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 an endless list of dos and don’ts Suddenly foods you used to enjoy worry you Is bacon one of them? Can you still enjoy those tasty bacon cheeseburgers or BLTs during pregnancy? Or is bacon off limits for the next 9 months?
In this article, we’ll explore the safety risks proper handling, and preparation of bacon during pregnancy. We’ll also suggest some tempting bacon alternatives in case you decide to forego the pork while expecting.
So keep reading to get the full scoop on bacon and pregnancy!
What Risks Does Bacon Pose During Pregnancy?
Let’s start by looking at why bacon raises a red flag for some pregnant women. Here are the main risks associated with consuming bacon during pregnancy:
Bacteria & Parasites
Raw pork can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, listeria, or toxoplasma. These bacteria can cause food poisoning and other illnesses if you eat undercooked bacon. During pregnancy, foodborne illness poses further risks like miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery.
However, thoroughly cooking bacon to an internal temperature of 145°F kills any lurking bacteria. The risk comes from eating partially cooked bacon.
Nitrates & Nitrites
Bacon contains added nitrates and nitrites to preserve the meat and give it that pink coloring. Some studies link high nitrate/nitrite intake during pregnancy to preterm birth.
However, bacon and other cured meats only make up a small portion of dietary nitrate sources. Vegetables also contain nitrates naturally.
Fat Content
Like all red meat, bacon contains a high amount of saturated fat as well as unsaturated fat. While dietary fat is essential during pregnancy, eating too much can be problematic.
However, bacon can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Those with heart disease or high cholesterol need to be more cautious.
Safely Purchasing, Storing, and Cooking Bacon While Pregnant
Follow these tips for safely buying, storing, handling, and cooking bacon during pregnancy:
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Purchase unopened packs before the sell-by date. Inspect packaging for leaks or damage.
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Refrigerate unopened bacon at 40°F or below. Keep for 3-7 days.
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Freeze unopened packs up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge before using.
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Avoid raw meat contact with other foods during storage and prep.
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Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after raw bacon contact. Use hot, soapy water.
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Cook bacon until it reaches an internal temp of 145°F. It should be sizzling and crisp.
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Do not eat partially cooked bacon or taste during cooking.
Following proper food safety protocol minimizes any risks of illnesses from consuming bacon while pregnant.
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Bacon During Pregnancy
Once you know how to safely handle bacon, you can feel better about enjoying it in moderation during pregnancy. Here are some healthy recipe ideas:
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BLTs: Crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado on whole grain toast.
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Breakfast tacos: Bacon, egg, potato, cheese, and salsa wrapped in a corn tortilla.
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Warm spinach salad: with bacon vinaigrette, hard-boiled eggs, and mushrooms.
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Baked potatoes: Top with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, green onions, and Greek yogurt.
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Carbonara zucchini noodles: Toss with bacon, Parmesan, eggs, and fresh herbs.
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Clam chowder: Cook bacon bits right in the hearty tomato base.
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Brussels sprouts: Roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, and crumbled bacon.
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Burgers or pizza: Add just a couple bacon slices for extra flavor.
By using bacon as a tasty topping or mix-in rather than the main dish, you keep portions controlled.
Healthy Bacon Alternatives During Pregnancy
If you decide to forego bacon altogether during pregnancy, plenty of tempting alternatives exist.
Turkey bacon has less fat than pork bacon. However, it’s still considered a processed meat.
Tempeh or tofu bacon provides smoky flavor without the nitrates, fat, or parasites of real bacon. Marinate soybean products then bake or fry.
Coconut bacon is another vegetarian alternative. To make it, coat coconut flakes with seasoning and bake until crispy.
Eggplant or mushroom bacon substitutes the texture of meat with produce. Simply slice, marinate in spices, and roast veggies until crisp.
Liquid smoke adds smoky flavor to recipes without using actual meat. Sprinkle it on vegetables or add drops while cooking beans, chili, etc.
With a little creativity, you can find plenty of ways to satisfy a bacon craving safely during pregnancy!
The Verdict on Bacon and Pregnancy
Can you enjoy bacon while pregnant? The answer is yes – in moderation, when properly handled and cooked. Like most foods, it comes down to balance and food safety practices.
While it may require a little extra care, there’s no need to fully ban bacon from your diet during pregnancy. Pay attention to portion sizes, avoid undercooked meat, and supplement with veggie alternatives if you wish.
With the right precautions, bacon can be a delicious indulgence you don’t have to miss out on over the next 9 months! Just work with your doctor to determine what’s right for your specific pregnancy health needs.
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 ham?
Ham, including deli ham, should only be eaten if hot and fully cooked.
That means no cold ham sandwiches or room-temperature buffet ham.
But otherwise, go for it.
4 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Eat Bacon
FAQ
What meats are not good for pregnancy?
Is it safe to eat nitrates in bacon while pregnant?
Is a BLT safe during pregnancy?
What breakfast meat is safe during pregnancy?
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.
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.
Why is Bacon important during pregnancy?
Hormone regulation is especially important in pregnant people, particularly during the first trimester, in which HCG hormones — the ones that your body produces to maintain the pregnancy — are at their highest. “When you eat a lot of bacon, it pushes up hormones, fat storage hormones, and growth hormones like IGF-1 ,” Dr. Fuhrman said.