I have been eating subs made with deli meat this week. Has anyne else eaten this during pregnancy?

Question

I just read an article that said "deli meat" are food to avoid during pregnancy, so I am a little worried. I am 7 weeks pregnant.

Answer 1

It is suggested that you only eat deli meat if it's been heated to steaming to avoid the risk of listeria. Although it may or may not be in your deli meat, pregnancy makes you more susceptible to getting sick.

That being said, I ate subs during pregnancy with no problems whatsoever. The fact that you haven't gotten sick yet, I would not worry. But you may want to stop eating them in the future.

Congrats and good luck with your pregnancy!!

Answer 2

You should avoid deli meat in the future - if you are not sick now then you won't contract something from what you have already eaten.

It amazes me how people come up with such idiotic reasons why you are told not to eat deli meats - nitrates? sodium? Please people - get educated about your pregnancies and why you are told to avoid certain things!

The reason you are told not to eat deli meats is possible contamination from Listeria! This bacteria will cause miscarriages or other serious health problems if ingested by a pregnant woman! It is a virulent pathogen and will make anyone really sick if present in a food source - that's why pregnant women are told to avoid soft un-pasteurized cheeses also - risk of listeria contamination.

If you must eat deli meat sandwiches - make sure that the meats are thoroughly heated - to steaming as some people have said here.

Congratulations and good luck! Best wishes to you for a healthy pregnancy and baby!!!

Answer 3

Deli meats should be avoided because they *potentially* contain a bacteria called listeria which is very harmful to unborn babies - it can cause miscarriage/stillbirth. This risk is present *each time* you eat deli meat - but the risk is actually small. I wouldn't continue to eat deli meat if I were you, unless you heat it up until it's about 165 F. But it's up to you to decide if a small risk is enough to make you stop eating deli meat. Every woman is different. Other than the bacteria issue, deli meat isn't necessarily harmful to the baby (unless eaten very frequently, because of the nitrates). So, you and the baby will be fine unless you are one of the few unlucky ones to contract listeriosis.

Answer 4

Yes, I've eaten deli meat during pregnancy. The whole thing with deli meat is an enzyme that is hard for the baby's body to tolerate. However, in moderation it's fine.

I found myself really wanting subs (probably because I shouldn't have them) and then read that the best thing to do when eating a sub is to heat the meat to steaming in the microwave. That will kill anything harmful.

Don't worry, I'm sure your baby is fine. If you are still concerned, talk with your doctor at your next appointment (you should be having an ultrasound at about 8 weeks, I think.) You'll be able to see the baby then.

Congrats on the pregnancy!

Answer 5

I worried bout it everytime I eat deli meats.. Which is.. ALL THE TIME.. you think I would get sick of them but the only thing I could tolerate was a sandwich. It wasnt greasy so I keep it down. I figured at least I was eating! Doctor has never said anything about it to me.. and im 34 weeks.

Answer 6

I have never heard that. I'm glad you said something because I'm 14 weeks and eat deli meat all of the time.

Answer 7

So many women with healthy babies that you can't count them all. Try to avoid the heavily processed meats with gobs of preservatives. The fresher the better, and be sure to heat it. Watch out for fish, the levels or mercury have become too dangerous to risk. If you've had any of these foods, don't panic, much more than likely your baby is perfectly fine just take care from here on out.

Answer 8

there is a very SLIM chance that you will get sick, but there is a chance....the bacteria they want you to stay away from can cause miscarriage or other complications...however, i have had sandwiches throughout my pregnancy and have had no problems BUT i always heat my meat in the microwave for about 20 seconds and if i am eating out i ask them to do the same...just to be on the safe side and protect that little one!

Answer 9

I personally wouldn't eat deli meat unless it's heated to steaming. The same thing goes for hot dogs and certain types of soft cheeses. Pregnant women are at risk for listeriosis and while a rare condition, it can be deadly for your baby.

I know a woman who contracted listeriosis while pregnant with twins and delivered them at 24 weeks. They didn't make it. To be on the safe side, I'd stop eating deli meat if I were you unless you heat it first.

Answer 10

Deli meats can contain listeria. It is fine to eat them, you just have to heat them up to kill the bacteria. If you go to Subway or somewhere like that just have them toast your sub.