Quick Answer
Pregnant women can eat brats and hotdogs in moderation as part of a balanced diet, but should take precautions. Brats and hotdogs are high in nitrates, which can be converted to nitrosamines in the body. Nitrosamines may increase cancer risk. To minimize risk, pregnant women should limit intake of cured and processed meats like brats and hotdogs to no more than 2 servings per week. Opt for uncured/preservative-free varieties when possible. Thoroughly cook brats and hotdogs to reduce risk of foodborne illness from bacteria like Listeria. Avoid raw hot dog toppings.
Are Brats and Hotdogs Safe During Pregnancy?
Brats and hotdogs can be safely consumed during pregnancy but in moderation. The main concerns with these processed meats are their high sodium content, nitrates used in curing, and potential for contamination with bacteria if undercooked.
Sodium
Like many cured and processed meats, bratwursts and hotdogs tend to be very high in sodium. For example, a typical beef hot dog contains around 575mg sodium, which is 25% of the recommended daily limit of 2300mg per day for pregnant women. Consuming too much sodium during pregnancy can increase blood pressure and risk of preeclampsia.
To reduce sodium intake from brats and hotdogs, look for low-sodium varieties, avoid adding extra salt, and balance intake with lower sodium foods throughout the day. Drink plenty of water as well.
Nitrates/Nitrites
Traditional hot dogs and bratwursts contain sodium nitrate and nitrite to preserve color and prevent spoilage. In the stomach, nitrates can be converted to nitrosamine compounds that may be carcinogenic. Studies show processed meats treated with nitrates and nitrites have the potential to increase risk of certain cancers when consumed in excess.
To minimize any potential cancer risks, pregnant women should limit intake of processed meats like brats and hot dogs to no more than 2 servings per week as recommended by the American Institute for Cancer Research. Opting for uncured/preservative-free varieties can further reduce nitrate exposure.
Bacteria Risk from Undercooking
Raw or undercooked brats and hotdogs also pose a threat of foodborne illness from bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella. Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get Listeria infection, which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and other complications.
To minimize risk, brats and hotdogs should be cooked to 165°F internally and until steaming hot. Avoid eating raw or partially cooked hot dogs. Also, practice good hand hygiene when handling these raw meats and avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. Reheat cooked brats and hotdogs thoroughly if not eaten right away.
Are There Any Benefits to Eating Hot Dogs and Brats During Pregnancy?
Brats and hotdogs are not particularly nutritious foods. Any potential benefits come from other ingredients added to them:
– Protein: Brats and hotdogs supply protein, but other lean meats are healthier choices during pregnancy.
– Iron: Some bratwurst recipes are made with blood, providing extra iron which is needed during pregnancy. But other iron-rich foods like meat, poultry, seafood and fortified cereals are recommended.
– Vitamins/minerals: Vegetable or fruit-flavored brats may provide some vitamins and minerals, but these nutrients are better obtained from whole foods.
– Calcium: Brats made with milk and cheese provide some calcium, but milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens are healthier sources.
– Fiber: Whole grain or veggie hot dog buns can provide a source of fiber. But beans, fruits, vegetables and whole grains have far more.
Overall, brats and hotdogs are high in fat, sodium and preservatives and lack the nutritional density of other protein foods. Limiting intake and choosing healthier preparations is best during pregnancy.
Are There Any Risks with Eating Too Many Hot Dogs and Brats While Pregnant?
Eating too many brats and hotdogs during pregnancy can pose the following risks:
1. Excess Sodium
Consuming high sodium foods like brats and hotdogs in excess raises blood pressure and preeclampsia risk as previously covered.
2. Increased Nitrosamine Exposure
Frequently eating meats preserved with sodium nitrate/nitrite can mean greater formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the body over time.
3. Weight Gain
Brats and hotdogs are typically high in fat and calories with little nutritional value. Eating too many can lead to excessive weight gain in pregnancy.
4. Increased Cancer Risk
Heavy intake of processed meats like hotdogs and brats has been associated with higher risk of colon cancer and other cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends limiting to occasional intake.
5. Foodborne Illness
Undercooked brats and hotdogs increase likelihood of food poisoning from Listeria or other bacteria, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.
6. Heartburn and Indigestion
Greasy brats and hotdogs may exacerbate heartburn, a common discomfort during pregnancy.
To prevent these risks, pregnant women should consume brats and hotdogs in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, and take care to cook them thoroughly.
How Many Hot Dogs and Brats Can You Eat While Pregnant?
Health authorities like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) do not provide specific guidelines for bratwurst or hot dog intake during pregnancy. However, for processed meats in general, recommendations include:
– No more than 2 servings per week according to the American Institute for Cancer Research and ACOG. One serving equals one regular-sized hot dog or brat.
– No more than around 2 ounces per day according to USDA dietary guidelines. This would be about one regular hot dog.
To stay within recommended limits for minimizing cancer and foodborne illness risk, pregnant women should not consume more than 1-2 brats or hotdogs per week. Moderation is key, along with proper handling and cooking.
What Should You Avoid Putting on Hot Dogs When Pregnant?
Certain toppings and condiments commonly served with hot dogs are best limited or avoided altogether during pregnancy:
Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts like alfalfa are prone to bacterial contamination and should be avoided. Cooked sprouts are safer.
Unpasteurized Cheese
Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized (raw) milk could contain Listeria and other microbes. Opt for pasteurized cheese instead.
Raw or Undercooked Meat
Raw meat topping like steak tartare, raw hamburger, and partially cooked sausage can harbor dangerous bacteria. Cook meat toppings thoroughly.
Raw Eggs
Caesar dressing, homemade mayo, and other raw egg condiments can contain Salmonella. Use pasteurized egg products instead.
Deli Meat
Pre-packed deli meats are a Listeria risk unless heated until steaming. Opt for freshly sliced deli meat from the cooker.
Raw Onions
Raw sprouts, scallions and onions may contain Salmonella or E. coli. Cook onions and other raw veggies before using as garnish.
In general, any raw, unpasteurized, or undercooked meat, eggs, sprouts or unwashed produce should be avoided as hot dog toppings while pregnant due to risk of foodborne illnesses.
Can you get listeriosis from eating hot dogs?
Yes, it is possible to get listeriosis from eating hot dogs or other ready-to-eat foods contaminated with the Listeria bacteria. Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating foods containing the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis.
Listeriosis often causes fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can also cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
To lower risk of listeriosis from hot dogs:
– Cook hot dogs thoroughly until steaming hot or 165°F internal temperature. Avoid raw/undercooked hot dogs.
– Avoid spreading Listeria from raw hot dogs to cooked foods. Use separate plates and utensils. Wash hands after handling raw hot dogs.
– Buy quality hot dogs and eat by “Sell By” date, follow storage and reheating guidelines carefully. Discard leftover hot dogs after 5-7 days. Reheat until steaming hot before eating.
– Heat hot dog toppings like deli meat until steaming before eating.
– Avoid hot dogs and luncheon meats at self-serve bars and buffets.
– Choose precooked, shelf-stable varieties when possible as an extra safety precaution.
Following safe food handling and cooking practices when preparing and consuming hot dogs reduces the already small risk of contracting listeriosis during pregnancy. But for an added margin of safety, pregnant women may wish to avoid hot dogs and luncheon meats altogether.
Can pregnant women eat hot dogs cooked at a gas station?
Hot dogs cooked and sold at gas stations are generally considered higher risk for pregnant women due to the potential for cross-contamination and improper cooking or holding temperatures.
To lower the risks of consuming gas station hot dogs:
– Inspect the area where hot dogs are cooked/served carefully for cleanliness before purchasing. Avoid if unclean orunsafe handling practices are observed.
– Only purchase hot dogs that are cooked thoroughly until steaming hot and served fresh off the cooker. Avoid pre-cooked hot dogs sitting in a warmer.
– Ask if cooking temperature can be verified and holds above 140°F. Hot dogs should reach 165°F internally.
– Ensure hot dogs have not been cross-contaminated with raw meat juices, unclean utensils, or unsafe toppings.
– Do not dress the hot dog yourself with potentially risky toppings like raw onions or sauces from self-serve pumps.
– Consume the hot dog immediately after purchasing while still very hot. Avoid any cooled or reheated hot dogs where the temperature history is unknown.
With careful inspection and choices, gas station hot dogs can be safely consumed during pregnancy as long as they are cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature and served fresh. But pregnant women may prefer to avoid gas station hot dogs altogether, choosing precooked shelf-stable varieties or those prepared at home instead.
Can you eat polish sausage when pregnant?
Polish sausage can be safely eaten during pregnancy, but in moderation and only when properly cooked. Polish sausage is a type of cured, cooked sausage sometimes also called Kielbasa.
To enjoy polish sausage safely:
– Limit intake to no more than 2 servings per week as part of a balanced diet, due to its high sodium and nitrate content.
– Look for low-sodium or nitrate-free varieties when possible.
– Cook polishing sausage thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F until steaming hot before eating to prevent foodborne illness.
– Avoid spreading bacteria from raw sausage. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw polish sausage. Use separate plates for raw and cooked meat.
– If reheating cooked polish sausage, heat to 165°F.
– Avoid eating polish sausage cold or uncooked, as it could still contain harmful bacteria.
When handling polish sausage properly, consuming an occasional serving during pregnancy should be safe. However, pregnant women may choose to avoid or limit all cured/processed meats including polish sausage and other sausages to be extra cautious.
Can pregnant women eat sausages?
Most sausages can be safely consumed during pregnancy if handled properly, but intake should be limited. Sausages like bratwurst, Italian sausage, chorizo, linguiça, andouille etc often contain nitrates, nitrites and other preservatives to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
When eating sausages in pregnancy:
– Limit to 2 servings or less per week.
– Opt for fresh, preservative-free sausages when possible.
– Cook sausages thoroughly until steaming hot or 165°F internal temperature. Raw, undercooked sausage can harbor harmful bacteria.
– Avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked sausages. Use separate plates and utensils.
– Do not eat sausage meat cold or uncooked, as bacteria could still be present. Always reheat cooked sausages thoroughly.
Because they are processed meats, it may be prudent for pregnant women to avoid sausages altogether or eat them only occasionally. Thorough cooking and limiting intake reduces any foodborne illness risks. Sausage crumbles cooked in dishes like lasagna, soups or casseroles are likely safer than eating sausages whole.
What hot dogs are safe during pregnancy?
The safest hot dogs to eat during pregnancy are:
– Fully cooked, shelf-stable varieties like Hebrew National that can be eaten cold right out of the package. Heating provides an added safety margin.
– Fresh hot dogs cooked at home or another verifiable safe source to the proper internal temperature (165°F) until steaming hot.
– Uncured hot dogs without nitrates or nitrites, such as Applegate Farms organic hot dogs.
– Low-sodium hot dogs to help limit sodium intake.
– Top quality hot dogs within the unexpired “Sell By” date range.
– Hot dogs served piping hot off the grill or cooker at a reputable restaurant.
In addition to choosing a safe type of hot dog, following proper handling, cooking, cooling, and reheating guidelines is crucial during pregnancy to prevent foodborne illness. Limit intake of hot dogs and other processed meats as recommended.
Conclusion
Hot dogs and sausages like brats can be consumed in moderation during pregnancy as long as precautions are taken. Buy quality meats, limit nitrates, cook thoroughly, avoid raw toppings and follow all food safety practices. To be extra cautious, pregnant women can choose to avoid hot dogs and all deli meats entirely or eat them only occasionally. Focusing on a balanced diet with plenty of healthy whole foods will help optimize nutrition during pregnancy for both mother and baby. Consult a healthcare provider about any special dietary concerns.
