Want a hot strip of bacon while you’re pregnant? The smell of crispy bacon can be hard to resist, but you might be wondering, “Is it safe to eat bacon while I’m pregnant?” Don’t worry, bacon-loving mom-to-be! This article will go over the hot topic of eating bacon while pregnant. We’ll cook up some information about the possible risks, benefits, and safety measures to help you decide what to do about your bacon cravings. Take a seat, get your taste buds ready, and let’s talk about the link between bacon and pregnancy in all its juicy details!
Bacon is usually processed pig meat, which comes in a lot of different kinds at the market. The meat is processed a lot, but the source may be different. For example, bacon made from turkeys is also available. The main thing that all bacon has in common is that it is processed. The meat is made to undergo a process called curing, which involves treatment with a lot of condiments. Bacon is cured using salt, spices, nitrites, and sometimes even with sugar, which gives it its characteristic taste. The salt keeps the meat from going bad for a long time, and the spices give it a sour taste.
Eating bacon while pregnant is a controversial topic. Many pregnant women love the taste of crispy, salty bacon and don’t want to give it up for 9 months. But is it actually safe to eat bacon during pregnancy? Let’s dive into the pros and cons.
Potential Benefits of Eating Bacon While Pregnant
Here are a few potential benefits of eating bacon in moderation during pregnancy
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Protein – Bacon contains high-quality protein which helps support fetal growth and development. The recommended protein intake for pregnant women is 75g per day. Two slices of bacon contain about 6g of protein.
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Iron – Bacon contains some iron, an important mineral that helps prevent anemia in pregnant women. Anemia during pregnancy raises the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.
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Choline – Bacon is a good source of choline, a nutrient that supports brain development in babies. Studies show higher choline intake in pregnant women benefits infants’ information processing speed and memory.
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Flavor – For some women, bacon satisfies intense savory cravings during pregnancy. Eating moderate portions may help curb cravings for less healthy foods.
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Happiness – Let’s face it bacon makes many people happy! Occasionally indulging in bacon may improve mood for some pregnant women.
Potential Risks of Eating Bacon While Pregnant
However, there are also some potential downsides to eating bacon during pregnancy:
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Nitrates – Bacon contains nitrates and nitrites to preserve freshness and add color. In the body these can turn into nitrosamines, which are carcinogens linked to colorectal cancer. Nitrosamine exposure may be particularly harmful during pregnancy.
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Salt – Bacon is very high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium during pregnancy can increase swelling and blood pressure. The recommended sodium limit for pregnant women is 1500-2300 mg per day. Just 3 slices of bacon contains over 500 mg sodium.
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Listeria – Listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate deli meats like bacon. Listeria infection during pregnancy (listeriosis) can cause miscarriage, preterm labor, and illness or death in newborns. Cooking bacon thoroughly can reduce this risk.
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Gestational Diabetes – Bacon is high in fat and has been linked to impaired glucose tolerance. Eating a lot of bacon may increase pregnant women’s risk of developing gestational diabetes.
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Mercury – Some bacon contains traces of mercury, a heavy metal that can cross the placenta and harm fetal neurological development. However, bacon is not a significant source of mercury during pregnancy. Fish is a greater concern.
Expert Recommendations on Eating Bacon While Pregnant
Most healthcare providers recommend pregnant women avoid or severely limit bacon intake. Here are guidelines from major health organizations:
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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises pregnant women to limit bacon to no more than 2 servings per week.
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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends pregnant women avoid processed meats like bacon entirely to minimize risk of listeria infection.
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The World Health Organization classifies processed meats including bacon as “carcinogenic to humans”. They advise pregnant women to avoid processed meats to reduce cancer risk.
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The American Pregnancy Association says occasional bacon will likely not harm a baby, but moderation is key. They recommend no more than 1-2 servings bacon per week while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tips for Enjoying Bacon Safely During Pregnancy
If you choose to eat bacon while pregnant, here are some tips to reduce the risks:
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Choose uncured bacon without nitrates or nitrites. This eliminates carcinogenic nitrosamines.
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Opt for lower-sodium bacon to limit swelling and blood pressure issues.
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Cook bacon thoroughly until crispy to kill any listeria bacteria present.
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Eat bacon in moderation – no more than 1-2 times per week.
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Pair bacon with vegetables to reduce fat, sugar, and carb intake.
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Choose turkey or vegetable-based “bacon” as a safer alternative.
The Bottom Line
Can you eat bacon while pregnant? Occasional bacon in moderation is unlikely to harm your baby. However, healthcare providers recommend pregnant women avoid or strictly limit bacon due to increased risks of cancer, listeria, and high blood pressure. Following a healthy diet focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is ideal during pregnancy. If you really love bacon, saving it for an occasional treat in small portions is best. With precautions like choosing uncured/low-sodium varieties and cooking it thoroughly, pregnant women can likely enjoy bacon sparingly without endangering their health or their baby’s. But when in doubt, it’s safest to say no to bacon while you’re expecting.
It Can Cause Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a common bacterium which is found in raw bacon. It has been found that pregnant women are far more susceptible to attacks by this bacteria. Listeria can dramatically increase the risks of miscarriage in pregnant women. Therefore, it is imperative that you cook the meat properly before consuming it.
Bacon is typically high in sodium, which can contribute to water retention and increase blood pressure. During pregnancy, eating too much sodium can be bad for both the mother and the baby. For example, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia can happen.
Do Bacon Help With Morning Sickness During Pregnancy?
While bacon may be delicious, it may not necessarily help with morning sickness during pregnancy. In fact, its strong smell and greasy nature may even exacerbate nausea for some women. During this time, it’s best to pay attention to your body and choose foods that are easier on the stomach.
4 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Eat Bacon
Can you eat bacon while pregnant?
Yes, bacon is safe to eat while pregnant. However, there are some caveats. The bacon must be stored, handled, and cooked properly to avoid those tricky pests that like to linger in many a deli meat treat. Yup, we’re talking bacteria. To ensure your bacon is safe to eat: Store it in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you buy it.
Is it safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy?
It is safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy as long as it comes from a reliable source, with appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions for pre-preparation, preparation and packaging of this food.
Are bacon bits safe during pregnancy?
Bacon bits are best made yourself (see ideas above) but there are also commercially made bacon bits available in stores. Commercially-made bacon bits are pregnancy safe if they’re the canned/non-refrigerated kind. If they’re 100% bacon bits in a fridge (like the Oscar Mayer ones), treat them as you would whole bacon slices and heat them first.
Is Bacon a carcinogen if you’re pregnant?
This classifies it as a carcinogen, the effects of which are heightened for pregnant people. “The consumption of bacon, hot dogs, pastrami, and lunch meats, even prior to conception in women, increases the risk of childhood cancers, autism, and brain tumors in their offspring,” Dr. Fuhrman told POPSUGAR.
Why is Bacon important during pregnancy?
Hormone regulation is especially important in pregnant people, particularly during the first trimester, in which HCG hormones — the ones that your body produces to maintain the pregnancy — are at their highest. “When you eat a lot of bacon, it pushes up hormones, fat storage hormones, and growth hormones like IGF-1 ,” Dr. Fuhrman said.
Can you eat cheese & bacon rolls during pregnancy?
Cheese and bacon rolls, sandwiches and croissants are all safe to eat in pregnancy. If you haven’t made the cheese and bacon roll yourself, make sure it’s heated until hot. This makes both the cheese and the bacon safer to eat in pregnancy, as the heat will kill any harmful bacteria present.