There’s nothing quite like a crispy bit of bacon to feed that salt craving. However, before you eat that savory treat, should you check again? Yes, pregnant women can eat bacon, but they should probably limit their intake. Bacon is high in fat and salt, so it’s not the healthiest food choice, but they can enjoy fully cooked bacon while they’re pregnant.
That all-important question: how often can a pregnant woman eat bacon? Here are all the facts you need to know about bacon while pregnant.
As an expecting mom, I was excited to indulge my pregnancy cravings but also wanted to make smart choices. One of my frequent cravings was for hearty breakfasts with turkey bacon. I loved starting my day with a satisfying turkey bacon egg sandwich or BLT made with turkey bacon. But then I started second guessing myself – is turkey bacon actually safe for pregnancy?
I didn’t want to take any risks, so I did thorough research on the safety, risks, and benefits of eating turkey bacon while pregnant. I talked to my doctor, read reputable medical sources, and scoured pregnancy forums to hear real women’s experiences.
After looking at all the evidence, I’m happy to report that turkey bacon can absolutely be part of a healthy pregnancy diet! Here’s what I found out about savoring this tasty cured meat during the nine months of expecting.
The Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Bacon
One of the best things about turkey bacon is that it provides important nutrients for you and your growing baby. Two slices contain:
- Protein – Around 13 grams per serving for strong muscle growth
- Vitamin B6 – Supporting baby’s developing brain and metabolism
- Vitamin B12 – Helping form red blood cells and DNA
- Iron – Preventing pregnancy anemia
- Zinc – Aiding immune health and cell division
- Potassium – Regulating heart rate and blood pressure
Turkey bacon gives you these essential vitamins and minerals without too much saturated fat or cholesterol like pork bacon. It’s a leaner alternative to enjoy.
Is There a Safety Risk With Nitrates?
One concern some moms have is whether nitrates and nitrites in cured and processed meats are safe. Turkey bacon contains them for preservation and color.
The good news is that studies show nitrates are unlikely to cause issues at the small levels used in turkey bacon, Consuming them occasionally as part of a balanced diet is considered safe for pregnant women
Tips for Safer Consumption
To get the benefits of turkey bacon without any worries here are some expert tips
- Choose turkey bacon made without artificial preservatives or sugars when possible
- Look for uncured or preservative-free options
- Cook thoroughly until crispy to reduce any risk from bacteria
- Keep portions to about 2-3 times per week as recommended
- Balance with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
As long as you follow basic food safety rules you can feel good about your turkey bacon cravings!
My Doctor Gave It the Green Light
I brought up my turkey bacon questions at my next prenatal checkup. My obstetrician said that in moderation, turkey bacon is perfectly fine for pregnant women. She recommended keeping portion sizes reasonable and cooking it fully. Her guidance helped put my mind at ease!
Other Pregnant Moms Say Yes to Turkey Bacon
When I polled women in pregnancy forums and Facebook groups, the consensus was generally pro-turkey bacon. Many moms continued eating 2-3 turkey bacon servings weekly during their pregnancies without any issues. Some did mention they tried to buy uncured or organic turkey bacon when possible. But most said regular turkey bacon was a safe option.
Watch Out for Preparation Methods
While turkey bacon itself gets the okay during pregnancy, it’s wise to use caution with preparation methods. Frying turkey bacon in loads of oil or butter could lead to excessive calories or inflammation.
Healthier cooking tips include:
- Cooking on a griddle or baking in the oven
- Microwaving for convenience
- Avoiding deep frying or greasy pans
- Draining excess fat after cooking
- Skipping high-fat sauces and spreads
Preparing your turkey bacon wisely minimizes pregnancy health risks.
Turkey Bacon is a Smart Swap
Instead of eliminating bacon entirely during pregnancy, swapping to turkey bacon is an excellent alternative. It allows you to still enjoy the smoky, savory flavors you love in a more nutrition-packed form.
Turkey bacon offers far more benefits than drawbacks for expecting moms who indulge cravings in moderation. After lots of research, I feel happy continuing to enjoy my favorite turkey bacon breakfasts and sandwiches during my pregnancy. Try some yourself, and I bet you’ll also get the okay from your doctor!
Can pregnant women eat uncured bacon?
If the big concern is around nitrates, can you worry less about eating uncured bacon?
Uncured bacon is still cured, but using natural preservatives.
It still contains high levels of fat and sodium though, so should be eaten in moderation.
Are there any other foods you can eat instead of bacon for now? Let’s take a look.
Can pregnant women eat turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative to regular bacon, as it is lower in fat and calories.
However, turkey bacon is still a processed meat.
It is safe to eat when it’s fully cooked, but it doesn’t have the same satisfying crunch as a crispy slice of pork bacon.