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My OB told me that ideally I would avoid them but everything in moderation is okay too. I've had a number of sandwiches (they have tended to go down when other things wouldn't) and I try to get high quality meats and haven't had issue. Keep in mind, you also aren't supposed to have raw fish like sushi. But wouldn't some asian women eat sushi as part of their regular diet? I think keeping those things that are supposed to be forbidden in moderation and when imbibed, go for high quality and you'll be fine.
Yes it's true--pregnant women should avoid all deli meats. There is a slight risk of listeriosis, a kind of food poisoning which can cause miscarriage or early delivery. It's pretty rare, but of all the reported cases, something 85% are pregnant women. Don't worry, though, you will get to indulge in many other things when you're pregnant!
@absolutbettie: Wait, so are you saying that this really does include all deli meats - like fresh from the counter ones too? Or is it just something about the preservatives in pre-packaged meats like the OP was asking?
I've never heard this before - I sure hope someone gives me a list or something to follow when I'm pregnant because I'm constantly hearing about new things that should be avoided.
As long as the meat is heated to 160 degrees before eating it, I think it's safe. I'm lucky because at work we have a small kitchen and a electric griddle, so I can cook sandwich meat and throw it on a sandwhich.
I know some people who still ate sandwhich meat while pregnant and were fine. I would make sure it's cut fresh when you buy it (from deli, not prepackaged), and keep it really cold in the fridge until you're ready to eat it. I'd also only keep sandwhich meat for 2-3 days.
I think the machine at the counters that they use to cut the meat is part of the problem....not as clean as we may think..
Yeah, it's mostly the bacteria problem. Deli meats are typically made from parts of animals ground together and pressed, then sliced or formed into hotdog shapes, among others. So there is no way to truly clean the meat even if you wash it because the bacteria has been ground into the meat. At deli counters they frequently cross-contaminate their slicers, since they do not clean them between different meats.
While I was preggers I just got all my deli sandwiches toasted. I always cooked everything and didn't eat sushi. But after you read about it, you get a little paranoid.
@melodicsighs1: i don't know if the danger is in the preservatives or the actual meat itself. but according to the handout my OB gave me, it includes all deli/luncheon (pre packaged, fresh, hot dogs) unless they are reheated until steaming hot. So if you're really craving a deli sandwich, get it pressed or toasted. The risk is that pregnant women are more prone to listeriosis than others, so I think you should be fine if you are just TTC
Thanks, ladies! I guess it's a good excuse to go buy a panini press :)
I just ate a corned beef special today. It was delish! 5 years ago they didn't even tell you not to eat lunch meat according to my friends who have kids-they were shocked when I told them. My OB also told me not to eat hot dogs-wtf?
When you get a package of deli meat microwave it for about 15-20 seconds. That should kill the bacteria and is much easier then grilling it.
@flamingred: You can eat hotdogs, you just have to heat them up first.
Five years ago they were telling people to lay babies on their tummies to sleep. Now we know better. Medicine is constantly evolving. Deli meat may be a new recommendation, but it has merit in the data. The people getting ill from deli meat are mostly pregnant. Not all pregnant women who eat deli meat will get listeriosis, but most people getting listeriosis from deli meat are pregnant. Getting listeriosis puts you at great risk for miscarriage. But like all risk, this is a decision each mother must make for herself. As long as you're aware of it, acknowledge it, and possibly take measures to mitigate it, then you're fine.
most food issues boil down to listeria (rare but very bad) can be prevented as above if you heat until steaming (I thought I even read somewhere you were ok microwaving it in the morning then keeping your lunch cold until lunchtime (if you sack lunch it)) or nitrates I just scaled way back on these but didn't feel like I had to 100% give up food w/ nitrates...just bought lower versions and ate less often
I found out a lot of the food on the internet...most doctors list was pretty short. I recommend finding out hte reason/studies/impact behind each "food to avoid" then decide what your comfort level is
My doctor said I could have deli meat. He just thinks the risk is really low. So I eat it whenever I want and I've been fine.
not good news, i want sandwiches and hot dogs soooo bad right now!
This is a great book to help separate science from hysteria re: pregnancy ...
The Panic-Free Pregnancy by Michael S. Broder
The author is an ob-gyn and does a good job of summarizing all the scientific studies, not just regarding food but pretty much everything you might have been warned about ... doesn't tell you what to do or not, just gives you the facts regarding risks so you can judge for yourself.
I wish I'd read it earlier. I spent the first half of my pregnancy a complete paranoid wreck. Now I'm much more relaxed!
Re: sandwich meat ... this is one thing I continue to avoid, although I've occasionally had prepared meats hot on pizza. Listeria is a genuine concern for pregnant women. Nitrates are not particularly good for you anytime, it's true, but I can't quite bring myself to give up bacon. :-)
Currently TTC and had a meeting with my doctor the other day about this very thing. He said sandwich meats, hot dogs are fine in moderation. Listeria is a genuine concern but the risk is low. Limiting your intake lowers your risk.
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I hear that when you're pregnant that one should avoid sandwich meats. Does that include those fresh deli meats cut at the counter? Or just the ones pre-packaged? I love sandwhiches and will miss them when I'm pregnant...and, if it's both fresh deli and pre-packaged than I'll have to avoid them while I'm TTC just in case.
Thanks!