat is mixed with dry or semi-dry sausage, cultured well, and then kept fresh by adding sodium nitrite and salt. Sausage casings are then used to enclose the filling, where it is allowed to ferment and then dried. Many popular sausages, such as bologna or pepperoni, fall under the dry or semi-dry sausage category.
Safety Tips
In most of the steps used to make these sausages, like fermentation and drying, the lack of moisture kills any bacteria that could make you sick. But some of them can still remain. Therefore, it’s best not to have dry sausages while pregnant.
Cooked or Smoked Sausage
Sausage made from ground meat or chopped meat seasoned well, cooked and smoked is enjoyed by all. Various sausages such as cooked bratwurst, salami, bologna, hot dogs, and the like are either cooked or smoked.
Safety Tips
The process of cooking is what rid these sausages of any bacteria. So if they are not cooked well or hot, avoid eating them.
To be made fresh, fresh sausage is made from chopped meat that has been properly cured and seasoned ahead of time. Fresh sausages made from pork, beef, or other meats that are great for breakfast and come from Italian cooking are the norm.
Safety Tips
These sausages are quite safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, ensuring they are refrigerated properly when stored and cooked thoroughly before eating is necessary.
Grilling sausages can enhance their flavour and create a deliciously charred exterior. When pregnant women eat grilled sausages, they should make sure they are fully cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This kills any bacteria that might be present.
Safety Tips
Avoid charring or blackening the sausages excessively, creating potentially harmful compounds. Serve the grilled sausages hot and cook them evenly throughout before consuming.
Boiling sausages is a popular cooking method that ensures even cooking and tenderness. This type is made by placing the sausages in a pot and adding enough water to cover them. Once the water starts to boil, turn down the heat to a simmer. Cook the sausages slowly in the simmering water until they reach 165°F (74°C) on the inside.
Safety Tips
Drain the sausages and pat them dry before serving to remove excess moisture. If you are pregnant and want to eat boiled sausages, make sure they are fully cooked by boiling them in water until they are soft.
Baking sausages in the oven can create a crisp outer layer while retaining moisture. Place the sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil to make these. Bake the sausages in the preheated oven until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Safety Tips
To eat baked sausages safely while pregnant, make sure they are done by cutting into the thickest part of the sausage to make sure there is no pink meat or raw meat left inside.
If you want to be sure that any of these kinds of sausages are safe to eat, make sure that you follow the article’s tips for how to store, cook, and reheat the sausages.
Can I eat sausage while pregnant?
FAQ
Can you eat pickled sausage while pregnant?
What meats should you avoid while pregnant?
Is chicken meat safe during pregnancy?
Is chicken sausage good for babies?
Can you eat deli meat during pregnancy?
Processed meats to avoid during pregnancy (unless they are heated to the proper temperature) include deli meat (turkey, ham, bologna, chicken, roast beef, prosciutto, and pepperoni), hot dogs, bacon, and sausages. “If you heat [them] up in a skillet until [they’re] steaming hot, that should kill the bacteria,” says Jarosh.
Can you eat meat while pregnant?
Follow safe food handling guidelines and don’t eat raw or undercooked meat while pregnant. Also, avoid eating deli or lunch meats, bacon, and hot dogs during pregnancy unless you heat these meats until they’re steaming hot or 165 degrees F. Can I eat meat while I’m pregnant?
Can I eat chicken if I’m Pregnant?
Well-cooked chicken and other poultry are safe to eat while you’re pregnant, as long as they’re still hot. But you should avoid cold cooked chicken and processed chicken meat from the deli. Chicken is a good source of protein during pregnancy. About 100g of lean chicken will give you one of your recommended 3.5 daily servings of protein.
Can I eat sausage if I’m Pregnant?
The quick answer is yes, you can enjoy sausage safely when you’re pregnant. That said, there are some food rules you’ll need to follow to ensure you and your baby don’t get sick. Here are the types of sausages you can safely eat, notes for preparing them, and when you should call the doctor if you have concerns.