Can You Eat Uncured Bacon While Pregnant? A Guide to Food Safety

There’s nothing quite like a crispy bit of bacon to feed that salt craving. However, before you eat that savory treat, should you check again? Yes, pregnant women can eat bacon, but they should probably limit their intake. Bacon is high in fat and salt, so it’s not the healthiest food choice, but they can enjoy fully cooked bacon while they’re pregnant.

That all-important question: how often can a pregnant woman eat bacon? Here are all the facts you need to know about bacon while pregnant.

Pregnancy cravings can strike at odd hours and when that hankering hits for a crispy savory slice of bacon, you may find yourself wondering if you can indulge. If you prefer uncured bacon, you likely have questions around whether it’s actually safe to eat when expecting. Let’s dive into what exactly uncured bacon is, its risks and benefits during pregnancy, and how to enjoy it responsibly for those cravings.

What is Uncured Bacon?

Traditional cured bacon uses nitrites and nitrates as preservatives to extend shelf life and add color and flavor Uncured bacon skips these curing agents and instead uses natural alternatives like celery powder, cherry powder, vinegar, and sea salt It still undergoes a curing and smoking process, just without manmade chemicals.

While uncured bacon sounds more wholesome, it’s important to understand what the terms on packaging really mean:

Uncured just means no added nitrites or nitrates directly It doesn’t mean completely free of these compounds
Natural and organic labels just signify the curing agents used are from natural sources like plants.

So while uncured bacon avoids direct chemical additives, it still can contain nitrates occurring naturally in the sea salt and vegetable powders used. The curing process itself also leads to some nitrite formation.

Can You Eat Uncured Bacon While Pregnant?

The good news is yes, it is generally safe to eat uncured bacon in moderation during pregnancy. Since it is cured and cooked, the risks of harmful bacteria are low if proper storage, preparation, and cooking guidelines are followed. However, there are still some considerations around eating uncured bacon while pregnant:

It is still high in saturated fat and sodium, which should be limited.
The nitrates present from natural sources may still pose health risks in excess.
Quality and safety vary between brands, so choose wisely.
Like any meat, cooking thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination is important.

So while uncured bacon is likely safer than traditional cured options, it should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced prenatal diet.

Potential Benefits of Uncured Bacon While Pregnant

Within recommended limits, uncured bacon can provide some nutritional perks during pregnancy:

Protein for baby’s growth and development
Iron to prevent anemia
B vitamins including B12 for mom’s and baby’s health
Anti-inflammatory effects from ingredients like turmeric and celery
A tasty, satisfying way to get in nutrition and prevent cravings of less healthy foods
Brings comfort and joy during a time of changing tastes and cravings

As always focus on quality, cook it correctly, and savor as part of your overall healthy diet.

Risks and Precautions of Eating Uncured Bacon While Pregnant

Despite the benefits, there are still some cautions to keep in mind around uncured bacon while pregnant:

May contain trace nitrites/nitrates from natural ingredients that should be limited
High sodium levels can increase risk of high blood pressure disorders
Heating creates carcinogens, so don’t overcook or char
Can harbor salmonella, listeria, or other bacteria if undercooked
Higher calorie and fat so portion control is important

To stay food safe:

Choose high-quality uncured bacon from reputable brands
Cook thoroughly until crispy to kill any bacteria present
Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw bacon away from other foods
Limit portion sizes and frequency to control fat, sodium, and nitrate intake

Healthy Ways to Enjoy Uncured Bacon While Pregnant

Here are some tips to satisfy your uncured bacon cravings while maintaining a balanced diet:

Opt for turkey or chicken bacon as a leaner alternative.
Add just a few bacon bits to salads or soups rather than strips.
Pair bacon with fiber-rich foods like whole grains and veggies.
Bake or microwave instead of frying to reduce fat intake.
Combine bacon with healthy pregnancy foods like eggs, avocado, spinach.
When cooking bacon, let the fat drip off for a healthier option.
Mix uncured bacon with lots of veggies in an omelet or breakfast hash.

Enjoying the occasional BLT sandwich or topping a baked potato with bacon bits can be a tasty, moderate way to indulge cravings.

When to Avoid Uncured Bacon During Pregnancy

In certain cases, it may be best to avoid uncured bacon entirely while pregnant:

If you have gestational diabetes or blood pressure issues.
If your doctor recommends limiting sodium and nitrates.
If you experience heartburn, nausea, or aversions to salty foods.
If hot dogs, deli meats, and smoked fish are also on your “do not eat” list.

Listen to your body, risks, and doctor guidance. When uncertain, avoid until you can discuss with your provider.

The Bottom Line

When enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, uncured bacon can be safely consumed during pregnancy. Choosing quality brands and cooking it thoroughly reduces risks. However, it still contains sodium, fat, and trace nitrates to be mindful of. Discuss cravings and diet choices with your doctor and satisfy bacon cravings responsibly. With some mindful choices, you can keep both you and your baby happy and healthy.

can you eat uncured bacon while pregnant

Is bacon safe during pregnancy?

Yes, bacon is safe to eat while pregnant.

However, there are some caveats.

It’s important to store, handle, and cook the bacon the right way to keep those sneaky bugs out of deli meat treats.

Yup, we’re talking bacteria.

To ensure your bacon is safe to eat:

As soon as you buy it, put it in the fridge or freezer.
Use hot soapy water to wash your hands well before touching the bacon and again after touching raw meat.
To avoid cross-contamination, make sure that any tools you use, like a cutting board or knife, are also clean.
Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. The crispier the better. Seriously. The heat will kill bacteria. .

What else should you keep in mind? Well, it goes without saying that bacon isn’t quite a health food.

Even though it has a lot of protein and some B vitamins, it also has a lot of salt, cholesterol, and saturated fats.

So how frequently can a pregnant woman eat bacon?

Whether you’re pregnant or not, bacon should be an occasional treat rather than a daily go-to.

It might be best to stay away from bacon for the next nine months if you have a higher chance of getting heart disease, high cholesterol, or pre-eclampsia.

The other thing to remember in your BLT-craving haze is that bacon is a processed meat.

It’s preserved or cured using (usually) a whole bunch of things like salt, spices, and sometimes sodium nitrate.

Nitrate and nitrites are chemicals used to preserve meat and prevent it from turning an off-putting color.

Nitrate and pregnancy don’t generally go well together, with some sources saying to avoid nitrates altogether as they can be potential sources of cancer and pose a health risk to mama and baby.

So again, perhaps best to exercise some portion control…

Can pregnant women eat ham?

Ham, including deli ham, should only be eaten if hot and fully cooked.

That means no cold ham sandwiches or room-temperature buffet ham.

But otherwise, go for it.