Deli Meats During Pregnancy

It contains a bacteria that is not filtered through the mother's blood and goes strait to the baby and may cause...issues.

Hi K.,

Apparently a bacteria called Listeria can be found in deli meats that can damage or affect the development of a growing fetus. This bacteria does not affect non-pregnant people, so that's why it's not a big deal but I've been told that it has been linked to autism.

You should not eat processed deli meats while preg unless you put it in the microwave etc. Many deli's have non processed meats. Much better choice.

I wasn't allowed to eat Deli meat either. My doctor said that it was because a lot of the time Deli's don't keep the meat refrigerated well and bacteria can grow too easily. She gave me the okay to eat store bought deli meat, just not from a Deli.

All the best to you during your pregnancy. Be careful about what you eat, but remember, our speices survived thousands before we had all these lists about what to and not to eat. Just use good judgement.

Blessings,
M.

the thing is that Deli meats can sometimes harbor food borne bacteria.... and they are often preserved with a lot of nitrates/nitrites (chemical preservatives which can potentially be carcinogenic) which are also found in hotdogs and bologna etc. and are no t good for a growing fetus.

I read about it when I was pregnant before and in my pregnancy books ("What To Expect When Expecting" by Arlene Eisenberg)... my Doc also told me to not eat things like this when preg.

It is not just based on proper storage....although you DO want to only eat things that are "safe" and hadn't been out in room temp too long...due to food spoilage etc.

Good luck!
Susan

I think that deli meats aren't advised because of the nitrates and the risk of listeria poisoning. It's rare, but does happen - causes miscarriage but the chances of this happening are soooo minimal. Just eat in moderation if you must have the lunch meat. Conrats!

K.,
The advice to avoid deli meats is because of listeria contamination. It is a bacteria that can grow on deli meats, meat spreads, hot dogs, and unpasteurized dairy, as well as smoked seafood. It can be very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth or serious health problems for your baby. If you choose to eat deli meats or hot dogs, only do so after heating them to steaming hot. Avoid all unpasteurized dairy and all refrigerated meat spreads & pate. (canned meat spreads or shelf stable pate can be eaten.) Please visit the site below to make sure I haven't forgotten anything!
The complete list of foods to be avoided and more info on listeria are available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pregnancy_gateway/infection_lis...

Take Care and Congrats!
T.

Ditto on what everyone else said, but if any you moms are interested...
For up to date listeria (and any other foodborne illness) recalls and outbreaks, I recommend subscribing to the S.T.O.P. (Safe Tables Our Priority) newsletter.
www.safetables.org
I found out about this because I have a public health degree, and they send out information about foodborne illness recalls and outbreaks long before the newspapers and other news outlets make any mention of it.
Not that this can prevent you from getting listeria or any other mass food supply foodborne illness, because companies often don't recall stuff until after they find out people are getting sick.
But I really like this organization, they are huge advocates for keeping the food supply safe, and it was started after the fast food outbreaks of E. Coli.

Hi K. ...

I've been teaching childbirth preparation classes and infant care workshops for the past 27 years. I'm also a lactation specialist. I focus a great deal on nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum.

Processed meats of any kind (cold cuts, kielbasa, hot dogs, sausage, bologna, etc.) will cause or increase and aggravate leg cramping during pregnancy. Carbonated beverages are another culprit.

I don't really feel it's necessary to cook deli meats before you eat them -- just eat them in "moderation".

Don't forget to eat your veggies and high protein meals and snacks!

Happy Parenting,
~M.
http://www.squidoo.com/backtoworkafterbaby

Yes, you can get Listeria from eating lunch meat, hot dogs and soft cheeses that are not pasteurized. However, I ate lunch meat during my whole pregnancy and have a perfectly healthy baby. I made sure that the lunch meat was always fresh before I ate it. That is obviously harder to do when you eat out, but I packed my lunch a lot. If you eat out, you may want to use caution. I stayed away from hot dogs completely. I see that someone told you not to eat soft cheese. Not true! Just make sure the cheese contains no unpasteurized milk. I eat feta a lot and all the cheeses I found in the market were pasteurized and okay to eat. Don't eat any moldy cheese such as blue, gorgonzola or other cheeses in this family. If you want to eat cheese, just check the ingredients on the package before you buy it. It will tell you if the cheese is pasteurized. I thought it was ridiculous all the things people say you shouldn't eat. Just use common sense and stay away from the obviously bad things and I think you will be fine. If you think about...people used to smoke and drink and kids came out fine so what's a little lunch meat! Good luck!

The rule of thumb I was given is this:

If meat from 20 different animals is coming into contact over the course of the day, the potential for harmful bacteria is high. This includes most things you get from a deli, like cold meats and chicken salads.

Listeria is moderately common and no big deal when you're not pregnant, but it's an absolute disaster during pregnancy. It's the same reason you shouldn't have soft cheeses. Yes, a lot of people do it anyway and get away with it. Some don't.

It's a fear of listeria bacteria. It's really your call. I've never gotten sick from deli meat not pregnant and had it with all my pregnancies without a problem...I think it just ends up being a judgement call...whatever you are comfortable with. For me, it's much healthier option than eating a lot of the other lunch options out there!

-M

Hi K., I have never heard you can't eat deli meats while pregnant, I know I had my kids in the 80's and i ate deli meat, and had 3 healthy pregnancies and children. You don't have to wait for your apt. You can call any doctors office and ask that question. Lets me know what they say. J.

Read the book: What To Eat When You're Expecting. Eliminating cold cuts from your diet is discussed.

When i got pregnant last year I also heard of that, and of course did a lot of reading up on it online. I asked my gyno and she laughed.. it's really rediculous to follow all those crazy "what ifs", perhaps you shouldn't eat deli meats all day long but it's definitely ok to have it! I ate subway sandwiches and meats from other deli's the whole time and now have a healthy and happy 4 month old :) Everything is ok in moderation!

Even if a small risk, is it really worth it? I had a tiny bit of brie in my first trimester thinking that a little couldn't hurt. That next month I watched a pregnancy show on a woman who miscarried in her 4th month from the listeria she ate in some brie. That was it for me. Not worth the risk, however small. I'm not an alarmist but if deli meat is on the list, just avoid it. It's so unhealthy anyway. I love what one mom said in response to you, deli meat is comprised of 20+ different turkeys in one package of turkey. Gross. Really think about that. And the FDA? Should we really trust them? Look at all of the fake sugars and fake fats they allow in our foods that are banned in Europe.
If you want a good read, read Skinny Bitch. It's not for pregnancy per se, but it's a cliff note version of more serious books on what's "really" in our foods. OK, enough preaching. Sorry. I'm just really passionate on this subject. All the best to you!

That's a new one for me....I was never told to avoid deli meats when I was pregnant. I think I ate sandwiches all the time, and never had any issues. I would listen to your doctors though...you can never be too safe. Congratulations and good luck!

they can have a lot of bacteria if not stored or handled right and are high in nitraites. i worked in a deli for 2 years and ate the meats while i was preg with my daughter. she came out healthy and big!. i would just limit what you eat and if you get sick from it dont eat it.

I wouldn't worry. Some people say not to eat hot dogs or deli meat because they are more likely to carry bacteria that can give you food poisoning which in pregnancy can potentially harm the baby. However my OB said to only stay away from certain fish and cheeses like blue cheese and feta if not pasturized. I hate sandwiches on a daily bases while pregnant and had no problems. Just be smart and don't eat stuff that is sitting out for long periods or could be old. Just common sense. Good luck.

I craved ham sandwiches once I got over being repulsed by the smell of meat in the firt trimester. I asked my dr (a fertility specialist) if I could have it and she said it was no problem. I was concerned about listeria, but she said to just avoid things like bleu cheese that naturally have mold. But ham was not a problem and I thoroughly enjoyed the sandwiches. Maybe they want you to avoid it during the first 12 weeks until the placenta takes over.

I had actually never head of this before, but I did find this link that talks about it: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/l...
Hope it can answer some of your questions.
Best of luck to you during your pregnancy :)

It has to do with the listeria bacteria which can grow in refrigerator-like temperatures. It's not killed by cooler temps. Adults are not affected by this bacteria, but growing fetuses are. When I was preggo, I would ask for the sub to be toasted or skip all together.

Get the meat from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. Theres does not have nitrates. I ate deli meat from both places and had no problems.

A BIG no unless it is freshly sliced and eaten within 3 days- per the health department.

It's been about 5-years since I've been pregnant so the rule about lunchmeats may have changed. I know that you should try to stay away from anything with sodium nitrate in it -- which rules out pretty much all deli meat, hot dogs, ham, etc. Applegate Farms and Boarshead brands do have nitrate-free lunchmeats and hotdogs.

If you eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats that are not reheated until steaming hot, you can get Listerosis-a serious illness that is caused by bacteria found in soil, ground water, and on plants. You have a weakened immune system while pregnant, that is why you're at a higher risk now. It can be given to your baby even if you are not showing any signs of illness which can lead to premature labor, miscarriage, and severe illness or death of the newborn. For the same reason, don't eat soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, and/or Mexican-style cheeses, refrigerated pate or meat spreads, smoked seafood (unless it's cooked in a casserole) and do not drink or eat foods that contain any unpasteurized milk or juice.

The symptoms of having Listerosis are flu-like symptoms, sudden onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, sometimes diarrhea or upset stomach. There may also be a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions (if it has spread to the nervous system). It can be treated so if you ever think you are exposed, let your physician know right away.

Honestly....I would not worry about it. I know they say don't eat it because of listeria. Listeria (a microorganism) can cause spontaneous abortion. Listeria is most often found in meat and dairy products. But....the food industry is so HEAVILY regulated, meat products are tested prior to release, so there is very little chance of you eating meat contaminated with listeria. If you DID eat meat contaminated with listeria, you would get sick, but so would many other people who ate it.

So, I wouldn't be concerned about eating packaged meat that you bought from the store. I would be a little more cautious when eating deli meat from a restaurant. I would just make sure the restaurant was clean, had a good reputation, and seem to be practicing good food safety.

I have a MS in microbiologist, and I have worked in the food industry in quality control for over 7 years. I am also pregnant with my second, and I ate deli meat in both my first and second pregnancies.

So, all in all I would ask your dr, and then do what you are comfortable with. Funny thing is, there is a lot out there about not eating "deli meat" while you are pregnant. Well, do you know what food product most often tests positive for listeria (most often caught before release from the plant)? Hot dogs!

You may get to the point in your pregnancy where you wonder what IS ok to eat!!! There are lists and lists of things to avoid. You are doing the right thing by asking why... lunch meats are a no-no unless cooked because of the damage that can be done to your baby - you have tons of good responses so I won't get into it.

I work at a school also and when I was pregnant, I came prepared with snacks... just leave a full grocery bag in your classroom so you have an assortment of nuts, apples, oranges etc. What helped me was explaining the issue to the cafeteria staff. They were super accomodating - I had grilled cheese from them and they made me a fresh fruit bowl every morning. Bring them a pic of your ultrasound and they'll do everything they can! I know peanut butter is on some no lists but the why wasn't there for me - no history of peanut allergies. Peanut butter on an english muffin was delicious! The cafeteria can make you salads, oatmeal - they have all sorts of tricks - the head lady just needs to order the stuff to make it! Congratulations on your upcoming baby!

Well, everybody seems to have covered it. I was extremely careful when I was pregnant. I'm a teacher (of English) too, so I understand how tough it is to avoid sandwiches, but you have one chance to ensure the health of your child. I didn't eat any deli meat, hot dogs, soft cheeses, and I had to give up Diet Coke, which darn near did me in! Just remember that it's only for a relatively short period of time, and you will be so proud of yourself for it when you have a gorgeous baby in your arms!

My doctor said the chance of getting Listeria form deli meats is pretty slim and to not worry that much about it, maybe just don't eat tham a lot while pregnant.

My doctor told me the same thing. I would just heat up the meat in the micro or you can heat it up on the stove. it has something to do with the packaging of the cold deli meats and the way it is preserved.there can be a lot of bad bacteria in meat. Lots of people were concerned that I was over reacting and being too cautous but I didn't care. I did it though out my pregancy. I didn't want to take any chances.I did want the doctor told me to do even cutting out chocolate and eating wild fish instead of raised fish. Maybe I was too extreme at something but I wanted to give my fetus/baby the best possible chance of being healthy. Good luck to you and congraduations!!!! Enjoy every minute!!
M.

Check out the book what to expect when your expecting. This book has been my bible for all pregnancies. It tells you all the food to avoid including your deli meat and explains why. It is also a week by week guide to your pregnancy and answers lots of pregnancy questions.

Hi there. I grappled with the same problem while pregnant and I craved sandwiches. For the most part I just ate the deli meat but ate Health Choice(lower salt) and stuck to the honey roasted turkey or turkey ham. I had never heard that there is a bacteria tho...just thought it was too high in sodium and nitrates.

the What to Expect when you are Expecting author has a book "What to eat when you are Expecting" and it's pretty good...although all I did was sleep and eat strawberries my first trimester and the last thing i wanted to do was cook :) If you have a helpful spouse or SO or someone to help you with the cooking it has some great recipes not just healthful if you are pregnant! Hope this helps!

If you didn't any any of the 5 million things you aren't supposed to eat when you are pregnant you would starve.

No soft cheese, frozen yougart, soft ice cream, canned food, any processed food, non bottled water, caffeine, fish, rare meat...it goes on and on. But, they do all have a risk. Small, and yeah, highly unlikely they will happen to you. But, there ia also a chance that you might get hit by a truck. Only you can decide what choices to make. Just be informed, and make the best decision that you can.

Cold meats -- deli or any other -- can harbor bacteria. The reason your Dr. said "no deli meat" is because people usually eat them cold and if there is bacteria, you haven't done anything to destroy it and then it can make you sick. Heating kills many types of harmful bacteria, but you have to heat really throughly (like the difference between a raw egg and a fried egg). Heating a slice a baloney doesn't take long enough, nor cover all the surfaces, to ensure all bacteria is destroyed. And microwaving is even less effective.

To be honest, all food has bacteria. It's a part of life, food comes from dirt on farms and live animals, we don't live in a sanitized environment. Food is also science, so unless you have studied food science and understand "why" doctors make such recommendations, it is best to heed their suggestions.

If I were pregnant, I would not eat cold meats from a deli, or packaged deli meat. I would not eat anything that wasn't piping hot, or ice-cold.

It is due to Listeria and no matter how small a risk people say it may be I was not willing to take it. It is one of the few things that can pass through the placenta and right to the baby. The reason it can be in lunch meats would be if they were not properly handled. If the lunchmeat was not constantly kept under a certain temperature the bacteria could grow on it. I don't think companies always handle things as safe as they should so I did not risk it. It killed me because before I was preggo I practically lived on sandwiches! As tough as it was I felt better not taking the risk.

The issue is a bacteria called Listeria which is common in deli meats. The bacteria will end your pregnancy but if you weren't pregnant, you wouldn't notice or only feel a slight bit off if you were exposed to it. I would recommend that all pregnant women stay away from it as I have had quite a few friends who have had this experience pregnant. It's very sad...

It harbors listeria. If you follow the news quite a few people are dying in Canada right now due to a listeria outbreak at one of their biggest meat companies. Some people just get a little sick/tummyache and don't realize what it's from but a fetus can't protect itself and gets the worst of it. I wouldn't chance it. It doesn't mean you will get sick but if you get some of the bacteria, I wouldn't want to risk my unborn child over it. Good luck!

Like one of the other posts said it has to do with listeria. I am also a teacher so I agree with the other post- it is hard to avoid sandwiches. What I did for lunch was I usually ate salads and soup.

Hello, K.,

Hmmm.... Deli meats....

Get rid of them! As of August of 2007, the FDA has approved the use of FIVE UNTESTED VIRUS SPRAYS on all deli meats to "control bacteria". I don't know about you but I do not take any viruses knowingly into my body. Period. As a food coach, I must tell you for your health, and the health of your unborn lose the lunch meat habit. There is nothing nourishing for the body in it anyway.

My very best,

T.

K.,

The issue with deli meats and hotdogs is a bacteria called listeria. In a healthy adult, it may cause some tummy upset but it can cause serious problems if you are pregnant and it can cause serious problems for young children, the elderly and any immune compromised. Google listeria and you'll find plenty of info. All you have to do is heat the lunch meat to steaming, let it cool and eat it. I've never "pre-steamed" anything, I just do it as I go. I also steam any lunch meat or hotdogs I give to my kids.

T.