Pregnant and craving an Oscar Mayer wiener? Here are three interesting facts to know about eating a hotdog while expecting. This meat is affordable, easy to make, and goes with almost anything. However, this tasty treat is safest if you are not expecting a child. Keeping the dogs away will be especially difficult with the summer months and the Fourth of July holiday on the horizon for soon-to-be parents.
Consider what could happen if you are unaware of the potential dangers. It’s not ideal because hotdogs and similarly refrigerated meats, like bologna, are processed and can contain harmful bacteria. Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to indulge.
Can Hotdogs Cause Foodborne Illnesses?
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One of the top reasons to avoid eating a hotdog during pregnancy is the potential to contract foodborne illnesses like Listeriosis, caused by the bacteria Listeria found in deli meats, soft cheese, and cured meats like sausage and hotdogs. Not only is it harmful to the mother but also to the fetus because whatever someone consumes is directly absorbed through the placenta. Symptoms include an upset stomach, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, fever.
Eating the above meat and cheeses can increase the risk of contracting Listeriosis, which can lead to premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Experts recommend staying away from them until after giving birth. Remember, it doesn’t matter how well they are heated. If you plan to eat one occasionally, microwave it or heat it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, although this won’t help with Listeriosis.
Should You Avoid Hotdogs While Pregnant?
In addition to potentially contracting foodborne bacteria after eating hotdogs, nitrates containing large quantities of sodium are present. Sodium nitrate is a preservative added to cured meats to extend their shelf life and enhance color. Sodium nitrates are salts, and limiting salt intake during pregnancy is paramount because excess salt intake can cause high blood pressure and swelling of the hands, feet, and legs.
High blood pressure during pregnancy, also known as preeclampsia, can be fatal and lead to preterm birth, so it is best to limit your intake by staying away from foods with a high sodium content. Also, consider how your body reacts to eating certain foods, like hotdogs, because there is always a possibility that your sensitivity to them can become worse. For example, you may develop allergies even if you have never experienced them. But can you enjoy hot dogs in moderation? Let’s see.
Frankfurters Safe In Moderation While Expecting?
Is eating hotdogs and other foods containing high amounts of sodium during pregnancy okay if you indulge in moderation? Does it matter how well the food is cooked? According to experts, having an occasional hotdog during pregnancy is okay, but be mindful that there are still risks of contracting harmful bacteria. Avoid purchasing them from stores or roadside stands that do not disclose the ingredients, so you don’t push the envelope.
Therefore, if you have concerns about contracting harmful bacteria during pregnancy by eating processed meats, it’s best to avoid them altogether until your baby is born. That way, you keep yourself and your child safe and avoid imminent risks. Because, in this case, the benefits outweigh the risks. You can, however, avoid these risks by going for vegetarian-style hotdogs and lean, uncured meats containing no preservatives or additives.
Conclusion
Hotdogs are tasty and can be quite tempting because they are one of the cheapest foods available on the market, are tasty, and you can prepare them in large quantities. Still, they can be harmful during pregnancy due to additives and preservatives like sodium nitrates, as well as the potential to cause Listeriosis and similar foodborne illnesses. Pregnant people should exercise caution if they can’t seem to shake the craving and should not indulge until they consult their obstetrician.
Remember, your child’s health starts with you, so why not start them off right? It can be tricky, though, to ignore specific cravings, especially when you are in a vulnerable state like pregnancy, so don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself with a craving. After all, you are creating a new life, so cut yourself some slack. And don’t forget that it’s okay on rare occasions.
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