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.
Pregnancy comes with a whole new set of dos and don’ts when it comes to food. And if you’re a bacon lover, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy those tasty bacon bits during the nine months.
There is good news: as long as you take a few steps, you can eat bacon bits in moderation while you’re pregnant. This complete guide will tell you everything you need to know about eating bacon bits while you’re pregnant, such as:
- The potential risks of eating bacon bits
- How to properly handle and cook bacon bits
- Safe bacon bit alternatives
- What to do if you experience foodborne illness
Can Pregnant Women Eat Bacon Bits?
For short, yes, pregnant women can eat bacon bits as long as they are fully cooked. You can find ready-to-eat bacon bits in stores from brands like Hormel and Oscar Mayer. These are already cooked and can be eaten hot or cold.
Homemade bacon bits and raw bacon carry more risks, as they may contain harmful bacteria if undercooked. As long as you handle raw bacon properly and cook it thoroughly to 165°F, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy.
Potential Risks of Eating Bacon Bits While Pregnant
While perfectly safe when prepared properly, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind when eating bacon bits during pregnancy:
Foodborne Illness
Raw meats like bacon can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli if handled improperly. These bacteria can cause foodborne illness, which is especially dangerous during pregnancy.
However, pre-cooked bacon bits and bacon cooked thoroughly to 165°F kill any bacteria present. As long as you handle raw bacon carefully and cook it well, contamination shouldn’t be an issue.
Nitrates/Nitrites
Bacon contains chemical preservatives called nitrates and nitrites. In high amounts, studies show nitrates and nitrites may increase risk of complications like preterm birth.
To limit your intake, we recommend eating bacon bits in moderation as part of a balanced diet, rather than daily.
High in Fat
Bacon bits are high in fat, especially saturated fat. While dietary fat is essential for your baby’s growth and development, too much can be unhealthy.
Stick to recommended serving sizes of bacon bits, and balance it out by eating plenty of veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats from foods like nuts, seeds, and avocado.
As long as you’re mindful of these potential risks, there’s no reason not to satisfy those bacon cravings during pregnancy. Moderation and proper handling are key for safe enjoyment.
How to Handle Bacon Bits Properly During Pregnancy
If you choose to eat homemade or raw bacon while pregnant, be sure to take precautions during handling, cooking and storage to prevent foodborne illness. Here are some tips:
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Purchase bacon before the sell-by date, Check packaging dates and don’t buy anything past its prime,
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Store properly Keep raw bacon sealed at 40°F or below in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage.
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Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw bacon. Wash hands, surfaces, and tools that touch raw bacon.
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Cook thoroughly. Cook bacon to an internal temperature of 165°F. Microwaved and pan-fried bacon should be crispy.
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Don’t eat undercooked bacon. Send it back if bacon looks undercooked at a restaurant.
Following these safe handling tips minimizes the risks of foodborne illness from eating bacon during pregnancy.
How to Cook Bacon Bits and Bacon While Pregnant
Cooking bacon thoroughly is the best way to kill any potentially harmful bacteria. Here are some safe cooking methods:
Pan-Frying
Frying bacon in a skillet allows you to easily monitor doneness. Place bacon slices in a cold pan in a single layer, then turn heat to medium. Flip occasionally until crispy. Drain on paper towels and blot to remove excess grease.
Baking
Baking gives you crispy bacon without the splattering grease. Place bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, flip halfway through. Drain on paper towels afterwards.
Microwaving
Microwaving is the quickest cooking method, though you’ll lose the crispy texture. Place bacon between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cook for 2-5 minutes depending on amount. Rotate tray and flip bacon halfway through.
Regardless of cooking method, use a meat thermometer to confirm bacon reaches 165°F internally before eating. With proper handling and thorough cooking, bacon and bacon bits can be a tasty pregnancy-safe treat.
Healthy Bacon Bit Alternatives During Pregnancy
If you want to eliminate risks completely, try these bacon bit alternatives to satisfy your cravings:
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Turkey bacon – Lower in fat than pork bacon, but still processed.
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Tempeh or tofu bacon – Crispy bacon-flavored soy/plant-based option.
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Coconut bacon – Vegan alternative with smoky, salty flavor.
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Shiitake mushroom bacon – Gets crispy texture and smoky taste when roasted.
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Eggplant bacon – Thin sliced, marinated, and baked eggplant mimics bacon.
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Dried pork rinds – Crunchy, salty crackers made from just pork skin and salt.
These creative alternatives let you enjoy the crispy, salty, smoky flavors of bacon bits without the risks of raw meat. There are lots of store-bought options, or you can make them at home.
What to Do If You Get Food Poisoning While Pregnant
Properly handling and cooking bacon reduces the risk of foodborne illness. But if you do experience symptoms like:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Contact your doctor immediately. Foodborne illness can be serious during pregnancy.
Let your doctor know if you may have eaten undercooked bacon or other contaminated foods recently. Be prepared to provide a stool sample for testing.
Your doctor can prescribe medications to treat dehydration and nausea caused by food poisoning. Severe cases may require hospitalization for IV fluids and monitoring.
Foodborne illness often resolves on its own within 48 hours, but call your OBGYN right away if you have symptoms during pregnancy. Prompt treatment is key to keeping both you and baby safe.
The Bottom Line on Eating Bacon Bits While Pregnant
Pregnancy comes with an endless list of food rules, but occasional indulgences like bacon bits are perfectly fine. As long as you take proper precautions when handling raw bacon and cook it thoroughly, you can absolutely satisfy those bacon cravings over the next nine months.
Pre-cooked bacon bits and crispy pan-fried or baked bacon are safe for pregnant women when consumed in moderation. Just be mindful of portion sizes and balance bacon out with plenty of veggies, fruits and lean proteins.
If in doubt, alternative faux bacon options like turkey, soy or coconut let you enjoy the flavors risk-free. But with proper handling and cooking, real bacon bits can be a delicious and pregnancy-safe treat.
So go ahead and sprinkle those bacon bits on salads and baked potatoes to your heart’s content. Just be sure to cook them until steaming and crispy. With these simple safety steps, you can still enjoy bacon’s smoky, salty goodness during your pregnancy journey.
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.
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.
PREGNANCY | Reply to @alysiaj2 Bacon Bits are still cookin #mommy #momjoke #twinspregancy #p
FAQ
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Can pregnant women eat bacon?
Board-certified doctor of obstetrics and gynecology Maryam Tarsa, MD, and board-certified doctor of family medicine Joel Fuhrman, MD, shared the four main reasons pregnant people should avoid bacon. Bacon is a class-one carcinogen. Ever wonder why it’s safe to eat pork during pregnancy but not bacon?
Is it safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy?
It is safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy as long as it comes from a reliable source, with appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions for pre-preparation, preparation and packaging of this food.
Can you eat cold cooked bacon when pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can eat cold cooked bacon when pregnant. However, there are some important factors to consider before indulging in this delicious treat. First and foremost, it’s crucial to ensure that the bacon is fully cooked before consuming it. This means that it should be heated until hot, whether it’s fresh or leftover.
Is Bacon a carcinogen if you’re pregnant?
This classifies it as a carcinogen, the effects of which are heightened for pregnant people. “The consumption of bacon, hot dogs, pastrami, and lunch meats, even prior to conception in women, increases the risk of childhood cancers, autism, and brain tumors in their offspring,” Dr. Fuhrman told POPSUGAR.