can you eat chicken sausage when pregnant

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You start to worry about what to eat and what not to eat as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

People who are pregnant may start their journey by looking online or asking family and friends what foods they should not eat while they are pregnant. More than yourself, you worry about your baby’s well-being, so you want to be careful with your diet.

While popular sources of information might help, none of those can replace guidance from a certified prenatal nutritionist. Remember that when you get pregnant, you have to eat for two, and the health of both you and your baby should come first.

It’s true that healthy foods will give your baby the nutrition it needs, but a pregnant person’s right diet often depends on their health, symptoms, and way of life. To be sure that the food you eat will be good for your baby and help you get through your pregnancy easily, you should talk to a prenatal nutritionist or dietitian.

This article features dietary advice directly from our certified prenatal nutritionist and is a trusted source for information. You can find out what foods you should generally stay away from while you’re pregnant and how to make the most of your meal plan.

Can You Eat Chicken Sausage When Pregnant?

Chicken sausage can be a delicious addition to many dishes, but is it safe to eat during pregnancy? With all the dietary restrictions and recommendations that come with pregnancy, it’s understandable if chicken sausage has you feeling confused.

The good news is that fully cooked chicken sausage that is properly handled is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy. However, there are some important factors to consider when it comes to choosing, cooking, and consuming chicken sausage while pregnant.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the safety, risks, benefits, nutrition facts, and preparation tips you need to know about eating chicken sausage during pregnancy.

Is Chicken Sausage Safe to Eat When Pregnant?

According to many experts and organizations, including the American Pregnancy Association, fully cooked chicken sausage is safe to consume during pregnancy as long as it is properly handled, stored, and reheated

Chicken sausage that is made from cooked poultry and reheated until steaming hot just before eating does not pose a high listeria risk like raw meats and unpasteurized products often associated with pregnancy dietary warnings.

As with any food, proper storage, cooking, and hygiene practices are key to reducing any risks As long as you follow basic food safety guidelines, chicken sausage that is fully cooked offers minimal concerns during pregnancy

Potential Risks of Eating Chicken Sausage While Pregnant

While considered relatively safe, eating chicken sausage in pregnancy still comes with some potential risks to be aware of:

  • Foodborne Illness: Undercooked chicken sausage can potentially harbor bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or E. coli. Thorough cooking is vital.

  • Nitrates: Many chicken sausages contain nitrates as preservatives, which some studies link to potential risks in pregnancy when consumed in excess.

  • High Sodium: Chicken sausages often contain added salt and sodium, which may increase pregnancy-related risks like high blood pressure.

By choosing low-sodium, nitrate-free options and cooking chicken sausage properly, these risks can be significantly minimized.

Benefits of Chicken Sausage in Pregnancy

When safely prepared and consumed in moderation, chicken sausage offers several benefits for pregnant women:

  • Lean Protein: Chicken sausage provides a lean source of protein to support fetal growth and development.

  • Iron: Chicken sausage supplies heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than plant-based iron sources. Iron helps prevent pregnancy anemia.

  • Vitamin B12: Chicken sausage contains vitamin B12, which is important for energy and red blood cell production.

  • Flavor: Chicken sausage can help satisfy cravings and make dishes like soups, casseroles, pizzas, sandwiches, and more tastier.

Ultimately, chicken sausage can be incorporated into a balanced pregnancy diet in moderation alongside fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, legumes, nuts and healthy fats.

Nutrition Facts of Chicken Sausage

The nutrition profile of chicken sausage can vary widely between products. Here are some general nutrition facts per 3 oz serving of fully cooked chicken sausage:

  • Calories: 140-170
  • Protein: 12-15g
  • Fat: 9-12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5-4g
  • Cholesterol: 40-75mg
  • Sodium: 350-450mg
  • Carbs: 0-3g
  • Sugar: 0-1g
  • Iron: 10-15% DV
  • Vitamin B12: 15-20% DV

When choosing a chicken sausage, look for options with at least 70% chicken, minimal preservatives like nitrates, and reduced sodium.

Tips for Safe Chicken Sausage Consumption During Pregnancy

Here are some top tips for safely eating chicken sausage if you’re pregnant:

  • Read Labels: Check the ingredient list and nutrition facts to pick the healthiest options. Seek varieties with minimal sodium and no nitrates.

  • Cook Thoroughly: Heat sausages to an internal temperature of 165°F. Ensure there is no pink meat.

  • Reheat Properly: Steaming hot throughout when reheating any leftovers.

  • Don’t Cross-Contaminate: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats. Wash hands properly after handling.

  • Watch Storage Times: Store opened chicken sausage no more than 2 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.

  • Monitor Portion Size: Stick to recommended 2-3 oz portions of chicken sausage as part of a balanced diet.

Following these simple precautions will help mitigate any risks and allow you to enjoy chicken sausage more peacefully during pregnancy.

Healthy Ways to Eat Chicken Sausage While Pregnant

Chicken sausage is very versatile and can be prepared in many nutritious ways. Here are some healthy recipe ideas:

  • Breakfast Tacos: Serve chicken sausage with scrambled eggs, peppers, onions, cheese, and salsa wrapped in corn tortillas.

  • Sausage & Veggie Soup: Simmer chicken sausage with onions, carrots, zucchini and tomatoes in broth.

  • Pizza: Top a whole grain crust with sauce, chicken sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers and cheese.

  • Pasta: Toss pasta with olive oil, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and sliced chicken sausage.

  • Casserole: Bake chicken sausage with potatoes, green beans and cheese sauce.

  • Salad: Add sliced chicken sausage to a salad of greens, avocado, beans, nuts and balsamic vinaigrette.

  • Sandwich: Layer chicken sausage with roasted peppers and provolone cheese on a whole wheat roll.

  • Frittata: Whisk eggs with milk and bake with chicken sausage, spinach and feta.

  • Kabobs: Skewer chicken sausage with pineapple, bell peppers and red onions for the grill.

These recipes make it easy to integrate chicken sausage into a healthy pregnancy diet. Focus on whole food pairings with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Healthier Chicken Sausage Alternatives

If you’re looking to limit nitrates, sodium, and other less desirable ingredients found in some chicken sausages, here are a few healthier alternatives to consider:

  • Chicken and Apple Sausage: Often contain just chicken, apples, and spices for clean flavor.

  • Organic Chicken Sausage: Without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

  • Low-Sodium Chicken Sausage: With 50-70% less sodium than average varieties.

  • Chicken Breakfast Links: Typically just chicken, sage, and other herbs.

  • Homemade Chicken Sausage: Make your own with ground chicken, herbs, spices, and olive oil.

  • Ground Chicken: Use in place of sausage for dishes like meatballs, pasta sauce, or chili.

Discussing your individual dietary needs with your doctor can help guide you towards the healthiest sausage options during pregnancy.

The Bottom Line

Fully cooked chicken sausage that is properly handled, stored, and prepared can be a safe and healthy addition to your pregnancy diet in moderation. Choosing lower sodium, nitrate-free varieties and avoiding undercooking reduces any risks.

Pair chicken sausage with plenty of nourishing whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils for a balanced approach.

As always, consult your doctor about any specific concerns or restrictions you may have around chicken sausage or other foods during pregnancy.

With the proper precautions, you can continue to enjoy the delicious taste, versatility and nutritional benefits of chicken sausage as part of your pregnancy meals and recipes.

can you eat chicken sausage when pregnant

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

You may have already memorized the list of the best foods to eat during pregnancy. But, in terms of what foods to avoid while pregnant, the information you find can be confusing. Your mom might tell you never to drink coffee, but a friend might say it’s fine.

For reliable information, it is better to talk to a certified prenatal nutritionist or dietitian near you than to look it up on the internet. There is a registered dietitian and lactation consultant at Family Health Centers of San Diego named Agnes Padernal who says, “People should eat a balanced diet: a meal with fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins, and grains.” But, depending on how you are feeling, then we can talk about what you should eat. ”.

The foods you eat should be both beneficial and compatible with your condition. Make a healthy meal, but remember the general rules about what foods to avoid while you’re pregnant.

Seafood high in mercury

If you think that seafood is harmless, think again. Some types of seafood are on the list of foods that pregnant women should not eat because they are high in mercury. It is true that shellfish and fish provide good amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, protein and zinc. But a select few are high in mercury. Mercury is relatively harmless for most adults, but not for pregnant individuals. Regularly eating large servings of seafood high in mercury can damage your baby’s nervous system and brain development. Here’s a list of seafood you should steer clear of:

  • Tilefish
  • King mackerel
  • Bigeye tuna
  • Marlin shark
  • Swordfish
  • Other predatory fish
  • Consuming more than 12oz of fish and shellfish a week

Can I eat sausage while pregnant?

FAQ

Is chicken sausage ok to eat while pregnant?

Avoid undercooked meat, especially poultry, pork, sausages and burgers. Any meat you eat should be cooked thoroughly, should not be pink or have any blood coming out of it. You should also be careful to cook sausages and minced meat thoroughly.

Is it safe to eat chicken sausage?

To prevent foodborne illness, uncooked sausages that contain ground beef, pork, lamb or veal should be cooked to 160°F. Uncooked sausages that contain ground turkey and chicken should be cooked to 165°F. Ready-to-eat sausages are dry, semi-dry and/or cooked.

What processed meats to avoid when pregnant?

Meats to avoid include: Deli meats (such as turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, prosciutto, and bologna) Dry sausages (such as salami and pepperoni) Refrigerated pâtés and meat spreads.

Can you eat hotdogs and sausage while pregnant?

Thoroughly cooking hot dogs is crucial to eliminate any harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can pose serious risks to both mother and baby. Cooking Tip: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure a safe and enjoyable hot dog experience.

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