Can you eat cooked ham during pregnancy?
 |
| Can eat cooked ham during pregnancy? |
Pregnant, can I eat cooked ham?
In a croque-monsieur, a sandwich, a mixed salad or to accompany a pasta dish... the slice of cooked ham is a classic in our diet. But can a pregnant woman eat it without risk?
How can we do without cooked ham when we are used to eating it often? A true classic in our diet, cooked ham is a charcuterie in its own right, inseparable from our meals. What are its advantages? What precautions should be taken when buying and storing it?
What ham can a pregnant woman eat?
In a woman expecting a baby, nutritional needs increase. Her diet is very important for the proper development of the fetus until the end of the pregnancy. Estimates are based on 2,000 kcal per day in the first trimester, 2,200 kcal per day in the second trimester, reaching proportions between 2,250 kcal and 2,500 kcal per day in the third trimester.
In any case, we will favor vacuum-packed ham , sold in supermarkets. Artisanal ham sold by the slice , even if it is more appetizing, should be avoided during pregnancy , because the risks of contamination with listeriosis and toxoplasmosis are higher.
What ham should I cook when pregnant?
The so-called "cooked" white ham, pre-packaged industrial, does not pose any problem for the future mother, there is no contraindication. However, it is preferable to select a superior vacuum-packed ham. And preferably without nitrite: an additive giving the ham its pink color, potentially carcinogenic, which should be avoided, pregnant or not. It is also necessary to respect the cold chain to prevent bacteria from developing, and especially check the use-by date indicated on the packaging. The best is to eat the pre-packaged ham very quickly after purchasing it, and not to leave it too long in the refrigerator, explains the High Authority of Health (HAS) in its recommendations, in order to avoid the risk of listeriosis.
" It is also important to avoid cross-contamination between foods in the refrigerator, or during preparation or storage. A pregnant woman should store products separately, in a tightly sealed manner if she keeps them in the refrigerator. Washing your hands well and cleaning kitchen utensils is essential".
The different types of ham that can be eaten while pregnant
There are several types of ham that are allowed during pregnancy.
vacuum-packed superior ham, preferably nitrite-free
superior ham, skinless, vacuum-packed, preferably without nitrite
braised ham on the bone, provided it is pre-packaged, vacuum-packed
" For cooked ham, the risk is reduced if it is pre-packaged . It is strongly advised not to consume artisanal cooked ham, which comes from a craftsman or a butcher".
The benefits of eating vacuum-packed cooked ham
Ham contains a lot of vitamin C (18.1 mg per 100 g). Beef, chicken , veal and turkey contain much less. One more reason to eat cooked ham from time to time when pregnant. It is an excellent source of protein.
- Ham is low in calories (less than 140 kcal per 100 g). Cooked ham will help you control your weight gain. Be careful, however, with bone-in ham, which is made without having been boned or cleaned of fat.
- Its lipid content is very low. If you opt for a skinless and defatted ham, there will still be less than 15% compared to the superior cooked ham.
- Cooked ham contains much less salt than other cold cuts, which is an advantage when pregnant, to avoid high blood pressure and water retention (edema).
Reduced risks of listeriosis and toxoplasmosis
Since the ham is cooked, there is little risk of catching listeriosis and/or toxoplasmosis (due to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii). Indeed, after cooking the ham, at high temperature, the bacteria are normally all eliminated. Nevertheless, remain vigilant, because there is never zero risk, which is why the website of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health specifies that cooked or raw charcuterie should be avoided. After purchasing, it is essential to respect the cold chain, because it is through this that the Listeria bacteria can develop in our refrigerator at 4°C.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a serious foodborne infection. According to the Ministry of Solidarity and Health , " people most at risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes are immunocompromised people, the elderly,pregnant womenAndnewborns. » If a pregnant woman contracts listeriosis, the consequences can be serious for the fetus. If left untreated, the disease can lead to septicemia or infection of the central nervous system. Listeriosis can cause spontaneous abortions , premature births or fetal death in utero . In order to avoid contamination, it is best to " avoid cooked or raw delicatessen products consumed as is (cooked or raw ham, products in jelly, foie gras , pâté, rillettes, raw cheeses , etc.). In France, the disease is very rare (its annual incidence is 5 to 6 cases per million inhabitants)
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by eating contaminated, undercooked meat , unwashed raw vegetables or contaminated water . The disease usually has no symptoms. However, if you catch toxoplasmosis while you are pregnant, it can be very dangerous for the fetus. It all depends on the stage of pregnancy, the risks of contamination and lesions can be more or less significant. During the first trimester, even if the infection is rarer, the consequences can be serious. This disease can cause malformations in the fetus, often in the eyes, sometimes even in the brain. In some cases, toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriages .
Why should you avoid raw, dry-cured and smoked ham when you are pregnant?
Raw ham should be avoided at all costs when pregnant. Raw, smoked or salted cold cuts can lead to the risk of listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. These are dangerous diseases for the fetus, especially during the first months of pregnancy. To preserve your health and that of your baby, it is best to refrain from consuming raw cold cuts for nine months.
In summary, it is possible to consume, from time to time, pre-packaged and vacuum-packed cooked ham. After purchase, the cold chain should be respected, and any opened package should be placed in an airtight container, protected from bacterial contamination.
In any case, if you are pregnant, follow the advice of your doctor or midwife.
