Quick Summary:
- Pregnant women should avoid eating deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful Listeria bacteria.
- This can pose serious risks to both the mother and baby. By following safe practices like heating deli meats and checking expiration dates, pregnant women can enjoy their favorite foods without worry.
My two older sisters have blessed me with two nieces and three nephews. All between the ages of eight and two.
As you can imagine, holidays are chaotic and feature a lot of crying.
Seeing my sisters adjust their diets through multiple pregnancies has been interesting as a food scientist.
I’ve noticed the doctor doesn’t always explain why they need to avoid certain foods or beverages. It’s just a blanket statement—don’t eat that.
This is why today, I’m diving into the deli section of the grocery store to talk about why these ready-to-eat meats are a danger for pregnant women.
The Concern: Listeria and Deli Meat
Deli meats, such as ham, turkey, and salami, are a staple in many diets. However, they can pose a risk during pregnancy due to a bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes.
This microorganism is a foodborne pathogen or a bacteria that makes you sick, unlike the good bacteria found in your gut.
Listeria is tricky to control in food because, unlike many other bacteria, it can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Even though deli meats are stored cold, the bacteria can still thrive.
Why Listeria Is a Big Deal
This bacteria causes listeriosis, a severe infection that can harm the mother and the baby.
Listeria is particularly concerning during pregnancy because it can cross the placental barrier, which is very rare for foodborne pathogens. Most can’t cross the blood-brain or blood-placenta barrier.
If you’re not getting the hint, a Listeria infection during pregnancy is horrifying.
While a healthy adult might only experience mild flu-like symptoms, the consequences for the fetus can be much more severe, including miscarriage, premature delivery, or even stillbirth.
The Risk Level: How Common Is Listeria?
The good news is that listeriosis is relatively rare.
The CDC estimates that about 1,600 people in the United States get listeriosis yearly.
However, pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population, which makes the risk more significant during pregnancy.
Safe Practices: How to Enjoy Deli Meat During Pregnancy
If you’re craving a sandwich or some deli meat, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of listeriosis:
- Heat It Up: Listeria is killed by heat. If you heat deli meat to an internal temperature of 165°F (steaming hot), it’s safe to eat during pregnancy. This can be done by microwaving or pan-frying the meat.
- Check Expiration Dates: Always ensure that the deli meat you’re buying is within its expiration date and has been stored properly.
- Avoid High-Risk Foods: Some deli meats, like pâté or meat left out at room temperature, are more likely to harbor listeria and should be avoided.
The Bottom Line
While the risk of listeriosis is low, it’s understandable to be cautious during pregnancy.
You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying by taking simple precautions like heating your deli meat.
Remember, pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you love to eat. It’s all about making informed choices, which can empower you to enjoy your favorite foods safely.
So enjoy that hot turkey sandwich or warmed-up slice of ham, knowing you’re taking the proper steps to keep yourself and your baby safe.
