Is It Safe To Eat Hot Dogs During Pregnancy?

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Some women may have cravings for hot dogs during pregnancy but may be concerned about whether it is safe to consume them. Since the food you consume during pregnancy can directly impact fetal health, informed decisions should be made.

A hot dog, also known as a frankfurter or wiener, is a popular barbecued food consisting of a steamed or grilled sausage placed in a slit bun with different sauces, cheese, and sometimes, vegetables.

Since processed meats such as sausage are high in sodium, it may adversely affect the baby’s health. Besides, if sausage is undercooked, it can expose you and your baby to harmful pathogensⁱMicrobes that are capable of causing diseases, including bacteria, viruses, worms, protozoa, and fungi. that can cause foodborne illness and infections.

Keep reading to learn more about whether it is safe to consume hot dogs while pregnant, their potential side effects, and healthy alternatives.

In This Article

Ingredients In A Hot Dog

The hot dog ingredients will not harm the fetus if cooked well.

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Hot dogs are grilled or steamed snacks that have a cooked sausage between a partly sliced bun. The common ingredients in a hot dog include (1):

Bun or bread
Processed meat (chicken, beef, turkey or pork)
Flavorings including salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika
Garnishes such as tomato sauce, mustard sauce, cheese, mayonnaise, coleslaw, and caramelized onions
Preservatives such as sodium nitrite or sodium erythorbate

None of the above ingredients will harm fetal development and maternal health as long as they are properly cooked following hygienic food safety standards.

Point to consider

Some restaurants may add lettuce to hotdogs. Ensure it is fresh, crunchy, and washed well. Unwashed lettuce may contain harmful bacteria such as listeria, norovirus, cyclospora, and salmonella(10).

Can Pregnant Women Eat Hot Dogs?

Read the labels to check the ingredients you may be allergic to.

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If you’re wondering, “Can I eat hot dogs while pregnant?” it’s important to consider the potential effects they may have on your health and the well-being of your baby. Hot dogs are safe to eat if properly cooked and eaten occasionally. Also, see if they contain any ingredient to which you are allergic. Read the labels carefully. Also, cooking above a temperature of 165°F is essential to kill harmful bacteria that could harbor meat and dairy products.

Hot dogs that are undercooked or have deli-style meats, soft cheeses and milk products made of unpasteurized milk are unsafe for consumption as they harbor listeriaⁱA bacterial genus causing food-borne infections in pregnant women characterized by diarrhea and fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. bacteria (2). Also, avoid excessive consumption due to its high sodium content.

What Are The Risks Of Eating Hot Dogs During Pregnancy?

The problem with precooked foods such as hot dogs is that you can never know if they are adequately cooked. This can give rise to many risks, ranging from bacterial contamination to preservative use.

1. Bacterial contamination

Bacterial contamination may cause premature delivery.

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Some bacteria such as the Listeria monocytogenes are found in deli meats, cured meats, and soft cheeses. The bacteria is responsible for causing gastrointestinal issues and flu-like symptoms, which you will be more prone to during pregnancy. This could increase the risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, and stillbirth (3).

2. Sodium nitrate complications

Food preservatives used to extend the shelf-life and enhance the color of the hot dogs contain sodium nitratesⁱA salt often used as a preservative in meat products. and sodium nitrites, which increase the risks of pancreatic cancers and blood vessel damage (4). Sodium also increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiac diseases (5).

3. Sensitivity to ingredients

Some pregnant women might show sensitivity to certain ingredients in hot dogs, such as spices and cheese. The food sensitivities will lead to allergic reactions resulting in flatulenceⁱRelease of gas from the rectal region, commonly known as farting. bloating, and gas during pregnancy (6).

It is okay to eat a hot dog occasionally, but not too often. If you have doubts, avoid eating them until after your delivery. Otherwise, follow these precautions to stay safe.

Precautions To Consider While Eating Hot dogs During Pregnancy

Wash the work surfaces before preparation of hot dogs.

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Here are a few things to remember before you eat a hot dog during pregnancy.

One regular, six-inch hot dog bun alone is known to contain almost 140 calories, 2.5g of fat, 28g carbohydrates, 4g of protein and less than 270mg sodium (7). The excess calories along with little nutrition could result in unhealthy gestational weight gain.
Do not eat hot dogs until they have been cooked to 165°F or unless they are served hot (8).
Bread and bun contain carbohydrates thus increasing the sugar levels, and aggravating gestational diabetesⁱA temporary condition marked by elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy. problems.
Avoid eating hot dogs on the streets or stores that are unhygienic. They are known to carry the risk of contamination.
Wash the work surfaces with mild soap and warm water before preparation.
Also, wash your hands before handling hot dogs and other meats before preparing them.
Keep the refrigerator clean and set the temperature at 40°F or below (or frozen at 0°F or below) to prevent food contamination (9).
Consider using organic or nitrate-free hot dogs as a healthier alternative.

What Are The Alternatives To Hot Dogs?

To avoid the risks associated with bacteria and sodium nitrites present in hot dogs, you should consider following healthy eating habits with a well-balanced diet.

Meat-free hot dogs made of soy, vegetables and grain substitutes are good options. They are vegetarian-friendly, low in fat and hold the least risk of bacterial infestation.

Next, we answer a few commonly asked questions about eating hot dogs during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to eat microwaved hot dogs while pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to eat microwaved hot dogs, provided you cook or reheat them at a temperature of 165°F (9).

2. How to properly cook hot dogs to avoid listeria during pregnancy?

Cook hot dogs at a high temperature (above 160 degrees Fahrenheit) to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes or any other bacteria. If not appropriately heated, the bacteria will continue to thrive. Whether you are grilling, boiling or microwaving, ensure that the hot dog is steaming hot. Do not allow the hot dogs to become cold as that increases the risk of further contamination.

3. Can I eat a hot dog every day during pregnancy?

Hot dogs are not nutritious. They are also linked to listeriosis, a type of food poisoning. However, that doesn’t mean that it needs to be fully avoided. A well-cooked hot dog can be consumed some days of the week if your cravings intensify. It would be wise to avoid eating hot dogs prepared from outside since you might not know their cooking process.

You should be careful when eating hot dogs because they contain processed meat, cheese, and other spices that may increase your risk of foodborne infections and allergies. If you occasionally include hot dogs in your pregnancy diet, make sure they are cooked properly. Consumption of undercooked hot dogs may cause bacterial infections, ingredient sensitivity, and other complications that may risk your baby’s well-being. Therefore, in any case, avoid eating hot dogs from streets and stores as you may not be sure of the ingredients. If you experience discomfort after eating them, you should see your doctor immediately.

Infographic: Ideas To Make Hot Dogs Healthier For The Mom-To-Be

Eating healthy doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on your favorite food. If you crave a hot dog during pregnancy, make one at home with healthy ingredients. Not sure how to do it? Our infographic offers all the tips you need to make healthy hot dogs at home.

is hot dog safe during pregnancy (infographic)

Key Pointers

Properly cooked hot dogs are generally safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation.
Potential risks associated with hot dog consumption include bacterial contamination, sodium nitrate complications, and ingredient sensitivity.
Before preparing food, wash your hands and kitchen surfaces and avoid purchasing hot dogs from street vendors to reduce the risk of infection.
Soy, vegetable, and grain-based substitutes are good alternatives to meat-based hot dogs.

Illustration: Is It Safe To Eat Hot Dogs During Pregnancy?

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Charles William Douglas Jr; A Joint American Tradition: Hot Dogs, FDA & USDA; Harvard Law School (2006)
2. Food Safety for Pregnant Women; FoodSafety.gov (2018)
3. Jane Hart & Danielle High; Listeria exposure during pregnancy can cause problems; Michigan State University (2017)
4. WHO report says eating processed meat is carcinogenic: Understanding the findings; The Nutrition Source; Harvard Chan
5. Allergies and Food Safety; USDA (2011)
6. PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING; Home and Garden Information Center; Clemson University (2019)
7. J. Dean & P. Kendall; Food Safety During Pregnancy; Colorado State University (2012)
8. People at Risk: Pregnant Women; US Food Safety
9. Cooking Safely in the Microwave Oven; USDA (2013)
10. Lettuce, Other Leafy Greens, and Food Safety; CDC

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Shivani SikriPublic health and Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Shivani Sikri is the chief nutritionist and co-founder of Nutri4Verve and holds about 13 years of experience in the field of nutrition. After completing her Masters, Shivani Sikri did a postgraduate in nutrition and health education, a postgraduate diploma in public health and nutrition (PGDPHN), and a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and clinical dietetics.

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Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

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