Cured meats during pregnancy: what are the risks?

During pregnancy, there is a significant list of dietary restrictions to follow. It can sometimes be difficult to know which foods are safe to eat. What about cured meats? Raw or smoked ham, rillettes, sausage, bacon, pâté, foie gras… can you enjoy them without risk?

Pregnancy and cured meats: let’s take a closer look.

Nutrition during pregnancy

Foods to avoid

Your diet during pregnancy requires some adjustments. The goal is to avoid the risk of contracting infections such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Here is a list of foods to avoid:

• Raw or smoked fish,
• Raw shellfish,
• Soft or fresh cheeses made from raw or unpasteurized milk,
• Undercooked meats,
• Raw, unpasteurized eggs,
• Gelatinous meats (rillettes, foie gras, pâtés…),
• Cured meats.

Precautions to take

In addition to dietary precautions, here are some hygiene practices to adopt to protect yourself from foodborne infections:

• Cook meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 68°C to kill parasites and bacteria.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Wash your hands before and after handling raw food.
• Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils carefully to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Store raw food separately from cooked food.
• Clean your refrigerator regularly.
• Monitor expiration dates and food storage conditions to avoid bacterial growth.

The risks of eating cured meats during pregnancy

During pregnancy, diet becomes a crucial subject. Among the foods to avoid: cured meats. There is indeed a potential risk of contamination by listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Let’s explore why these infections are concerning and how they can affect both your health and your baby’s.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the Listeria bacterium. It can go unnoticed in healthy individuals but can have more serious consequences for pregnant women. This bacterium can be found in many foods such as cured meats—whether raw or cooked (e.g., raw ham or rillettes)—and also throughout your home and environment (hence the importance of hygiene practices in food handling). After an incubation period of about two months, the main symptoms of listeriosis usually include:

• High fever (often the first noticeable symptom)
• Headaches,
• Sometimes digestive issues.

Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, or infection at birth.

Since Listeria is a bacterium, it’s not possible to be immune to it.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that is usually mild and asymptomatic, but can be concerning during pregnancy because it can cross the placental barrier. It is often transmitted through undercooked pork or other meats or contact with contaminated surfaces. If you are not immune to toxoplasmosis, it is strongly recommended to undergo serological monitoring during your pregnancy. Contracting toxoplasmosis while pregnant can increase the risk of congenital birth defects in the fetus, particularly neurological and ocular disorders.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

Alternatives to cured meats during pregnancy

As you’ve probably understood, you’ll unfortunately have to skip cured meats for a few months! But don’t worry—there are still plenty of foods you can safely enjoy during pregnancy. Here are a few examples:

• You can go for well-cooked meats such as roasted chicken or braised beef, which reduce the risk of pathogen contamination.
• You can choose fish, always well-cooked, which are excellent sources of protein essential for fetal development.

• You can eat legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, or beans, which are rich in protein and fiber.
• You can eat hard cheeses or those made from pasteurized milk.
• You can eat eggs, also well-cooked, which are an excellent source of nutrients.

In summary, during pregnancy, it’s recommended to take precautions to avoid the risks of listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, particularly by avoiding cured meats. By opting for well-cooked meats, maintaining strict hygiene in the kitchen, and choosing prepackaged products, you can safely enjoy your meals.

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.

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Photos : yanadjana | seventyfourimages