While pregnant, we want to make sure were getting good quality nutrients and taking our vitamins. Instead of chips and dip, we snack on nuts and fruit, and we put more spinach in our smoothies.
Being cognizant of the foods you are putting into your body while pregnant is super important!
There are foods and drinks that pregnant women should eat less of or not at all, just like there are foods and drinks that pregnant women should eat more of.
Pulled pork is a classic barbecue staple loved by many. But is it safe to eat when you’re expecting? As an expectant mom, you want to make the healthiest choices for your growing baby. At the same time, pregnancy cravings and food temptations are real!
I totally get the struggle. I love my Southern barbecue, especially juicy pulled pork sandwiches smothered in tangy sauce. When I found out I was pregnant though I started second guessing my go-to comfort foods. Could chowing down on pulled pork put my baby at risk? Or was it perfectly fine to indulge my BBQ obsession?
I had to get to the bottom of this porky puzzle Let’s walk through what I uncovered, one bite at a time
Is Pork Okay In Pregnancy?
I wanted to know if pork in general is safe for pregnant women before I looked into pulled pork. The verdict? Lean cuts of fully cooked pork are A-OK for moms-to-be.
In fact, pork provides important nutrients for you and baby, like:
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Protein for baby’s growth and development. A 3 ounce serving of pork packs 25 grams of satiating protein.
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Iron to prevent pregnancy anemia. Pork contains less iron than red meat but still provides a decent amount.
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B vitamins including vitamin B12, niacin, and riboflavin. These supports baby’s nervous system and help convert food into energy.
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Zinc for immune support and cell growth. Zinc ensures your immune system keeps both you and baby healthy.
The main cautions with pork are to avoid raw or undercooked meat, deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs due to listeria concerns. As long as you take basic food safety precautions, though, pork can absolutely be part of a healthy pregnancy diet.
With pork in the clear, now let’s tackle the pulled part.
Is Pulled Pork Safe During Pregnancy?
Short answer: Yes, you can safely eat pulled pork while pregnant as long as it’s fully cooked.
Pulled pork that’s heated to the proper internal temperature will kill any harmful bacteria that could make you sick. Just like with any meat, it’s key to ensure it’s properly prepared.
Here are a few pulled pork safety tips from my OBGYN and registered dietitian:
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Cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. At this temperature, any potentially dangerous germs are destroyed.
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Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
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Avoid eating raw or undercooked pulled pork. Undercooked pork may harbor toxoplasmosis parasites, salmonella or E. coli bacteria.
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Order carefully at restaurants. Send it back if any pieces look underdone. At home or dining out, err on the side of overdone when cooking pork.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Bacteria multiply fastest at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Store pulled pork within 2 hours of cooking.
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Reheat to 165°F before eating again. This hot temperature further reduces risk of food poisoning. Microwave until piping hot.
Follow these expert tips, and you can feel confident that homemade or takeout pulled pork poses minimal risks during pregnancy.
What About Nitrates in Pulled Pork Rub?
Besides proper cooking, I wanted to look into another potential concern with pulled pork: nitrate rubs.
Many barbecue recipes call for a spice rub containing sodium nitrate or Prague powder to help cure and add flavor to the pork before smoking or slow cooking.
Could nitrates in pulled pork pose a problem during pregnancy? Here’s what I learned:
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Nitrates themselves are not necessarily harmful. Our bodies even produce small amounts of nitrates naturally.
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The issue is nitrosamines – compounds formed when nitrates interact with proteins at high heat. These may raise cancer risk.
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Vitamin C inhibits this reaction. Most spice rub recipes add vitamin C which prevents nitrosamine formation.
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The amount of nitrates/nitrosamines ingested is very small. Traces absorbed from meat are negligible compared to other dietary sources.
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Alternatives like celery powder can provide natural nitrates. If you wish to err on the side of caution, look for nitrate-free rub recipes.
The consensus is that the tiny amounts of nitrates/nitrosamines in properly prepared pulled pork are not worth stressing over. But it’s something to be aware of if you’ll be cooking pork regularly.
Pulled Pork Cravings During Pregnancy
By this point, I felt assured that enjoying the occasional pulled pork sandwich or taco was perfectly fine for me and baby. But why did I suddenly crave it so much now that I was pregnant?
I discovered my pulled pork urges likely stem from normal pregnancy nutrition needs:
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Protein – Pork is packed with satiating protein for baby’s growth and development. Cravings tell us when we need more of key nutrients.
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Iron – Deficiencies are common in pregnancy. Pork provides heme iron that’s readily absorbed by your body.
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B vitamins – These help convert food into energy. Pork is a great source of energizing B12, niacin and riboflavin.
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Flavor changes – Pregnancy hormones and taste bud changes send your cravings into overdrive. Intense flavors like barbecue sauce appeal most.
Giving in to my pulled pork cravings within reason is actually a smart way to nourish my body and baby. The key is sticking to safe preparation methods and portions.
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Pulled Pork While Pregnant
Barbecue pulled pork doesn’t have to derail your healthy pregnancy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here are some tips from my nutritionist:
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Focus on lean cuts like pork tenderloin or sirloin. These have less fat and calories than shoulder or butt. Remove excess fat before cooking.
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Pair with vegetables and whole grains. Make it a bowl or sandwich with slaw, baked beans, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, quinoa, etc.
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Use lighter sauces and seasonings. Opt for vinegar-based barbecue sauce instead of sugary, creamy sauces. Spice it up with chili powder, garlic and cumin instead of salt.
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Portion control matters. Stick to about 3-4 ounces of pulled pork with lots of veggie sides for balance. Slow down and savor the flavors.
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Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, milk or diluted juice. Barbecue’s salty, spicy flavors can dehydrate you.
Enjoying pulled pork in a healthy way just takes a little planning. You’ve got this!
The Verdict: Can You Eat Pulled Pork While Pregnant?
After reviewing the evidence, I can happily conclude that occasional pulled pork is A-OK during pregnancy as long as these guidelines are followed:
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Cook pork thoroughly to safe internal temperatures.
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Eat fully cooked pork from reputable restaurants/vendors only.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat fully before eating.
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Opt for leaner cuts and healthier sides and sauces.
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Limit portions and savor the flavors.
Satisfying pulled pork cravings within reason allows you to reap the nutritional benefits while avoiding risks. Take it from this mama: you can enjoy your barbecue favorites and have a healthy pregnancy too!
Now who wants to join me for a juicy pulled pork sandwich? I’m buying!
Unwashed fruits and vegetables
The majority of produce grows in the dirt and is then handled by multiple different people.
Unwashed fruits and vegetables can still have dirt on them, which can make you unwell.
Bacteria that may be present on unwashed produce include:
To clean your fruits and vegetables, you can either buy a produce wash that is already made, or you can mix white vinegar and water together. Allow the produce to soak and then rinse it with clean water before eating.
While this one may sound obvious, raw eggs are in more than just brownie batter!
Raw eggs can contain Salmonella, which can affect you and your unborn baby.
Some foods that contain raw eggs include:
- Poached or lightly scrambled eggs
- Some salad dressings
- Mayonnaise
- Some cake frostings
- Some ice creams
- Tiramisu
- Some quiches
Always check the nutrition labels on your food to ensure there are no raw eggs. If you are eating out, you can always ask your server prior to eating something.
While caffeine isn’t a food, we figured it was important to add to the list!
Caffeine doesn’t need to be completely avoided, but it should be limited in pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) says that pregnant women should not drink more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.
Caffeine crosses the placenta and is also absorbed very quickly. The issue with the fast absorption is that your unborn child and the placenta cannot break down caffeine the same way that we do. Therefore, the caffeine can build up.
Heavy caffeine consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal growth restriction and low birth weight.
Why do certain foods need to be avoided?
While pregnant, some foods can not only negatively affect you, but they can also affect your unborn baby. Harmful illnesses and foodborne bacteria can cross the placenta to your baby.
Some of these bacteria we’re going to talk about can lead to things like:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Low birth weight
- Premature delivery
- Neurological issues in baby
- Birth defects
It’s important to remember that the chances of these things happening to you are very low. The risk is still there, which is why we talk about it!.
Now, let’s get into the foods to avoid while pregnant.
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FAQ
Can you have barbecue pulled pork when pregnant?
Is it safe to eat pork while pregnant?
Is pulled pork safe to eat?
Can I eat brisket while pregnant?
How to cook pork during pregnancy?
Whenever you prepare pork for a meal, you must ensure that it is properly cooked. By properly cooked, it means that pork must reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. This helps in killing of all possible bacteria that could affect the pregnant woman or the baby.
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
Is it safe for pregnant women to eat Porgy?
According to Health Canada, pregnant women can safely eat porgy in amounts of less than 500 grams of body weight per day. Porgy is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids for pregnant women. The National Institutes of Health reports that these fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Can you eat smoked meat during pregnancy?
If you are really craving smoked meat during your pregnancy, the Colorado State University Extension states it is safe to eat it if you cook it until steaming hot. Heat destroys bacteria and other organisms. The site authors recommend heating hot dogs and lunch meat to 165 degrees and ham to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.