Some women have cravings for odd things while they are pregnant, and others steer clear of certain foods. Whether or not you can eat hot dogs when you are pregnant depends on how old you are and which trimester you are in. You should avoid raw or undercooked hot dogs during your first trimester because they could potentially carry listeria bacteria that can cause miscarriage or lead to an infection called listeriosis. If you’re in your second or third trimester, it’s safe to eat a cooked hot dog. Hot dogs contain nitrates, which are preservatives that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. While these preservatives aren’t necessarily healthy for anyone, if you must eat a hot dog when you’re pregnant, opt for one with as few additives as possible. Eating organic hot dogs is also a good idea to avoid consuming hormones that have been added to non-organic meat products from pigs and cows. Read on to learn more about eating hot dogs while pregnant and what types of hot dogs are safest if you have to have them while pregnant…
What You Should Know About Hot Dogs Before Pregnancy
Before you turn to hot dogs to satisfy a craving, it’s important to know what is in them. A typical hot dog is made of pork or beef, salt, spices, and water. Hot dogs contain nitrates, which are preservatives that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Hot dogs also have high levels of sodium, which is problematic for people with high blood pressure. Hot Dogs also contain high amounts of saturated fat, which can increase your risk for heart disease. The nutritional content of your typical hot dog varies depending on the brand. Natural hot dogs are made with a higher percentage of pork or beef, less sodium, and no nitrates. They aren’t, however, typically commercially available at grocers.
Can You Eat Hot Dogs When You’re Pregnant?
If you’re in your first trimester, steer clear of all undercooked or raw hot dogs. Listeria bacteria can potentially hurt your baby if it’s eaten by either you or your growing fetus. Listeria is a bacteria that can be found in raw hot dogs, undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and soil. Eating food that is contaminated with listeria can cause listeriosis, which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. If you’re in your second or third trimester, it’s safe to eat a cooked hot dog. Hot dogs contain nitrates, which are preservatives that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. While these preservatives aren’t necessarily healthy for anyone, if you must eat a hot dog when you’re pregnant, opt for one with as few additives as possible.
How Old Are You?
If you’re in your first trimester, you should skip eating any type of hot dog as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. It’s best to stay on the cautious side during your first three months because you’re more at risk to miscarry than you are in your later trimesters. If you’re in your second trimester, it’s best to avoid eating hot dogs with blue cheese, certain German-style soft cheeses, raw fish or shellfish, or unpasteurized cheese. If you’re in your third trimester, you’re less likely to miscarry or have a stillborn baby, which means you can resume eating most of the foods you had to avoid in the first trimester.
Second Trimester
You may notice that your appetite increases in your second trimester. You might be hungrier than in the first trimester because your baby is growing and taking up more room, which means you need more nutrients. Hot dogs are high in protein, which helps you build your baby’s muscles and organs. Hot dogs also contain iron, which your baby needs to grow. It’s safe to eat hot dogs during your second trimester as long as you opt for brands with fewer additives. You can also enjoy a healthier type of hot dog by making your own. Foods to avoid during your second trimester include raw fish and shellfish, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy products. Blue cheese, in particular, contains a bacteria called listeria, which is harmful to you and your baby. You should also avoid foods that have high levels of sodium like hot dogs and salted nuts.
Third Trimester
You may feel like you’re living on hot dogs if you’re craving them during your third trimester. You may notice that your appetite decreases as your baby grows, so you may want to eat smaller meals. Hot dogs are a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins like thiamin. You can also enjoy other protein-rich foods like eggs, beans, and nuts. It’s safe to eat processed hot dogs during your third trimester, but it’s best to avoid nitrate-heavy brands like Armour. You can also make your own healthier hot dogs by adding veggies to your typical frankfurter. The following foods are off-limits during your third trimester: raw fish and shellfish, unpasteurized dairy products, and blue cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you must have a hot dog while you’re pregnant, go for the plainest, least processed one you can find. Avoid hot dogs with nitrates, and try to have a balanced diet and get plenty of rest. Pregnancy is a very important time in your life, and you want to do everything you can to keep yourself and your baby healthy.