Lunch Meat Okay???

I also read to not eat lunch meat and reason is because it's not always completely "done" so it's suggested that if you buy it from a deli counter to microwave it. I never did that and didn't have any problems.

I went through the same thing. It was never mentioned with my first child (but that was 17 years ago) and now they are chattering about it.

My doctor said she's not so sure it's that bad, but to limit lunch meat & canned meat to be on the safe side.

Everything I read showed me that it "may" be bad for your baby. That it "could" have something in it. I can't remember the name of the stuff right now.

I seriously thing its like everything else. One scientist decided it's bad and ran with it. Later another scientist will change it.

Just like eggs. Remember for a few years there they said eggs were good for you to eat all you can, then they were bad for you to stop eating them, then one a day was good for you, now they don't even talk about them.

I ate some lunch meat with my daughter. Probably about 5-10 times. She's just fine.

I think if you are really concerned and can't avoid eating lunch meat, just limit it the best you can. :) good luck

Hi,
According to "What to Expect When You're Expecting", the problem is foods perserved with nitrates and nitrites. Some of these include frankfurters, salami, lunch meats and smoked fish. A friend told me that these foods were okay as long as I heated them through (even the ready to eat stuff). But I just avoided them altogether anyway plus heated lunch meat isn't very appealing.

Liz

Um, I didn't read "What to Expect When Expecting". I have been pregnant 3 times with 3 beautiful & healthy daughters. I ate everything & anything! Food, that is. If it smells good & looks good - go for it! Just remember to prepare everything correctly.

Oh, if you're concerned about watching your weight - DO NOT do what I just suggested. LOL! It's easier to gain weight than to lose it, right Ladies?

i've never heard anything bad about lunch meat aside from high salt content. it's really high in sodium so it'll make you swell up an might affect your BP as well. In moderation I don't think it would be an issue.

Ditto what the other respondent said, my Dr. also made these recommendations, and I also have that book as well. Deli meats, luncheon meats, processed meats....It's full of chemicals, possible uncooked meats, and by-products which are not the best for a growing fetus. Surely, lots of women eat all kinds of things all over the world...but this is I'm sure, the best healthy recommendations. Ditto for sushi and other raw preparations, while pregnant. The other reason is to prevent any possible contamination from ingesting e.coli bacterias or other possible food poisoning sources by accident... while pregnant. The Book "What to Expect When Expecting" is great. I would suggest it. Even when we've already had one baby and going on to a 2nd, we all need information or things for us to remember. I read the book again when I have my 2nd baby. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS on your new bundle of joy!
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

hi B.,
when i was pregnant i read not to eat lunch meat also. it can cause listeriosis. listeria is found in uncooked lunch meat unpasteurized food and some raw vegetables. if you cook your lunch meat then it is fine, that kills the listeria bacteria if there was any. it can actually be quite serious in some cases. here is a website that i found it has causes symptoms, and all the other info about listeria.

www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/listeria...

hope this helps. --A.

Jus make sure it's cooked thats all. There's all sorts of yucky stuf that can happen from uncooked or undercooked meats. So just buy lunch meat that says fully cooked. Easy as pie.

I was told by one of my doctors that If I were to get meat from the deli and/or lunch meat to cook it before eating it. I have 3 children and never had a problem eating regular uncooked lunch meat through any of my pregnancies.They recommend cooking it or not eating it due to salmonella and e.coli poisioning.

B.,
Congrats on the new little peanut! Here is what my docs/nurses told me during my 2 pregnancies. You can eat it, just be more cautious than normal. Don't eat sandwiches that have been left out for long and if there is even a question of whether the stuff in the fridge has gone bad, don' eat it. As long as you know it's fresh, have at it. Lunch meat because of it's moisture and processing can go bad pretty quickly if left out, etc. I lived on turkey and cheese and ham and egg sandwiches during both of my babies. I just couldn't bring myself to make more complicated things for lunch most days. I hope the "joys" of the firt trimester subside soon for you.

P.

I wonder if it's because some may contain nitrates, like hotdogs, which they tell you not to give your kids. If that's the case, I'm sure you can find good quality lunch meat that is made without them. I found kosher all natural hotdogs without nitrates and without artificial colors/flavors, and no meat byproducts.

N.

There are so many things that people say now a days you never know what to believe. I had two boys one is 13 and the other will be 2 next month and I ate lunch meat, tuna fish, and both boys are totally fine, healthy.

I think it's a personal preference and what you feel comfortable with.