I'm pregnant and my Dr said I was not to eat lunch meat because it has bacteria. I never heard this before

Question

Has anyone else been told this?

Answer 1

I was told to stay away from lunch meats, but not becasue of bacteria. My Dr said all of the preservatives in pre-packaged lunch meats can be harmful, and to get lunch meats fresh from the deli instead. Very interesting about the listera (sp?) bacteria though!

Answer 2

Yes! When I was pregnant I was told the same thing. Lunch meats can contain listeria a bacteria that can cause miscarrage or other serious problems for the baby. I heard if you microwave the lunchmeat for a few seconds this will kill any bacteria but check with your doctor. I still ate some lunch meat when I was pregnant and I have four healthy kids!

Answer 3

I have heard of this my doctor told me the same thing not to eat lunch meat but she did give me some adv if I wanted to. She adv me to cook the lunch meat like put it in the microwave for a few minutes...it will cook away the bacteria, and she also suggested to get real meat..Lunch meat is the meat you can get already package out of the gold ile in the store where you get your cheese, and milk and hotdogs things like that. If you want lunch meat go to the deli get it fresh..it will be fresh ham and turkey that is not processed and does not contain bacteria. I eat lunch meat all the time i crave it matter fact. I just cook mine first it taste just as yummy hot as it does cold..especially with melted cheese on top yummy...

Answer 4

I had friends that were told this and I asked my doctor and he said it is mostly delis that are at concern (Subway, port of subs, the local deli) He told me to make the decision to research it and believe what I wanted to believe. So I looked it up researched it and decided just not to eat meat at delis. I at prepackaged lunch meat through two pregnancies and I am fine, babies are fine.

Also something to think about, many years ago people didn't clean there meat, they didn't refrigerate it and they still manage to have healthy kids.

But I would do your own research look at all the articles out there you can find and come to you own conclusion. Just because I am fine, doesn't mean you will be too. Look research, and I suggest talking about your research with your doctor.

Answer 5

the first answer is correct. Anything like bologna, hot dogs, or other packaged lunc meat needs to be reheated because of the threat of Listeria. Last year when I was pregnant with my daughter my nutitionist gave me a list of foods that are not safe to eat. For the article and the food list go to www.awhonn.org.

Answer 6

Yes, It was a huge sacrifice and the cravings were intense, but I avoided all nitrates while pregnant. I had a 7 lb 15oz baby 3 weeks early, very healthy and still is now 13 months later.

Answer 7

I have heard that too. I am 20 weeks and I still eat it. I ate it w/ my 1st pregnancy continously. It's not good for you though b/c it can have lysteria and pregnant women and immunodefiecent people are more succepatible to getting it. Heat it if you want to eat it or just take the chanece like I do.

Answer 8

I have never heard of it, but to tell you the truth, are you used to eating it? I have had a doctor tell me during my pregnancy, that whatever you did before you got pregnant, you can do while you are. You body has built up a natural resistance to whatever you did before. People eat whatever, or even ride horses during pregnancies and their kids come out fine. I rode roller coasters up until I could no longer fit inside the ride, and my son came out fine. It is when you start taking all these precautions and eating food you never did before that endangers your fetus's health. All and all, it is your decision on what you want to do and what you feel is right.

Answer 9

Yes, it can carry listeria. I was told to "heat it to steaming." I was also told that young children should have it cooked in the same way. Apparently pregnant women are especially susceptible to food poisoning,etc. Maybe you can call your community extension office for info.

Answer 10

The bacteria that it *may* have is called listeria. Its totally odorless and colorless so you can't tell if its on the meat just by looking or smelling. If you heat it until it steams any listeria on the meat would be killed.