Pregnant women need more protein in their diet. But they must also be careful about which protein sources they consume because certain meats aren’t safe to eat while pregnant.
One question many first-time expecting mothers ask us is, “can you eat pork while pregnant?“
There are a lot of different types of pork meats to choose from. This page will discuss whether pork and pork products can be included in the pregnancy diet.
We will also cover the health benefits and risks you should know about eating pork while pregnant. Keep reading to find out more.
Can You Eat Pork While Pregnant?
Pork can be eaten while pregnant as long as it’s thoroughly cooked. Pork meat can be a healthy addition to the pregnancy diet if eaten in moderation.
However, it is essential to choose a lean cut of pork because this meat is known to be fatty. Eating high fat during pregnancy could be harmful because it increases the risk of high cholesterol, gestational diabetes, and other health complications.
Pregnant women can continue to eat pork chops, pork roast, ground pork, and other types of pork. Real pork meat is good for pregnant women because it contains the following nutrients:
- Protein
- Iron
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
While pork does have nutritional benefits, it should only be eaten in moderation during pregnancy. Pork meat contains a high amount of sodium. On average, every 100 grams of pork meat contains 64 grams of sodium.
Is Pork Safe During Pregnancy?
Pork is safe during pregnancy as long as it’s cooked well. When you eat any pork while pregnant, it should always be cooked to 165 F.
Most people can eat pork cooked to 145 F.
However, during pregnancy, a woman will have a weaker immune system. This puts them at a higher risk of getting food poisoning or a foodborne illness from eating pork cooked to a temperature lower than 165 F.
This rule of thumb doesn’t just apply to pork. Every type of meat you eat during pregnancy should be cooked to this temperature to kill off any harmful bacteria. This is how you can ensure the meat is safe and won’t make you sick.
Pregnant women should never eat raw or undercooked meat.
Undercooked pork could put women at risk of bacterial infection, such as listeria or E coli.
Types of Pork & Pregnancy
Pregnant women can still enjoy pork chops, pork roast, and other cuts of pork. However, there are many different types of pork products.
Let’s look at some of the most popular pork meats and if they are okay to eat while pregnant.
Can You Eat Bacon While Pregnant?
Mostly, it’s okay to include bacon in the pregnancy diet. However, there are some rules that pregnant women will need to follow.
The bacon should always be cooked well-done (extra crispy). Once a package has been opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator for seven days.
Bacon should only be eaten in moderation while pregnant. Eating a serving once or twice a week is perfectly fine.
However, you shouldn’t eat bacon every day. This is because it’s high in fat, sodium, nitrates, and nitrites. Too many of these ingredients can be harmful during pregnancy.
Can You Eat Ham While Pregnant?
This is a yes and no-answer. You see, there are several types of ham. Some are safe for pregnant women, while others should be avoided.
Here is the simplest answer to avoid confusion.
Cured meats should be avoided. This means that you should avoid deli ham and lunch meat ham.
However, cooked ham and canned ham are safe to eat during pregnancy. This is because they have been cooked to a temperature that kills off harmful bacteria.
Ham should only be eaten in moderation during pregnancy. It has a high level of sodium and nitrates.
If a pregnant woman eats too much ham regularly, she is at risk of high blood pressure and other health issues.
Can You Eat Pork Sausage While Pregnant?
There are several types of sausages that you can choose from.
During pregnancy, it’s only safe to eat fresh pork sausages fully cooked to 165 F. Fresh sausage contains raw ground pork meat and other ingredients.
However, certain types of sausages should be avoided during pregnancy. During this time, women should completely avoid eating pork sausages that are precooked or cured.
There is a higher risk of bacterial infection when pregnant women consume these products.
Can You Eat Pork Roll While Pregnant?
Some people call it pork roll, while others call it Taylor ham.
This tasty pork product is a common pregnancy craving. But it’s also processed meat. So, can pregnant women eat pork rolls?
In moderation, pork roll is okay for the pregnancy diet. However, pregnant women shouldn’t eat it cold. Always make sure it’s cooked to 165 F and served steaming hot.
Occasionally eating pork rolls can be good for pregnant women because it’s a good source of protein and iron. It also contains Vitamins A and C.
However, it’s not recommended to eat daily because it’s high in sodium, cholesterol, and fat.
Can You Eat Deli Pork While Pregnant?
Plenty of pork products, such as salami and bologna, are available at the deli. However, experts recommend keeping all types of deli meat off the menu when pregnant.
Deli meat can contain listeria and other types of bacteria.
However, there’s one exception if you strongly crave a particular deli meat. Pregnant women can safely eat deli meat if it’s cooked steaming hot.
Can You Eat Pork Ribs While Pregnant?
Cooked pork ribs are generally fine for pregnant women.
The primary determinant of whether pregnant women can eat them is how they’re cooked. If the ribs have been cooked to 165 F in the slow cooker, oven, or barbeque, they are fine to eat.
But pregnant women shouldn’t eat ribs that have been smoked.
All smoked foods, such as salmon or kebabs, should be avoided during pregnancy. This is because there is a higher risk of infection.
Smoked meats can leave pregnant women with stomach pain, fever, dehydration, or diarrhea.
Can You Eat Pork Hot Dogs While Pregnant?
Hot dogs are not recommended for the pregnancy diet. They don’t contain essential nutrients that support your baby’s growth and may contain listeria bacteria.
That being said, pregnant women are allowed to have a treat occasionally. It’s not unusual to crave a hot dog on the barbecue if you’re pregnant during the summer.
Consuming pork hot dogs during pregnancy is okay if the hot dog has been thoroughly cooked to 165 F to kill off the bacteria.
Can You Eat Cold Leftover Pork While Pregnant?
One rule of the pregnancy diet you may have heard is not to eat cold meats.
This rule applies to cold cuts, such as deli meat and cured meats. It also applies to uncooked meat. This is because of the risk of food poisoning.
But can you eat pork while pregnant that’s leftover and refrigerated? Now, when it comes to leftovers, this rule doesn’t apply.
Pregnant women can eat cold leftover pork but must follow proper food safety to avoid pregnancy complications.
Leftover pork is okay to eat if it is cooked thoroughly. The pork also must be refrigerated within 2 hours of being cooked and must be consumed within two days of being cooked.
Can You Eat Pork While Pregnant At A Restaurant?
With all the dos and don’ts of the pregnancy diet, women often feel overwhelmed about ordering at a restaurant.
If you want to order a meal that contains pork, it’s only safe to eat if it has been cooked thoroughly.
Make sure you avoid ordering dishes that use cold pork products.
However, hot dishes like pulled pork or pork pie are usually safe to eat. However, we recommend requesting that your food be cooked well to avoid complications.
Best Pork Meals For Pregnant Women
If you enjoy pork, many dishes are safe to enjoy during pregnancy.
Below are some of our favorite hot meals with pork that are also safe for pregnant women.
- Stuffed pork tenderloin
- Pork dumplings
- Pork pies
- Pulled pork nachos
- Pork and potato soup
- Pork carnitas
- Balsamic pork chops
- Pork Marsala
- Pork meatballs
Final Words
The answer to “Can you eat pork while pregnant?” is yes.
However, pregnant women must ensure that any pork they eat is cooked to a temperature of 165 F.
If the pork is not well-done, it can contain harmful bacteria, such as listeria. Pork meats should also be eaten in moderation because they contain high levels of sodium and fat.
What is your favorite way to cook pork?
Let us know in the comments below.