Lunch meat - really dumb ?

Anna&Rich

I was just reading in a magazine that you can't eat meat cut at the deli or prepackaged, but I've been eating the prepackaged kind this whole time b/c my doctor said it was ok.  Even when DH asked why I can eat the prepackaged kind but not the deli I didn't know what to say.  I feel so dumb and really confused, what's the real deal?

laurenrobbie

Both types carry a listeria risk unless heated until steaming.

Temp36641187503164

I eat both and my OB told me not to worry about it when I brought it up at my first appointment. I even ate a roast beef sub that was pre-packaged in the walmart deli yesterday...I didn't give it a second thought.

robinsokj

Prepackaged are viewed as safer b/c they dont sit in the open air all the time like the deli counter meats. 

Melly Mel

I was told no to both.

jenkm

laurenrobbie:

Both types carry a listeria risk unless heated until steaming.

This.

Many doctors say it's fine b/c the risk is VERY small.  The reason many women avoid it is that in the rare event that a pg woman gets listeria, it can be fatal to the fetus.

aborgra

I have been eating both the whole time and my Dr. said it was fine.

ivybug

I've never had a dr tell me not to eat lunch meat.  They said anything in moderation.

carney09

ivybug:

I've never had a dr tell me not to eat lunch meat.  They said anything in moderation.

 

Eating lunch meat in moderation doesn't really make sense here.  It only takes ONE time to get listeria.

 

Now, the overall RISK might be small, but only eating it every so often doesn't do anything to decrease the risk...

sleepingbeauty825

aborgra:

I have been eating both the whole time and my Dr. said it was fine.

This is me too. It is a risk, but a very low one. It's up to you whether you want to risk it for a delicious sandwich.

dt5570

I do not eat it either-I have heated it few a few times when I was really in the mood but for me it is not worth the risk like others have mentioned.

babycrane

Melly Mel:

I was told no to both.

Same here. Why even take the chance? Can't you just hold off till after you have the baby? My friend actually got really sick from deli meat and they had to do a emergency C-section at 36 weeks. I was basically lectured from her to NOT have any! I will just make sure the meat is grilled and very hot when served.

jilicious

babycrane:

Melly Mel:

I was told no to both.

Same here. Why even take the chance? Can't you just hold off till after you have the baby? My friend actually got really sick from deli meat and they had to do a emergency C-section at 36 weeks. I was basically lectured from her to NOT have any! I will just make sure the meat is grilled and very hot when served.

You can microwave it to staming which elimates all risk. It takes 15 seconds and then the mean cools right down afterwards. Deliiiicous

RadicalDreamer143

Meh.  My doctor okayed lunch meat, and sushi, and said to have common sense and go to reputable places - even recommended a few places.  I'm fine with both, and have been eating both during this pregnancy.

AmandaToo

I also remember my research in 1st tri leading me to understand that you are statistically more likely to get listeria from drinking milk or eating leafy green vegetables than from deli meat.  You can research that for yourself - sorry I don't have a link.