Can I Eat Honey Baked Ham While Pregnant? A Definitive Guide

Pregnancy comes with a whole host of dietary dos and don’ts. Recommendations seem to change frequently, making it hard to keep track of what’s actually safe to eat One food that often causes confusion is ham, especially popular varieties like honey baked ham

As an expectant mom, can you indulge in this tasty holiday favorite? Or does ham pose a health hazard that should be avoided?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about eating honey baked ham during pregnancy You’ll learn about

• The safety of ham and deli meats in pregnancy
• Proper handling and reheating tips
• Potential risks to be aware of
• How to enjoy ham in moderation

Let’s dive in so you can feel confident making informed choices about ham!

Is It Safe to Eat Honey Baked Ham While Pregnant?

The main concern with deli meats like ham during pregnancy is listeriosis, an infection caused by the Listeria bacteria. Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to contract listeriosis, which can lead to pregnancy complications.

However, the overall risk is very low, especially when proper food safety practices are followed. The key is reheating ham to 165°F until steaming hot before eating. This effectively kills any Listeria bacteria present.

As long as honey baked ham and other cooked hams are freshly heated, they pose minimal risks during pregnancy. The honey glaze used is not a concern since the high baking temperature also eliminates bacteria.

So yes, you can safely satisfy your honey baked ham cravings while pregnant as long as you take the proper recommended precautions!

Tips for Safely Enjoying Honey Baked Ham

Here are some best practices for minimizing risks when eating honey baked ham while pregnant:

• Reheat thoroughly – Heat slices or pieces to 165°F until steaming. This kills any Listeria present.

• Eat freshly heated – Don’t let reheated ham sit at room temperature. Eat it immediately after heating.

• Avoid cross-contamination – Use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked ham.

• Check for leftovers – Do not eat refrigerated leftovers. Only eat freshly reheated ham.

• Enjoy in moderation – Ham is high in sodium, so limit portions. Other meats provide more nutritional benefits.

Following these simple guidelines allows you to safely satisfy your honey baked ham cravings!

Are Other Types of Ham Safe During Pregnancy?

In addition to honey baked ham, other fully cooked hams like spiral cut ham, boneless ham, and canned ham are also safe for pregnant women when reheated. Partial cooking during the curing process kills potential parasites.

Cold cuts, luncheon meats, ham steak, and country cure hams carry more risks if eaten without thorough cooking. They require careful reheating as well until steaming to destroy any Listeria bacteria.

Cured meats like prosciutto, Serrano, and Iberico ham are less concerning since the curing process inhibits bacterial growth. But heating them provides an added safety precaution.

What Are the Risks of Eating Ham While Pregnant?

Eating ham without proper handling or reheating does pose the following risks during pregnancy:

• Foodborne illness from Listeria, Salmonella, Toxoplasma, or other bacteria

• Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery from infection

• Illness in newborns infected in utero

• Flu-like symptoms in mother like fever, chills, diarrhea, and vomiting

While the chances of these complications are low, they can be very dangerous. Following food safety guidelines reduces the risks significantly when eating ham.

How Much Ham is Safe to Eat?

While ham can be safety enjoyed in moderation during pregnancy, it’s best not to overdo it. Here are some serving tips:

• Limit ham sandwiches to just 1-2 times per week

• Eat no more than 2 oz of ham per serving

• Avoid deli meats at high-risk establishments like buffets

• Choose ham occasionally over other protein sources like beans, chicken, fish

• Watch your sodium intake, as ham is very high in salt

Enjoy ham as part of a balanced diet, but don’t make it your primary protein source while pregnant. Some sensible precautions keep both you and baby safe.

Other Ways to Enjoy Ham Flavor

If you decide to limit your ham intake during pregnancy, there are other ways to satisfy your cravings:

• Add ham flavor to dishes like soups, omelets, pasta, or risotto

• Use ham bones to make bean or pea soups with rich ham broth

• Dice a small amount of ham for flavor in recipes like fried rice

• Substitute ham with smoky, salty ingredients like bacon, olives, smoked paprika or cheese

With a little creativity, you can fulfill your ham cravings without overindulging while pregnant. A little ham flavor goes a long way.

The Bottom Line on Honey Baked Ham During Pregnancy

Honey baked ham, when properly handled and reheated, can be safely enjoyed in moderation during pregnancy. While there is a slight risk of foodborne illness, proper food safety precautions greatly minimize that chance.

Use your best judgment to make smart choices for you and baby. If in doubt, have a small portion or avoid ham altogether. But with the right handling, you can absolutely give in to your honey baked ham craving!