Bacon is a delicious, salty, fatty treat that can add a lot of flavor to many meals. It’s also one of the most common ingredients in cuisines. There is no evidence that eating bacon during pregnancy is harmful to the developing baby. However, pregnant women should avoid eating undercooked or cured meats, as these may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. In this article, we will discuss the safety of eating bacon during pregnancy and offer some tips on how to enjoy it safely.
It’s actually a little alarming when you consider that pregnant women should avoid eating undercooked meat during pregnancy because doing so can increase their risk for foodborne illness or even miscarriage two things no one wants during those precious nine months. So, then what’s an expectant mother to do if they just have to have some bacon? Read on below as we take on this question and how often you should eat it while pregnant, and even some alternatives if you really need them.
Keep Reading: 7 Tips on How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Pregnant
What Is Bacon? Is Bacon Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Bacon is a cured pork product that’s made from the lean meat from the back of the pig. It’s popular because it contains less fat than other types of meat, making it an excellent source of protein for vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat red meat.
Bacon comes in many different forms: smoked, unsmoked, pink, a natural color, maple cured with maple syrup, cheddar-flavored or maple-flavored baked beans are just some examples. The most common type used for cooking is sliced bacon.
What Are the Risks of Eating Undercooked Bacon While Pregnant?
Undercooked bacon can cause a number of health problems. Here are some of the most common:
Pregnant Women Who Eat Bacon Are More Likely to Have Miscarriages
Research has shown that pregnant women who eat bacon have a higher risk of having miscarriages. The reason for this is because bacon is high in fat, calories and nitrite. These are all things that can cause an increased risk of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Bacon also contains sodium nitrate, the chemical used to cure meats, which can lead to birth defects if consumed during pregnancy.
Also Enjoy: Know About Becoming Pregnant
Listeria Monocytogenes Bacteria May Be Lurking in Your Bacon
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious illness in people. It’s included on the list of top foodborne illnesses, which means it’s pretty common to find this bacteria in raw meat products like bacon.
Listeria can cause pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and stillbirth, so you should always be careful when handling any raw meat product that may contain listeria bacteria.
Eating Bacon During Pregnancy Is Linked to Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Children
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. It’s the third most common cancer in the world, but it’s also one of the most preventable by diet. And while bacon is known for being high in red meat, you don’t have to eat a lot of it to increase your risk for colorectal cancer.
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends eating no more than 300g per week as part of their Red Meat & Cancer Prevention Diet Study (PDF). This means consuming less than once every two weeks. In contrast, people who eat this amount on average are 50% more likely to develop colorectal cancer compared with those who don’t consume any processed meats at all.
How Often Can I Eat Bacon During Pregnancy?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on several factors, including the type of bacon you are eating, your overall diet, and your doctor’s recommendations. In general, however, it is safe to eat bacon during pregnancy in moderation. Therefore, you should limit your intake to a few slices per week. If you are concerned about your intake of bacon, speak to your doctor.
In addition, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illness. You can eat bacon as often as you like, but remember that it’s a high-fat food and pregnant women should limit their intake of saturated fats.
How Should I Cook My Bacon When Pregnant?
Cook your bacon safely. Bacon is a great source of protein and fat, but it’s also high in sodium and cholesterol. To avoid these pitfalls, follow these tips:
Keep it away from raw meat and other foods that might be contaminated with bacteria or viruses.
Cook the bacon until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done on top of your stovetop or in the oven but never microwave it. Microwaving causes uneven browning and a loss of nutrients due to excessive moisture loss when heated so quickly.
What Are the Alternatives to Eating Bacon?
There are many alternatives to eating bacon during pregnancy. Some other options include ham, turkey bacon, beef bacon, and veggie bacon. These alternatives can provide the same taste and satisfaction as bacon, without the health risks. However, it is important to check with a healthcare provider before consuming any of these foods, as some may not be suitable for pregnant women. Bacon is not the only meat you can eat while pregnant. You’ll be able to enjoy beef, pork, lamb, chicken and fish like salmon or tuna without any concerns.
Also keep in mind that there are some foods that have been linked to birth defects or other pregnancy problems such as salmonella. So, it’s important to check with your doctor before eating any unknown food items during pregnancy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no reason to avoid bacon during pregnancy. Evidence suggests that eating a moderate amount of bacon doesn’t have any harmful effects on the baby or mother. It can be a good source of protein and iron if you make sure not to overcook it – just make sure that your meat is cooked until there are no pink areas left.
You may want to consider alternatives such as turkey bacon; however, keep in mind that some brands of turkey bacon contain nitrates which increased risk for birth defects and other problems like Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
More Reading: Can You Dye Your Hair When Pregnant?
