Eating Domino’s pizza while pregnant is generally considered safe in moderation. Pizza can provide important nutrients like calcium, protein and antioxidants that support a healthy pregnancy. However, it’s best to choose healthier toppings and limit intake to an occasional treat.
Is it safe to eat Domino’s pizza while pregnant?
Yes, eating Domino’s pizza in moderation is safe for most healthy pregnant women. The ingredients in Domino’s pizza are not known to cause harm. However, it’s smart to make healthier choices when eating pizza while pregnant.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women do not need to avoid specific foods completely unless they cause an adverse reaction. This means you can likely indulge in moderation.
That said, pizza is often high in calories, fat, sodium and preservatives, so it’s best reserved as an occasional treat. Overdoing it on pizza could contribute excess calories and displace healthier foods from your diet.
Benefits of eating Domino’s pizza while pregnant
When enjoyed in moderation, Domino’s pizza can provide some benefits during pregnancy:
- Protein. The cheese and meat toppings on pizza contain protein needed for your baby’s growth and development.
- Calcium. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which helps build your baby’s bones and teeth.
- Vitamins and minerals. Pizza can provide iron, folate, zinc and antioxidant-rich tomato sauce.
- Energy. The carbohydrates in pizza crust and toppings can help meet increased calorie needs during pregnancy.
Choosing veggie-loaded toppings like mushrooms, onions, spinach and olives can further boost the nutritional value of your pizza.
Potential downsides of eating too much pizza
Eating too much pizza could potentially cause some downsides:
- Excess calories. It’s easy to overdo it on calories, fat and carbs when eating multiple slices.
- Heartburn. Greasy, acidic foods like pizza are common heartburn triggers during pregnancy.
- Gestational diabetes risk. Eating too many refined carbs may increase gestational diabetes risk.
- Constipation. Cheesy, doughy food can exacerbate pregnancy constipation.
- Nutrient imbalance. Pizza often lacks adequate fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
- Weight gain. Going overboard on pizza makes it easy to gain excess weight.
- Sodium. High-sodium pizza could contribute to swelling and increased blood pressure.
To reduce potential downsides, substitute healthier options when possible, watch portions and balance pizza with nutritious foods.
Healthier ways to eat Domino’s pizza while pregnant
You can make smarter choices when eating Domino’s pizza while pregnant:
- Opt for thin crust instead of deep dish or pan crust to reduce carbs, fat and calories.
- Load up on veggie toppings like mushrooms, spinach, onions and tomatoes.
- Choose chicken, vegetables or just cheese instead of higher-fat meat toppings.
- Ask for less cheese or half the usual amount.
- Skip fatty meats like pepperoni, sausage and bacon.
- Order a small or medium pizza instead of large.
- Eat just 1-2 slices rather than an entire pizza.
- Pair pizza with a big salad with leafy greens, vegetables and lean protein.
- Avoid dipping crust in fatty sauces and dressings.
You can also make pizza healthier at home by using whole wheat dough, loading up the veggies and choosing low-fat mozzarella cheese.
Foods to eat with Domino’s pizza while pregnant
To make your Domino’s pizza meal more balanced, enjoy it alongside some nutritious options like:
- Salad with leafy greens, veggies and beans, chicken or salmon
- Fresh fruit like berries, melon, mango or apple
- Roasted, steamed or grilled vegetables
- Whole grain side like brown rice, quinoa or whole wheat couscous
- Hummus and fresh vegetables
- Greek yogurt dip
- Cottage cheese
- Kale chips or air popped popcorn
Pairing your slices with healthy sides and avoiding sodas, buttery breadsticks and fried chicken wings can help balance your meal.
How much Domino’s pizza can you eat safely while pregnant?
There are no strict rules limiting how much pizza pregnant women can eat. However, moderation is key.
Most experts recommend limiting pizza to:
- 1-2 slices 1-2 times per week
- 1 small or medium (10-12 inch) pizza every 2 weeks
This allows you to indulge your cravings while ensuring pizza doesn’t displace healthier foods. It also helps prevent excess weight gain.
Listen to your body and avoid eating to the point of discomfort. And be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, milk or 100% fruit juice with your slices.
Health risks of eating too much Domino’s pizza while pregnant
Consuming too much Domino’s pizza regularly could potentially increase your risk for:
- Excessive weight gain, raising risks of complications
- Gestational diabetes from too many refined carbs
- High blood pressure from excessive sodium
- Heartburn, indigestion and reflux
- Constipation from lack of fiber
- Hemorrhoids exacerbated by straining from constipation
- Nutrient deficiencies by displacing healthier foods
Eating an overall balanced diet focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats should help mitigate risks if you occasionally indulge in pizza.
Can pregnant women eat Domino’s sandwiches and sides?
In addition to pizza, Domino’s offers oven-baked sandwiches, breads, salads, wings and more. Here are some guidelines for pregnant women on ordering these items:
Sandwiches
Sandwiches like the Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Bacon Ranch and Italian herbs & cheese varieties can be fine in moderation. Opt for lean fillings like chicken or veggies. Load up on veggie toppings and go light on high-fat cheese and dressings.
Salads
Salads are a smart choice, especially topped with grilled chicken, salmon or plenty of veggies. Go easy on high-fat ingredients like cheese, bacon bits, croutons and creamy dressings. Opt for olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead.
Breadsticks
Garlic bread and breadsticks are tasty, but high in refined carbs and calories. Stick to 1-2 pieces and avoid dipping them in fatty sauces. Pair them with salad or soup for a more balanced meal.
Chicken wings
Wings are high in fat and can trigger heartburn. Limit to 3-4 pieces and avoid blue cheese and ranch dips, which are also high in fat. accompany them with non-fried sides.
Chocolate lava cakes
While tasty, lava cakes are pure indulgence. They’re high in refined carbs, sugars and fat with little nutrition. Enjoy sparingly and stick to one small piece.
Cinna Stix
These buttery pastries made with refined flour, sugar and oil are best saved for an occasional treat. Stick to a small order alongside healthier foods.
Tips for ordering Domino’s pizza while pregnant
Here are some top tips for ordering healthier Domino’s pizza options when you’re pregnant:
- Opt for thin crust instead of deep dish or pan pizzas.
- Load up the veggies as toppings.
- Limit higher-fat meats; choose chicken or just cheese.
- Ask for half the usual amount of cheese.
- Order a small or medium pizza instead of large.
- Limit yourself to 1-2 slices.
- Avoid greasy breadsticks, wings and fried sides.
- Choose bottled water instead of soda.
- Order a side salad with vinaigrette dressing instead of creamy.
- Add a side of sliced fruit for a naturally sweet finish.
Cooking a healthier pizza at home
For complete control over ingredients, consider making a homemade pizza using healthier options:
- Choose a whole wheat pizza crust or make cauliflower crust.
- Opt for tomato sauce rather than white sauce, which is higher in fat.
- Pile on the vegetables like spinach, broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes and mushrooms.
- Use part-skim mozzarella instead of full-fat cheese.
- Add lean protein like chicken breast, salmon, shrimp or turkey sausage.
- Sprinkle feta, parmesan or goat cheese instead of much mozzarella.
- Season with basil, oregano and garlic instead of salt.
Homemade pizzas can be just as satisfying by adjusting recipes to be lower in carbs, fat and sodium.
Is it safe to reheat Domino’s pizza while pregnant?
Yes, it’s generally safe to reheat leftover Domino’s pizza during pregnancy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked pizza can safely be reheated and consumed within 3-4 days when stored properly.
To safely reheat Domino’s pizza:
- Store leftover pizza in the fridge within 2 hours in an airtight container.
- Reheat pizza to 165°F until hot and steaming.
- Use the microwave or oven to reheat. Stovetop reheating is not recommended.
- Discard any pizza that has been left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
- Do not reheat pizza more than once.
- Avoid eating reheated pizza that smells, tastes or looks spoiled.
Following food safety guidelines helps reduce the risk of food poisoning from eating reheated foods while pregnant.
Can pregnant women eat Domino’s pizza every day?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women to eat Domino’s pizza every day. While an occasional slice is unlikely to cause harm, eating pizza in excess may contribute to:
- Weight gain above recommendations
- Heartburn, indigestion and constipation
- Increased risk for gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Nutritional deficiencies
Eating too much pizza and not enough fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains could potentially impact the health of both mother and baby.
To support a healthy pregnancy, aim for a varied diet focused on the major food groups. Save pizza for a weekly treat in reasonable portions, such as 1-2 slices.
Can pregnant women eat cold Domino’s pizza?
Yes, it’s generally safe for pregnant women to eat Domino’s pizza cold as long as it was previously cooked to safe internal temperatures. Thoroughly cooking pizza destroys any potentially harmful bacteria present.
According to the USDA, cooked pizza stored properly in the fridge is safe to eat cold for 3-4 days. To safely consume cold pizza:
- Refrigerate pizza within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Never leave pizza sitting out for more than 2 hours.
- Discard any pizza that smells, tastes or looks spoiled.
Enjoying cold leftover pizza as long as food safety guidelines are followed can help satisfy cravings when pregnant.
Common questions about eating Domino’s pizza while pregnant
Can eating Domino’s pizza cause miscarriage?
There is no evidence that eating Domino’s pizza in moderation causes miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Loss of pregnancy is often due to chromosomal abnormalities, anatomical issues or medical complications, not dietary factors.
Why does pizza make me sick when pregnant?
Pizza may make some women feel unwell during pregnancy due to its high fat content. Greasy foods can exacerbate heartburn, nausea, indigestion and reflux, which are common pregnancy complaints. Overeating pizza can also lead to abdominal pain, gas and bloating.
Can too much pizza be harmful during pregnancy?
Yes, eating excessive amounts of pizza regularly could potentially cause harm in pregnancy. It may contribute to unhealthy weight gain, gestational diabetes risk, heartburn, constipation, swelling and nutritional deficiencies.
When can you not eat pizza when pregnant?
Pizza is best avoided in pregnancy if it gives you severe heartburn, nausea or digestive distress. Those with gestational diabetes may need to limit pizza more strictly to control blood sugar. Beyond this, most women can eat some pizza in moderation.
Can I eat pepperoni pizza while pregnant?
Yes, though it’s best to limit pepperoni intake. Pepperoni is high in fat, sodium and preservatives. Keep portions small, about 1-2 slices, and balance with healthier options to minimize risks.
The bottom line
Domino’s pizza can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet when enjoyed in moderation alongside fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Opt for healthier toppings and limit intake to an occasional treat. Making pizza at home can provide more nutrition control. Overall, a varied diet focused on wholesome nutrition is ideal during pregnancy.
