I'm 26 yrs old and pregnant with my third child, I never knew this, but I just read somewhere that deli meats and some soft cheeses are bad to eat while pregnant. Iam only 6 weeks pregnant but have been eating sandwhiches with deli meat and cheeses. I know I ate the same with my other two pregnancies but Iam soo scared that something will be wrong with my baby now that I know this. I haven't had my first Dr visit yet, but can anyone tell me that it's not as harmful as everyone says? I have totaly stopped eating all lunchmeat now!! Iam soo worried! Help!
well I have never heard that but what I do know is that worrying especially this early is probably more dangerous than anything so don't stress out about it!! Good luck with the pregnancy!!
I hope I can ease your mind. Listeria is the reason that SOME drs say no deli meat. My Dr. said 1- It's hard enough to find things you can or want to eat when you are pregnant so everything in moderation. 2- You are just as likely to get sick pregnant or not so think of all the times you have been sick from eating lunch meat, not many if at all ever right? It will be fine.
Avoid Cheeses such as Brie, Bleu Cheese, Feta, Mexican style cheeses. There is a lunchmeat called Hormel that is labeled without sodium nitrate that is safe to eat without heating up comes in turkey and ham. Also, be careful eating certain hotdogs, sausages and bacon too. Make sure all hamburgers, steaks etc are cooked medium well to well. If you eat anything with mayo in it, ask when it was made, how long been sitting out, etc. I don't buy over the counter deli salads, I make my own or buy the pre packaged salads. But wash everything including your raw meat to prevent ecoli and salmonella.
Also no albacore tuna, you can eat light tuna in water, no shellfish including crab, lobster, etc. No sushi, sashimi, seared meats.
Pepperoni is okay if pizza is cooked. But check the salami, make sure it doesn't have wine in it. Check salad dressings for red wine vinegar. I made the mistake of eating spanish olives and didn't know there was chardonnay wine in it.
Don't worry, if you are fine then all is ok. they say no deli meats (unless heated to steaming) or soft cheeses such as brie etc because they can contain listeria and a pregnant woman can't fight the infection which could cause a miscarriage. But if you did not get sick all should be well. Call your dr, express your concern and see if she/he can get you in for an early ultrasound.
Good luck
I ate at Mr Goodcents many times during my pregnancy and I have a very healthy 7 month old. I heard it is the same bacteria that makes it so pregnant women should stay away from cat litter boxes. Listeria <sp?> ... if it is a reputable deli... (not on the news for failing health inspections ;) ) you should be fine.
M.,
The Listeria bacteria is the main concern with why these foods have been added to the list of things pregnant women should not eat. Listeria can make everyone sick but has been linked to miscarriages in pregnant women who have ingested the bacteria. I am a Health Inspector and just had a baby of my own. Just make sure you buy fresh deli meat/milk/sour cream etc. Keep them at 41°f or less in your refrigerator (this temperature slows the rate at which the bacteria can grow) and discard any leftover whithin 7 days of opening the package. This time period is what the FDA shows is a safe amount of time before the bacteria can multiply enough to make you sick. And just remember this is just on the chance that this food has been contaminated with the bacteria. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi M.,
Being so worried might be more stressfull to your baby than eating the lunch meat, so please don't worry about what you already did.
There is a certain bacteria that can be found in lunchmeat, soft cheeses, also changing the litterbox might expose you to contracting bacterias that are harmfull for the baby....I say might. So it doesn't mean you are. From now on do what you feel is best, but don't worry, like you said with your other children you were fine.
G.
doula
M.,
I read this also when I was pregnant last year. I stopped eating lunchmeat just to be safe. That was my first pregnancy, so I did just about everything I read. I think you are more at risk if the lunchmeat sits out for awhile, like at a party/picnic. As long as you are feeling okay, I think you are safe. I would just keep it in the back of your mind, but not stress about it.
Good Luck,
D.
Hi M.,
I found a list of foods to avoid during pregnancy...Here's the link to the article. Don't worry too much. :-) You'll be fine.
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/nutritioninpregn/a/aaabavoi...
Best wishes,G.
