Can You Eat Sausage While Pregnant? A Guide to Safe Consumption

Sausage is a convenient and tasty protein enjoyed by many. But when you’re expecting, you may wonder if it’s safe to keep cooking up those savory links. Can you indulge in brats and Italian sausage? Or are pregnancy nutrition needs better met by other options?

Let’s break down the facts on consuming sausage during pregnancy.

Why Avoid Raw and Undercooked Sausage

In general, thoroughly cooked sausage is fine in moderation during pregnancy. However, there are a few reasons raw or undercooked sausage is not recommended:

• Bacteria risk – Raw pork can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, E coli or toxoplasmosis. Thorough cooking destroys these

• Parasites – Raw pork may contain toxoplasma parasites that can cause birth defects or miscarriage if contracted.

• Nitrates/nitrites – Processed meats like sausage often contain preservatives that may be harmful in excess.

The key is proper handling and cooking sausage to a safe internal temperature This destroys any bacteria or parasites present in raw sausage,

Tips for Safely Consuming Sausage

Follow these guidelines for safely eating sausage while pregnant:

• Cook thoroughly – Heat sausages to an internal temperature of 160°F. They should be browned on the outside with no pink inside.

• Use a meat thermometer – Insert in thickest part of sausage to check for doneness.

• Avoid cross-contamination – Keep raw sausage separate from other foods. Disinfect surfaces, utensils and hands after handling raw meat.

• Reheat leftovers fully – Heat to 165°F or until steaming hot before eating again.

• Limit processed types – Opt for fresh sausages whenever possible and consume processed meats in moderation.

• Proper storage – Refrigerate sausage promptly and use within 3-4 days for best quality. Freeze for longer storage.

Following basic food safety provides protection against bacteria or parasites when consuming sausage.

Healthiest Sausage Options During Pregnancy

While processed versions are convenient, fresh sausages tend to be more nutritious. Consider these better-for-you pregancy picks:

• Fresh turkey sausage – Lower fat option with added flavor from herbs and spices.

• Chicken apple sausage – Often contains veggies and fruit for extra nutrition.

• Uncured sausage – Without nitrates/nitrites, a healthier choice.

• Organic and grass-fed – Raised without hormones or antibiotics when possible.

• Lower sodium – Limit excess sodium intake during pregnancy.

• Leaner varieties – Contain less saturated fat. Choose turkey, chicken or veggie blends.

Finding quality sausages without mystery ingredients provides more nutritional benefits.

Tasty Ways to Eat Sausage While Pregnant

Beyond breakfast links or brats on the grill, sausage makes a tasty addition to all kinds of dishes:

• Breakfast tacos or burritos

• Omelets or frittata – With veggies and cheese

• Breakfast bowls – Over hashbrowns or grits

• Crumbled in pasta sauce or lasagna

• Mixed into soups, stews or chili

• On flatbreads or pizza

• In casseroles or baked ziti

• Potatoes au gratin – Alternate layers with sauce and cheese

• Sausage and peppers sandwich

• Jambalaya or dirty rice

Get creative with recipes to satisfy sausage cravings the healthy way!

Should Pregnant Women Avoid Processed Meats?

In addition to food safety concerns with undercooked sausage, there are a few other reasons pregnant women may wish to limit processed types like hot dogs, deli meat and bacon:

• Higher sodium – Excess sodium intake can cause fluid retention and increased blood pressure.

• Nitrates/nitrites – These preservatives may be harmful to mom and baby when consumed in excess.

• Increased illness risk – Some research links processed meats to higher rates of certain cancers and other diseases.

• Limited nutritional value – Fresh meats provide more beneficial vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.

While an occasional hot dog or few slices of deli turkey are unlikely to cause harm, sticking to fresh, homemade sausage provides maximum nutrition for mom and baby.

Tips for Reheating Leftover Sausage Safely

Leftover fully-cooked sausage stays fresh 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer freezer storage, wrap tightly in freezer bags or foil. To reheat leftovers safely:

• Heat to 165°F until hot and steaming. Use a food thermometer to verify temperature.

• Microwave on high until piping hot, at least 1-2 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes before eating.

• Bake in a 375°F oven about 15 minutes until thoroughly reheated.

• Cook in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, turning frequently, until heated through.

• Bring soups, stews or casseroles containing sausage back to a boil before serving again.

Proper reheating provides protection against bacteria when enjoying leftover sausage.

Signs of Food Poisoning During Pregnancy

On the very rare chance consuming sausage results in food poisoning, symptoms generally appear within 12-48 hours. Be alert for:

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

• Abdominal cramping

• Muscle aches

• Fatigue and weakness

• Fever and chills

Contact your doctor right away if experiencing multiple symptoms for prompt evaluation and treatment. Rest, fluids and a bland diet can help resolve mild cases.

With careful handling and preparation, sausage can be a tasty protein source during pregnancy. Opt for fresh varieties, cook thoroughly, practice food safety and consume in moderation as part of an overall balanced prenatal diet.