Eating beef jerky while pregnant is generally considered safe in moderation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you accidentally eat more beef jerky than recommended while pregnant. Beef jerky is high in sodium and nitrates, which in large amounts can potentially cause issues. Additionally, there is a small risk of foodborne illnesses from improperly processed or stored beef jerky. Overall, an occasional slip up is unlikely to cause harm, but it’s best to limit beef jerky intake during pregnancy and choose brands carefully.
Is beef jerky safe to eat when pregnant?
Beef jerky can be safe to consume during pregnancy when eaten occasionally and in moderation. The American Pregnancy Association considers beef jerky an acceptable protein snack for pregnant women if it is made from quality meats without added nitrates or nitrites. However, they recommend limiting intake to no more than 2 ounces per day due to the high sodium content. Many healthy pregnant women enjoy beef jerky from time to time without issue. But it’s wise to choose minimally processed options and monitor portion sizes.
Potential concerns with eating too much beef jerky while pregnant
While the nitrates and nitrites used to cure most beef jerky are generally considered safe in small amounts, regularly consuming large quantities may raise some concerns, including:
- High sodium levels: Most beef jerky is very high in sodium, which can contribute to increased blood pressure and swelling during pregnancy when eaten in excess.
- Nitrates/nitrites: Large amounts of these preservatives may potentially impact fetal development, according to some animal studies.
- Foodborne illness: Improperly processed or stored beef jerky can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
- Digestive issues: The high salt and fat content of beef jerky may cause gastrointestinal problems if overeaten.
Tips for choosing safe beef jerky when pregnant
To get the protein benefits of beef jerky without the risks, follow these recommendations:
- Read the label: Look for options with no added nitrates/nitrites, quality ingredients, and minimal processing.
- Check the sodium: Opt for low-sodium varieties or smaller serving sizes if eating regular beef jerky.
- Refrigerate after opening: Properly storing opened packages prevents bacterial growth.
- Reheat before eating: Heat jerky to 165°F to kill any potential bacteria present.
- Avoid raw/uncooked jerky: Only choose fully cooked, shelf-stable varieties until after pregnancy.
With a few precautions, most pregnant women can continue enjoying an occasional piece of tasty beef jerky!
What if I accidentally eat too much beef jerky while pregnant?
If you accidentally eat more beef jerky than recommended during pregnancy, try not to panic. The chances are good that a one-time overindulgence will not negatively impact your health or your baby’s. Here’s a look at what might happen if you eat too much beef jerky while pregnant:
Short-term digestive issues
Eating a large amount of salty, dried meat in one sitting may cause some temporary GI upset like:
- Bloating
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
Drink plenty of water to flush out excess sodium. Symptoms should resolve on their own within a day or so. Call your OB if severe or persistent.
Elevated blood pressure
Consuming too much sodium from sources like beef jerky may cause a spike in BP. This is usually short-term if BP is normally within a healthy range. Stay hydrated and limit other sodium to allow levels to stabilize again.
Higher risk of foodborne illness
The more beef jerky you eat, the more you increase your odds of exposure to bacteria from contamination. Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli are particular risks with deli meats. If you develop fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms within 1-3 days after eating questionable beef jerky, seek medical care promptly.
Minimal other risks to mom and baby
Outside of the temporary issues above, accidentally overdoing it on beef jerky likely won’t have major negative effects in most pregnancies. There is minimal evidence linking one-time high nitrate/nitrite exposure to birth defects or complications. Focus on getting back to pregnancy-friendly nutrition and try not to stress!
Tips for getting back on track after overeating beef jerky
If you indulge in too much beef jerky during pregnancy, here are some tips to get your nutrition back on a healthy track:
- Drink extra fluids: Combat dehydration and flushed out excess sodium from all that jerky!
- Eat potassium-rich foods: Fruits, veggies, yogurt, etc can help stabilize sodium levels.
- Limit salt for a few days: Avoid adding extra salt to foods until any bloating resolves.
- Choose balanced snacks: Swap in some fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, or nuts for jerky.
- Monitor blood pressure: Check BP over the next week to ensure it’s not elevated long-term.
- Try probiotics: Consume yogurt, kefir, or supplements to support gut health after GI upset.
Focus on getting nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s from healthier sources than just beef jerky. Stay hydrated, be mindful of sodium, and get some gentle exercise. Contact your OB with any ongoing concerns. With a little self-care, you and baby should be just fine!
When to call the doctor after eating too much beef jerky
In most cases, accidentally overeating beef jerky while pregnant won’t require medical intervention. However, contact your OB right away if you experience:
- Severe nausea/vomiting lasting over 24 hours
- Pain or cramping in abdomen
- Diarrhea persisting more than 2-3 days
- Fever over 101°F
- Signs of dehydration – dizziness, headache, dark urine
- Hypertension or high BP readings
- Any other concerning or persistent symptoms
Seek prompt medical treatment if you suspect food poisoning or an allergic reaction from tainted beef jerky. Call ahead to let your OB know about any dietary mishaps. They can best assess if your symptoms require an appointment, lab tests, or other follow-up care during pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to call with any worries after overeating beef jerky or other problematic foods.
FAQs about eating beef jerky while pregnant
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about consuming beef jerky during pregnancy:
How much beef jerky can you eat safely?
Experts suggest limiting beef jerky to no more than 2 ounces, or about 1-2 small pieces, per day while pregnant. This provides protein benefits without too much sodium, nitrates, or fat.
Why is beef jerky considered risky in pregnancy?
High sodium, nitrates, and bacteria risks may cause issues when eating large amounts. But jerky is fine in moderation. Choose properly processed, cooked options.
Can eating old beef jerky hurt the baby?
Yes, old, expired, or improperly stored beef jerky can harbor harmful bacteria that could potentially cause foodborne illness. Always check freshness dates.
Does beef jerky have nitrates or nitrites?
Most use nitrates or nitrites for preservation and color. Read labels and look for no-nitrate varieties if concerned. But small amounts are likely safe.
What if I’m craving beef jerky?
Give in to cravings in moderation! Have a piece as an occasional treat. Drink water after to avoid dehydration. Choose fresh, quality jerky when possible.
The bottom line
While eating beef jerky in pregnancy should be done in moderation, the occasional slip up or jerky craving indulgence is unlikely to cause harm. Limit intake to 2 ounces a day, choose low-sodium varieties, and practice food safety. Contact your doctor with any severe symptoms after overeating beef jerky. But in general, don’t panic if you accidentally eat more than recommended – simply get back on track with healthy nutrition and hydration. With reasonable precautions, most pregnant women can continue enjoying beef jerky without concern.
