Can Pregnant Women Enjoy Vienna Sausage? A Look at the Safety Risks

Cravings during pregnancy are real. And when that hankering hits for salty, savory vienna sausages, you may wonder – can I really eat these canned mini sausages safely? Let’s explore the pros and cons.

What Exactly Are Vienna Sausages?

First, what are vienna sausages? These little cocktail-sized sausages are made from a combination of pork and chicken or beef. The cooked meat mixture is packed into small casings, smoked, and canned.

Common brands of vienna sausage include Armour Hormel Libby’s, and Van Camp’s. You’ll find them sold in the canned meat aisle at any grocery store.

Vienna sausages make a quick, shelf-stable snack or addition to meals. But with mystery meats sealed in a can, are they truly safe for pregnancy? Let’s break it down.

Potential Benefits of Vienna Sausage

When enjoyed in moderation, vienna sausages can provide some nutritional upside for pregnant women:

• Protein – 7 grams of protein per 2 sausages boosts your daily intake.

• Iron – 10% or more of your recommended iron, which prevents anemia.

• B12 – Necessary for energy and brain development.

• Convenience – Shelf-stable and ready to eat provides easy snacking.

As long as you read labels and choose lower sodium options, mini sausages can be a handy source of protein and nutrients in pregnancy.

Potential Risks of Eating Vienna Sausage

However, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind with canned sausages:

• Sodium – Can contain 30% or more of your daily limit per serving.

• Nitrates/Nitrites – Used as preservatives in cured and processed meats.

• Listeria – Canned foods may harbor this dangerous bacteria.

• Hypertension – Processed meats are linked to high blood pressure.

• Cancer – There is an association between frequent processed meat intake and certain cancers.

Because pregnancy already increases likelihood of high blood pressure and swelling, vienna sausages are best limited to occasional use rather than daily snacking.

Tips for Safely Enjoying Vienna Sausage

To indulge your cravings while minimizing risks, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Read labels and choose lower sodium options when possible.

• Look for varieties without nitrates/nitrites.

• Ensure cans aren’t dented, cracked, or leaking before opening.

• Rinse sausages with clean water before eating to remove excess sodium.

• Heat sausages to steaming hot before consuming.

• Enjoy only occasionally as a treat alongside healthier snacks like yogurt, fruit, and vegetables.

With care around preparation and portion size, an occasional vienna sausage may be reasonably safe in pregnancy.

Healthier Alternatives to Vienna Sausages

When you want a savory, protein-packed snack but want to avoid the pitfalls of canned sausage, consider these alternatives:

• Lean deli meats – Roast beef, turkey, ham heated to steaming.

• Hard boiled eggs – High protein, easy to make ahead.

• Natural jerky – Look for grass-fed beef or turkey options without nitrates.

• Roasted chickpeas – For a crunchy snack packed with fiber and protein.

• Bean dips – Try hummus, edamame dip, or black bean dip with crackers or veggies.

• Greek yogurt – Choose plain, whole milk varieties. Mix in fresh fruit.

• Nut butters – Look for all-natural peanut or almond butters. Enjoy with apple slices or whole grain toast.

With some easy, healthy swaps in your snacks and meals, you can meet your needs without the concern of excessive sodium and nitrates from vienna sausage.

Warning Signs to Stop Eating Vienna Sausage

Pay attention to any concerning symptoms that arise after eating vienna sausages or other processed meats. Call your doctor if you experience:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea – Potential signs of food poisoning.

• Headache, stiff neck, fever – Possible symptoms of listeria infection.

• Blurred vision, swelling – Can signal high blood pressure associated with excess sodium.

• Stomach pains, heartburn – Processed meats may trigger GI issues.

Discontinue canned sausages and speak to your OBGYN right away about any worrying symptoms. Don’t take chances with your health or your baby’s.

The Bottom Line on Vienna Sausage in Pregnancy

Can you indulge those vienna sausage cravings occasionally? The verdict is:

• Yes, vienna sausages can be reasonably safe in moderation, but daily intake or large portions are not recommended.

• Look for lower sodium options and ensure proper storage, heating, and prep.

• Alternatives like natural deli meat, yogurt, and beans offer similar nutrition without the risks.

• Stop eating canned sausages right away and call your doctor if you experience concerning symptoms.

While it’s fine to enjoy a few vienna sausages here and there, make these convenient canned meats just a small part of your overall healthy prenatal diet. With some easy food swaps and careful prep, you can still satisfy your cravings for savory sausages during your pregnancy journey.