We have already covered vegetables, fruit and fish during pregnancy in other articles. But, what about meat ? Can we eat red meat when pregnant? You are lost and do not understand what you are able or not able to eat during pregnancy. So what is recommended and what is not allowed. We will talk about with you if you can eat red meat while pregnant, the potential problems and benefits of eating meat during pregnancy.
Are we allowed to eat red meat when pregnant?
The question of whether or not you can eat meat during pregnancy comes up frequently. So can we eat red meat when we are pregnant? The answer will be YES. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to take various measures in order to be able to eat them without any risk.
What will be the problems of eating red meat when pregnant and what actions can be taken?
What are the problems of eating red meat when pregnant?
The two essential risks linked with meat in pregnancy are toxoplasmosis and listeriosis.
Toxoplasmosis will be a pathology related to a parasite that is present in soil and meat. Some pregnant women will find themselves already protected, others will not. You know this from the beginning of your pregnancy, through the blood test that the doctor will have you do. If you are protected, you do not have to protect yourself from toxoplasmosis and therefore you will not have to be concerned about the following advice. If you do not have the antibodies, then you need to follow various rules. First of all, to be able to eat red meat while pregnant, it could be important to be certain that the meat is well cooked. You should not eat raw, dried, smoked or marinated meat. The toxoplasmosis parasite won’t be killed during cooking. To eat meat during pregnancy , it will have to be cooked thoroughly. This problem can also be transmitted by cats, fruits or vegetables through soil residues.
Listeriosis will be related to a bacterium, usually present in cheese and meat. When the mother swallows this bacteria, it could be transferred to the baby. The symptoms appear to be a fever that will usually go unnoticed. The risks are spontaneous abortion, meningitis or bacterial infection in the baby. To protect yourself from listeriosis, take dairy products made from pasteurized products, cook meat thoroughly and you should not eat raw seafood or shellfish.
What are the precautions to take before eating red meat when pregnant?
After touching risky foods, you have to wash your hands, do not rub your eyes and rinse your kitchen utensils carefully. Separate raw, cooked and ready-to-eat foods well in your fridge. Leftover dishes will need to be warmed up thoroughly.
The only main instruction will be to cook the meat thoroughly before eating it, do not eat liver, raw, smoked or dried meat. So you understand why you can eat red meat pregnant.
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What are the nutrient intakes when you eat red meat when you are pregnant?
Meat will provide mainly protein and iron. It seems essential during pregnancy. You will indeed benefit from eating meat twice a week, so eating red meat when pregnant will be beneficial for your iron intake.
For vegans or vegetarians, consider consuming different foods to bring this iron, such as vegetables, starchy foods such as lentils, fish, aromatic herbs. The precautions are going to be the same, wash fruits and vegetables well before eating them. Do not eat raw fish.
If you would like more information about food during pregnancy, click on the link below: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/healthy-pregnancy-diet/
Conclusion
Eating red meat while pregnant will not be prohibited, but make sure the meat is very well cooked.
