Is It Safe to Eat Meat During Pregnancy?

knottie7351fe50bdc52e8d

Hi everyone,

I'm currently pregnant and have a question about eating meat. I've heard mixed opinions on whether it's safe to consume meat during pregnancy, especially certain types. I want to make sure I'm doing what's best for my baby and myself. Are there specific types of meat I should avoid, or is there a recommended way to prepare meat to ensure it's safe?

Thank you in advance for your advice and insights!

farmwifemimi

Hi! As long as it's cooked through and you avoid/minimize processed meats, you should be able to enjoy it daily. If you can do it, try buying your meat from local pasture-raised farms (I'm biased) but you can often get it for better than grocery store prices if you buy in bulk (ex. Quarter animal) plus you can avoid GMOs/nitrates or animals raised on soy/corn. With fish, I'm not as knowledgeable but as long as it's not one of those known for higher mercury content and cooked, it's good! I think the source of the meat is just as important as how you prepare it - personal opinion, of course.  

karlee05

I agree with the comment above. Meat is super important in pregnancy. I am still nauseous and have a lot of food aversions so I'm taking beef liver capsules to make up for the lack of meat in my diet.

luckyduck42

If you typically eat meat, I would continue. Just be sure to keep it properly refrigerated, use within a couple day, and be sure it is cooked to a safe internal temperature, based on the type of meat.

Deli meat is a little different. There have been many, many recalls for deli meat in my area lately for bacteria. Even without the recall, it is recommended to heat up deli meat (steaming hot!) before consuming. Although I am choosing not to eat processed meats due to the nitrates, but many people do, and many doctors are ok with it.