Everyone’s favorite social media star, model, and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen, is having trouble with her third pregnancy. She is in the hospital right now, but that hasn’t stopped her from posting about her favorite snacks on social media. In a recent Instagram story, she showed off a ham and cheese sandwich that her famous husband, musician John Legend, had made.
Teigen has said in the past that she craves cold cuts, like late-night Lunchables, while she’s pregnant, but deli meats can be dangerous for pregnant women.
Pregnant women are advised to avoid processed meats to prevent listeriosis, an illness caused by the bacteria listeria. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population. However, Teigen said she can lower her risk while still satisfying her craving for cold cuts.
“If you microwave [deli meat] you can actually kill whatever listeria,” Teigen said in her Instagram stories. “You don’t have to microwave it all the way through; just a little is enough. It’s a way to fake it.” “.
The CDC says that pregnant women shouldn’t eat hot dogs, lunch meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (like bologna), or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to 165°F or until steaming hot right before serving.” This is why you should microwave cold cuts. “.
Eating the right foods during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both mother and baby. However, with so much conflicting advice out there, it can be confusing to know what is safe and what should be avoided. One particular food that often causes uncertainty is uncured ham.
What is Uncured Ham?
Uncured ham refers to any type of ham or pork product that has been preserved and aged without the use of nitrates or nitrites. This includes popular varieties like prosciutto, Parma ham, Serrano ham, Iberico ham, speck and pancetta.
Unlike cooked ham, uncured ham is not heated to high temperatures during processing. Instead it is cured with salt, seasoned and then air dried or smoked. This results in ham that has a more intense richer flavor compared to cooked ham. However, the curing process alone does not fully cook or kill potential bacteria.
Is Uncured Ham Safe During Pregnancy?
The main concern with eating uncured deli meats like ham during pregnancy is the risk of contracting the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Known as “toxoplasmosis”, this parasite can be found in undercooked meats and unwashed vegetables and fruits.
An infection usually causes no symptoms for healthy adults. However, contracting toxoplasmosis for the first time while pregnant can lead to serious health problems for the baby such as hearing loss, vision problems or developmental delays.
While properly cured ham is low risk health organizations still recommend pregnant women avoid all uncured uncooked deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot. This includes prosciutto, Parma ham, salami, pepperoni, sopressata, Serrano and Iberico ham.
Thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) will kill any parasites or bacteria present in uncured ham.
Tips for Safely Consuming Uncured Ham While Pregnant
If you want to enjoy your favorite cured hams during pregnancy, there are ways to reduce your risk of illness:
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Opt for prepackaged sliced ham and reheat until steaming before eating. Avoid meats sliced fresh at the deli counter.
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Cook uncured ham to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Ideas include adding ham to pizza, pasta, quiche or omelets.
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Buy uncured ham from reputable brands and inspect for an expiration date. Properly cured and stored ham has a lower risk of parasites.
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Wash all vegetables that may have contacted uncured ham thoroughly, including lettuce, tomatoes, etc.
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Microwave uncured ham on high for 60 seconds before consuming to kill potential toxoplasma parasites.
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When dining out, avoid menu items containing raw or undercooked ham unless you can confirm it was cooked thoroughly.
Healthier Alternatives to Uncured Ham While Pregnant
If you want to eliminate the risks of toxoplasmosis from uncured ham, some healthier alternatives include:
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Cooked turkey, chicken and roast beef lunch meats
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Beans, lentils and chickpeas for plant-based protein
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Peanut or almond butter sandwiches
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Hummus and avocado on toasted bread
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Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
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Hard-boiled eggs
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Tuna, salmon or other fish packed in water
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Cheese slices or sticks
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Soy-based meat substitutes like seitan or tofu dogs
The Bottom Line: Is Uncured Ham Totally Off Limits?
While completely avoiding deli meats is the most cautious option, occasional consumption of uncured ham is unlikely to pose a serious health risk if it is handled properly. Reheating deli ham until steaming, buying prepackaged brands and thoroughly cooking uncured ham mitigates most dangers for pregnant women.
To stay on the safe side, try swapping out higher risk items like prosciutto for prepackaged ham or heat-treated alternatives. But an occasional piece of pizza with Parma ham or a toasted ham and cheese sandwich is permissible when prepared properly. As always, thoroughly washing produce and maintaining good food safety practices is key to keeping mama and baby healthy.
Why do deli meats pose a risk to pregnant women?
“Because deli meats are so delicious and common, women are often surprised to find out that they may not be able to have them in pregnancy,” said Dr. Steve Rad, MD, an OBGYN and Medical Director of Los Angeles Fetal & Maternal Care Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers, told TODAY. According to Chrissy Teigens Instagram, he also happens to be her OB-GYN.
Listeria is usually found in deli meats, hot dogs, soft cheeses, smoked seafood, milk that hasn’t been pasteurized, store salads, meat spreads, pate, and even fruits and vegetables.
“Normally, deli meats are OK if you are not pregnant. But pregnant women, whose immune systems are already weaker, are many times more likely to get listeria than non-pregnant people. If they do, it can be very bad for both the mother and the developing baby, leading to miscarriages, poor fetal growth, early labor and birth, stillbirth, and infections in both the mother and the baby, Rad said.
Mothers can get seriously sick, too, explained Rad, as listeria can cause fevers, diarrhea and blood stream infections.
“The overall risk may be low, but listeria infection during pregnancy can be very dangerous for the mother, the baby, and the fetus, which is why so much care needs to be taken,” Rad said.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Ham? IS Ham Safe During Pregnancy?
FAQ
Can I eat cooked uncured ham while pregnant?
Can I have uncured deli meat while pregnant?
Is cured or uncured meat better for pregnancy?
Can pregnant women eat Christmas ham?
Can you eat ham during pregnancy?
Here’s the bottom line on ham (and other deli meats) during pregnancy: Nearly all types of food can carry listeria, not just deli meats. According to the CDC, pregnant women are ten times more likely to get sick from listeria. However, listeriosis, while very serious, is still extremely rare.
Can pregnant women eat ham terrine?
Pregnant women should not consume ham terrines (e.g. ham hock terrine), Rillettes or Pâté in pregnancy. This is because these dishes are formed from chopped and mixed pieces of ham, making them more susceptible to listeria contamination. These are best avoided in pregnancy, even if heated up (which you probably wouldn’t want to do anyway!).
Can you eat Parma ham during pregnancy?
The NHS advises being cautious with Parma ham or other cured meats during pregnancy, unless it is cooked throughly. This is because cold cured meats like Parma ham are not typically cooked before serving, so may contain the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection which can cause miscarriage.
Can you eat a ham and cheese sandwich during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a ham and cheese sandwich, which includes deli meat and cheese, is complicated. It’s generally recommended to avoid deli meat and other processed foods like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon until after the baby is born.