Can You Safely Eat Sausage During Pregnancy?

With countless flavors and styles available, it's no surprise that you might be craving sausage. But is it safe to indulge during pregnancy? The short answer is: yes! You can savor sausage safely, provided you adhere to certain guidelines to protect both yourself and your baby from foodborne illnesses.

Understanding Safe Sausage Options

Before diving into that delicious sausage, it’s essential to recognize the four primary types of sausage available:

• Fresh Sausage: Made from raw meat that is chopped, ground, or pureed. Examples include Italian sausage, Mexican chorizo, bratwurst, breakfast links, and sausage patties.
• Pre-cooked Sausage: This variety is cooked before or after stuffing into casings. Common examples include hot dogs, bologna, frankfurters, and some German-style “wursts.” Always confirm with your butcher.
• Smoked Sausage: Cooked sausage that is smoked over low heat, like andouille and kielbasa.
• Cured Sausage: Often found on charcuterie boards, these sausages are made from fresh meat that is salted and allowed to air-dry. Examples are Spanish chorizo, coppa, and Genoa salami.

What Sausages Are Safe During Pregnancy?

Freshly cooked sausages can be enjoyed safely when they are served hot and have reached the recommended internal temperatures:

• For sausages made with lamb, pork, beef, or veal, ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C).
• For chicken or turkey-based sausages, aim for 165°F (73.8°C).

Avoiding Unsafe Sausage Types

While you might enjoy cured sausages like salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto, it’s best to avoid them unless they are thoroughly cooked. Baking pepperoni on a pizza can be a safer option if the pizza is baked at high temperatures. The USDA warns that cured meats may contain E. coli, posing risks for pregnant individuals.

Avoid raw or undercooked meats, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Even pre-cooked meats like hot dogs harbor bacteria such as Listeria and should be heated adequately before consumption. Additionally, be cautious of Toxoplasma gondii—this parasite can cause toxoplasmosis through undercooked meats, particularly pork, lamb, and venison.

Safe Preparation Practices

Ensure all fresh sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F when cooking. For pre-cooked varieties, they should be heated to steaming hot. Investing in a simple food thermometer can ease this process. Avoid tasting raw sausage before cooking it completely.

Prevent cross-contamination by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat. Use hot, soapy water to scrub cutting boards and surfaces. Store raw meats separately from other foods in your refrigerator, and consider keeping them apart during shopping.

Storage Guidelines for Sausages

Don't forget to wash your hands with warm, soapy water after handling any meat products.

Other Important Considerations During Pregnancy

Sausage can be nutritious, as one typical Italian sausage link provides about 14 grams of protein. However, it's also high in fat and sodium. Modifying your sausage consumption to include an array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy dairy options is advisable. Additionally, spicy sausages may exacerbate pregnancy-related heartburn, so limit their intake as needed.

For those seeking alternatives, plant-based sausages, like Beyond Sausage, provide 16 grams of protein per link and contain less saturated fat than traditional options.

Recognizing Potential Foodborne Illness

Signs of contaminated sausage may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. Should you experience these symptoms after sausage consumption, consult your healthcare provider.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis can range from fever and headache to muscle pains and swollen glands. While some individuals experience no symptoms, the infection can affect the fetus, leading to significant health issues such as intellectual delays or vision problems. If you suspect you've consumed undercooked sausage, reach out to your doctor to discuss monitoring your health and that of your baby.

Conclusion

Enjoying sausage during pregnancy is possible with proper precautions regarding preparation and storage. Maintain cleanliness in your kitchen, cook sausages thoroughly, and when in doubt, it's safer to avoid a dish if you can't ensure it meets safety standards. Prioritize your health and your baby's by being conscientious about food choices.