So i guess this means NO SUBWAY, for me???? My God I want to eat healthy and make sure the baby is healthy, but it seems as if twinkies and bon bons are the only healthy food out there, I havent read an article about them being unsafe. What do we do???
~~~MissMyHusband~~~
LIONORS
Posts: 58
8/2/08 1:04 A
My husband and I were reading through a magazine in the doctor's office.
By the time we finished, he turned to me and said, 'Honey, I'm sorry, but I think you're down to bread and water...and we're going to have to be careful about the brand of bread. While you're at it, you might want to think of limiting breathing to once every couple of weeks, just to make sure everything's safe."
There's wise advice and there's overkill. I'm careful with what I buy and with what I use. I don't have the time or the money to buy and roast every single thing I want for a sandwich, and besides, with what I've heard about how nasty even clean kitchens are, I'm probably not doing myself or the baby a favor if I did.
I'm avoiding the types of fish with large amounts of mercury, and continuing to be careful as I always have been. That said, that's as far as I'm going to go.
MAMABEAR_3PLUS
Posts: 426
7/21/08 2:18 P
It isn't just about the nitrates or the listeria. Packaged meats do tend to have LOADS of sodium added to them, which causes water-retention, and in the unfortunate helps cause pre-eclampsia. So they should DEFINITELY be eaten in moderation.
Find deli meats that aren't as high in sodium. If you have a LARGE meat department, sometimes they will slice it for you, and that stuff tends to have less sodium than the packaged stuff.
Last year when I was pregnant, I was told I couldn't eat alfalfa sprouts because of the listeria possibility. This time I haven't been told of ANYTHING I CAN'T eat, just given limitations on certain foods.
Wash your produce as good as possible, and cook ALL meats (even deli meats). It'll be fine.
MOMMAFIELD
Posts: 2
5/7/08 8:14 A
Hot dogs are just deli meats in a small package. They contain nitrates and have the same risk for listeria. So heat them to steaming, and you'll kill the listeria.
You can find nitrate-free deli meats and hot dogs out there, and they're not always expensive. Trader Joes has several varieties of nitrate-free hot dogs that are very inexpensive, healthy, and quite tasty. Try your natural foods stores.
Several brands of deli meats at the supermarket are nitrate-free as well. Boar's Head is one of the most delicious, although pricey.
There are always healthful alternatives to the foods we crave.
ANN333
Posts: 360
2/6/08 7:05 P
You can eat Deli meats, just microwave/heat it up first. The reason for this is the bacteria commonly found in deli meats(and soft cheeses) can be harmful to you and your baby.
GOTOKYO
Posts: 2673
1/6/08 11:24 A
Wow... since when did deli meat become such an enemy?! Cancer? I find that hard to believe. If preservatives in deli meat cause cancer, half of the world would be in turmoil right now. And wouldn't that go for preservatives of the same kind in any other packaged food? I realize the importance of being on the safe side during pregnancy, as you are growing a new life and all... but we can't all be terrified to eat anything prepackaged!
I don't know about the rest of you, but I assuredly do not have the time, or money, to grow all of my own fruits\veggies, and slaughter my own meat while collecting eggs from my very own free range chickens.
Sometimes you just have to accept the fact that people have been eating this stuff for centuries, and we STILL have an overpopulation problem. So I guess it must not be all bad!
Err on the safe side when pregnant, yes. Try to eat as healthy as you can at all times, yes. Be afraid to eat deli meat because you read somewhere that it has cancer causing preservatives, no. I'm pretty sure that if I really had to worry about something like that, my doctor would have told me. You can't believe everything you read on the internet.
Sorry to sound bitchy or abrupt, but that is just too extreme.
☼ Erin ☼
"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship"
JEN516
Posts: 7703
12/21/07 2:34 A
egg salad sandwiches are good...lots of protein. you could also make your own turkey, chicken, roast beef and ham and make sandwiches. the thing with Lysteria is that the cutters in a deli are left out and not cleaned very often so there is a risk of contracting it. but if you bake your own meat and refrigerate it right away and don't leave it on the counter (like a deli dept's meat cutter is) then the risk is very minute.
I agree with pp about moderation. I cannot get myself up in a lather about all the new rules of pregnancy. but I understand how some read all the info and get scared.
'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
LAURIEMB1976
Posts: 1084
12/20/07 12:24 P
Hi All! I think all the information our there is overwhelming, and should only be used as a guide, NOT an end all be all. You see, for many many centuries woman have been having babies, and no one told them what they could and couldn't eat or drink. Granted, I'm not going to drink alcohol or smoke during my pregnancy, but I don't do that in my non-pregnancy life either. What I can say is, my parents and my grandparents ate fish and deli meats all during their pregnancies. (My grandmother was raised in Italy, fish was a very big part of their diet ) I'm healthy, and my parents are healthy. Cancer doesn't appear to be in our line, but heart disease is. I don't believe my father has heart issues because my grandma had a ham sandwich followed by a hot dog while she was pregnant. I do believe he has heart disease because so did my grandmother. It's genetic. So, now he does what the doctor tells him, he exercises and takes pills, and he doesn't smoke. He doesn't have a diet restriction. Take heart, eat healthy. Don't be afraid of what you can or can't eat. Don't eat or drink anything to excess, pregnant or not. AND remember, what's good for you today, will be bad for you tomorrow according the medical sciences. (Milk for example, used to be great, drink 8 cups a day, then be ware of milk, now we're not getting enough dairy in our lives!) Enjoy your pregnancy, Be Happy, Laugh out loud, and don't make your self sick with worry over what not to do. I guarantee the stress will be worse for your baby then a hot dog.
Lauren Lillian born July 16, 2008 at 5:35 pm 7.64 lbs 20 inches long
Stephen Leonard born Sept 16, 2010 at 5:38 am 8.13 lbs 19.5 inches long
STEPH77356
Posts: 285
2/3/07 10:35 A
Puma, If you look at some of the recipes on this site they call for deli turkey etc. that is still processed meat, so are they trying to hurt us. Everything is in moderation not just when you are pregnant but, throughout your life.
Doctor's may not be God but you have hired them for a reason. You are an extreme type personality and that is fine but if someone else wants to eat lunch meat it doesn't mean they don't know what they are doing.
PUMA-ROOKIE
Posts: 2
10/6/06 3:32 P
It doesn't appear that anyone is actually reading the threads. Two of us have now noted that it isn't the listeria that is the problem with Deli meats and yet everyone keeps saying “you can heat it up and it’s fine”
It is the preservatives and the fact that they can cause cancer. So your friend ate it all through their pregnancy and her baby came out "healthy and happy" what about the future? We don’t know if we are compromising our children's health for the future. Perhaps they get sick a lot, or their skin is bad? There are so many diseases that occur based on the way we choose to eat and they don’t show up right away.
You likely don’t drink alcohol because it’s better safe than sorry, why eat something that can potentially cross the placenta and cause cancer?
I also agree with the one post that doctors are NOT god. Do your own research and make an informed decision based on that – not what someone else tells you.
ALYSSAALDO
Posts: 1
9/1/06 6:06 A
Ladies.
Go to www.parents.9k.com - it has the background information for all these type of concerns and from experienced mothers who like yourselves worry enough to be reading about them. Please don't let a Dr or a person (who may have good intentions) tell you that you are a worry wort. If you didn't have ANY concerns, you'd be either ignorant or careless.
Although there is nothing about baby fitness on www.parents.9k.com, there is plenty of information about fears in pregancy. Remember come back to babyfit.com because I love reading about everything you have to say.
My girlfriend ate deli meat and her daughter came out just fine (so far). I feel if you are privvy to such information, why take the risk. You are incharge of your child and you need to live with whatever your decision maybe.
To those of you who choose to make your own roasts the night before and eat your roast meat in your sandwiches the next day will probably feel less anxious during your pregnancy's.
By the way to tell someone they are a worry wort only makes them worry more!!!
Regards Alyssa (alyssaaldo@yahoo.com.au)
ps by the way any food (meat and premix salad) older than 12 hours, give to your husband, boyfriend, mum and even toddler (it isn't harmful to them). If it's a little bit older (say 24 hours and you can heat it piping hot (you can allow it to cool), then that is okay too)
Edited by: ALYSSAALDO at: 9/1/2006 (06:08)
HRCORRELL
Posts: 1
8/2/06 12:44 P
No lunch meat or hot dogs? As long as you don't eat fuzzy or expired food and are sure to rinse the tuna and heat the hot dogs...the risk of actually ingesting listeria or high levels of mercury fall dramatically. All I know is that I'm eating what I want as long as it is in moderation....this is my second pregnancy and I would say this one is MORE active than my first!! Maybe she likes hot dogs and tuna.....
MAMA4LIFE
Posts: 19
7/20/06 12:22 A
Message Posted by: MALOPER403 - 6/13/2006: I don't understand why the meat has to be cooked? Aren't most processed lunch meats "cooked" or "smoked" or otherwise prepared via some sort of heating convention before they are served?
Mama4Life's reply: Okay, here's the reason I've read about and heard about. This is true even with cooked chicken and other meats that you may have leftover from dinner in the fridge. If cooked meat is left in the fridge for a certain amount of time, listeria, a bacteria which is like botulism in canned beans, etc, can grow on the meat. It apparently thrives in cold temperatures. So if you heat the meat until steaming (as you would your can of beans until simmering), then it will kill any of the bacteria. This is what I've heard anyway. If you want more info, I know that babyfit has an ARTICLE, not a messageboard thread, about the facts. Not to belittle anyone here, but sometimes doctors (esp the old fogey ones) don't believe in anything they didn't learn when "they" were in med school a thousand years ago. My mom has fibromyalgia, a very REAL medical problem, and she was told by 3 doctors that it was a made up "disease" before one finally took her seriously. I have anemia, and was told by a doctor that anemia only occurs in those who live in 3rd world countries! I was also told, the week before I was due with my 2nd baby, that my concern with "something not seeming right" was all in my head and that I was just having "Pre-baby jitters". A couple of days later, my son was stillborn at full term. When I hear of a medical danger, I don't just go on a doc's advice. I get 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions if need be, and follow my gut instincts. Doctors aren't always trustworthy either. I don't consider myself to be a worry wort, but when it comes to having a healthy baby, why take ANY chances?
Est due date: 12/25/06
Supposedly a girl but I'm half Missouri Mule (smiles).
DD Julia Noelle, 12/06/95
DS Joseph Graham, Stillborn on 04/05/99
DD Charity Renee, 11/14/00
DD Hannah Marie, 03/15/02
If it's a girl: Natalie Wren
If it's a boy: Micah Nathaniel
MAMA4LIFE
Posts: 19
7/19/06 11:55 P
I've heard about this listreria/cold cuts thing since my 3rd prgnancy (I'm on my 5th now). It really is a true thing, and not blown out of proportion, just more risky if consumed by pregnant women and small children. With my second pregnancy, I ate a lot of cold meat sandwiches and such, and liverwurst on crackers (which I can't stand now because it has pig lips/snout in it), and that baby wound up stillborn. I'm not saying he died because of listeriosis, but listeria IS a form of botulism, which can be found in canned beans. Would any of you eat canned beans unheated, especially during pregnancy? I have never really liked cold deli meat anyway, but always ate it because it was what my family ate. I always prefer it heated so I don't mind doing it that way. I love a turkey, ham, or roast beef sandwich on a hoagie roll with melted cheese slices, mayo and mustard. So I'm safe there, I guess, but I wouldn't stop taking my prenatals. I need the extra vitamins esp. since I'm anemic. I guess just go with your doc's advice and if something does go wrong (God forbid), you can always sue the doc. Just kidding of course, but it's up to you!!
Est due date: 12/25/06
Supposedly a girl but I'm half Missouri Mule (smiles).
DD Julia Noelle, 12/06/95
DS Joseph Graham, Stillborn on 04/05/99
DD Charity Renee, 11/14/00
DD Hannah Marie, 03/15/02
If it's a girl: Natalie Wren
If it's a boy: Micah Nathaniel
SSOLTOW
Posts: 3
7/18/06 9:57 P
Actually my Dr. told me not to eat lunch meat either. He said that it is not "deli" meat that is harmful. It is the prepackaged process meat that you don't buy from a deli counter. It can have a bacteria called listeria and by warming up your lunchmeat before eating, it elimates any possiblity of passing the bacteria along to your unborn baby.
TANIA15
Posts: 5
7/9/06 11:38 A
"Don't eat deli meat"??? I'm sorry, but this is the most rediculous thing I've heard. Where do people come UP w/this stuff? Seriously!
DWINNIE
Posts: 177
6/24/06 3:54 P
I agree with eating what you want , in moderation. This is my fourth baby and all this info drives me nuts. My doctor says I worry to much ! You can't believe everything you read even in medical journals. Everyone has there own opinion. I think the best thing is to ask your doctor if you have a concern and do what you and your doctor thinks is best. I ate tuna with my last three and they all are healthy and happy. I know that they say mercury effects the nervous system but only if you eat too much. There will always be something new that they find is not good for us. I feel worrying about all that we read is not good for us either. We all have to live with our own choices.
JANELLEPA
Posts: 184
6/23/06 9:24 A
KISSDAWNNICK- HAHA! You crack me up. I completely agree with you. I can't stand all this confusion about what foods you can't eat. It's so annoying. I eat whatever the hell I want as long as it's in moderation and I know that it really won't harm my baby. I have a daughter and I also ate tons of lunchmeat. She is perfect!!! I never even heard of not eating lunch meat until this pregnancy. Before you know it, we won't be able to eat anything!!!
And by the way, I used to sell like crazy on e-bay also (and buy which is why I never made profit). It's fun, isn't it?
Due 3/9/09, having a GIRL!, probably scheduled c-section
PUMA-ROOKIE
Posts: 2
6/13/06 2:13 P
Hi, I am new to this site (16 weeks pregnant) My fiance is a going to medical school to become a Naturopathic Doctor. Given that, I am very versed in nutrition. I have been reading a few of the articles etc. and I had to respond to this link. I realize that Listeria is a problem with Deli meat and can be avoided by heating it, but the other very BAD thing about deli meat is the nitrates. It can cause cancer! I personally do not eat bacon, hot dogs or anything that would have the possibility of nitrates. I have attached a link so you can do the research. I don't mean to scare people, but this is something I feel should be passed on. Education is the best way to make a decision. http://www.organicconsumers.org/ foodsafety/processedmeat050305 .cfm
MALOPER403 BabyPoints:882
Posts: 112
6/13/06 2:11 P
I don't understand why the meat has to be cooked? Aren't most processed lunch meats "cooked" or "smoked" or otherwise prepared via some sort of heating convention before they are served?
I could see Roast Beef (but even that, it's ROASTed beef) or Corned beef because its kind of bloody, but Turkey Breast or Chicken Breast??? I mean even Ham is usually cooked some way.
Oh & I almost forgot - I had been a fan of Boston Market's carvers, esp. the Sirloin Dip. But I always had them use an actual slice of the sirloin like they use in the dinners on the sandwich, rather than the concoction that had the onions and the gravy/sauce already mixed in - you wouldn't believe the hassle I got about it!
I said "All I want is the meat, the cheese and the bread - nothing more" Then they brought me out a bloody slice of sirloin dripping all over the bun. I took it back up and said "I can't eat this, it's undercooked!" The guy who carves the meat said "That's how it comes." I said "You can't stick it back in to cook longer?" He says, "Well, it's going to take a few minutes!" I said, "Whatever, I can wait. I can't eat that, its not cooked and I'm not going to get sick over it."
What an idiot!
Melanie
Melanie Loper
Mom to Braden (9/2/97) and Jordyn Nichole or Briley Ian (12/9/06)
QUEENLYG
Posts: 358
5/24/06 10:24 A
Wow.. This is the first I have heard of deli meat. I have heard about the fish though. THis is my first pregnancy, and I am starting to feel that everything I eat is wrong.. What are some good suggestions for a healthy/baby safe meal, yet still yummy to us mom's?
1st time Mom!
EDD: September 27, 2006 (end of September)
IT'S A BOY!!!! (Christopher Sean)
KISSDAWNNICK
Posts: 87
5/23/06 10:53 A
If we didnt eat ALL the things that are supossdly bad for us moms there wouldn't be anything left to eat. This is my 5th baby and the NO deli meat thing is new to me . I ate tons of deli meat with all my pregnancys, I eat tuna, dye my hair & whiten my teeth too!! ALL MY KIDS ARE FINE! The medical copmmunity tends to be a bit over cautious, prevents lawsuits.
I'm a E-Bay nut! Buy & Sell all day long! Borger Boutique
KATHRYNTHEOBALD BabyPoints:1932
Posts: 281
5/7/06 2:03 P
Everyone should ask their doctor if they have any concerns about anything that they are eating. If you really really crave deli meat which I definitely do heat it up and if hot meat doesn't agree with your tummy throw some cheese on it and broil it. If that doesn't help try making your own chicken or turkey which is better for you anyway!
I have eaten deli sandwiches my whole pregnancy and I did with my DS also and I have not had any problems, The doctor never told me not to. I fear if I were to stop eating everything that anyone says to I will never eat. I guess it is a choice that each mom has to make. I worry more about prenatal vitamins that cause higher wieght abaies than deli sandwiches- probably because my son was 8lbs9 oz and a week early, I dont need a big baby...
Baby girl due May 5th
Caleb 10-21-03
CHRISTINEABBA
Posts: 2
4/6/06 7:54 A
It is never good to eat too much tuna.
There is a high level of mercury found in tuna because they are top feeders and consuming too much mercury (like in the flu shot as well) over a long period of time cause Alzheimer's
ROXI0877
Posts: 1653
3/31/06 9:12 A
Is that for Albacore Tuna???
Live Life To The Fullest
Meagan was born August 30th @ 6:24 PM
7lbs 4oz 20 inches
1 Month HC - 10lbs 3oz 21.5 inches
2 Month HC - 12Lbs 2.5oz 22 inches
MAYAEBERHARD
Posts: 3096
3/30/06 4:10 P
According to baby center: Question: Is it safe to eat tuna when you're pregnant?
BabyCentre Editorial Team: The government's Food Standards Agency advises that pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those who intend to become pregnant, should limit the amount of tuna they eat. You should eat no more than two medium-size cans of tuna, or one fresh tuna steak per week. This advice is based on two medium-size cans with a drained weight of 140g per can and a steak weighing about 140g cooked or 170g raw. This is comparable to six rounds of tuna sandwiches or three tuna salads per week.
This advice is given because of the levels of mercury in tuna fish. At high levels, mercury can harm a baby's developing nervous system.
For the same reason, avoid eating shark, swordfish and marlin.
Carter born June 1st, 2006
#2 due August 15th, 2008
ROXI0877
Posts: 1653
3/30/06 2:22 P
What's the deal with Tuna? I've been craving a Tuna Fish sandwhich for the past few days, but I'm afaid to eat one. My doc said that you can heat the Deli Meat then eat it. Jus zap it in the microwave for like 10 seconds. That's how I usually make my sandwhiches anyway.
Live Life To The Fullest
Meagan was born August 30th @ 6:24 PM
7lbs 4oz 20 inches
1 Month HC - 10lbs 3oz 21.5 inches
2 Month HC - 12Lbs 2.5oz 22 inches
TONYASINKUS
Posts: 1704
1/18/06 10:55 A
I dunno if anyone posted this yet....but you can heat the meat to steaming in the microwave, that kills the listeria bacteria. If you don't want a warm sandwich, once its heated toss it in the fridge for a few minutes to cool it down. As long as you eat it within ten minutes or so, its perfectly safe.
I have eaten deli meat my whole pregnancy, and I did with my last child also. Not "heated to steaming" meat either...well some sandwiches I do cuz I like them that way...but it has never caused me any problems.
NOAZMAMA_D
Posts: 294
1/18/06 10:53 A
So since the main concern with lunchmeat is miscarriage (right?) does the worry over eating it decrease the further along in your pregnancy?
~ Melissa ~
Keanna Marie ~ 4/23/2006 ~
Carson James EDD ~ 5/23/2008 ~
AGSCABBAGE
Posts: 613
1/18/06 4:15 A
24-48 hours...that makes me wonder then. I go grocery shopping on sundays and get my meat for the week. I have either a sandwich or something like for lunch EVERYDAY. Now it has me wondering.
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KLENHART
Posts: 21
1/17/06 3:20 P
I think one of the other posts said it, but just make sure it is FRESH. Meat you buy from the deli counter should be eaten 24-48 hours before it begins to get bacteria. That is what my deli manager told me.
Kristin
Mom to:
Austin-14
Dean-9
Brendan-8
Lucas 13 months
baby boy #5 due 7/15/06
Moms with boys work son up to son down.
KITKUP
Posts: 370
12/2/05 2:33 P
My doctor said no need to worry. He basically said over the years things get more and more blown out of proportion and in his opinion this was one of those things. I guess I would just say ask your doctor and go with what feels comfortable to you. I will tell you that I have had several cold meat sandwhiches since I found out I was pregnant. My SIL just had her 4th baby and said she never heard of giving up lunch meat.
Edited by: KITKUP at: 12/2/2005 (18:11)
AQHALKETT
Posts: 2
12/2/05 1:58 P
Hi there,
I've read things about eating deli meat when it's hot, etc. but I also asked at my dr's office and the nurse I spoke to had never heard of this before. I also spoke to a friend who has had one (very healthy) child so far, and who's father is a retired dr, and she said that she just was careful to make sure any deli meat she ate was fresh. Every pregnant woman I know has eaten deli meat with no problems. So...I've been eating it, and so far things are going well. I'm careful about it but not depriving myself. I'm not sure if this includes bologna too but I'm assuming it does. Hope this helps and congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope you are feeling well!
MOMMY0306
Posts: 1773
12/2/05 12:56 P
hmm... i wish i would have found this article section a couple weeks ago... i have been eating cold bologna...
2NDONTHEWAY
Posts: 5
9/8/05 11:22 A
Congrats to you. I am PG for the second time and I still don't feel like it is real either. I was so sick with the first one and I am not feeling that way this time, although it is early. I hope not to have that symptom this time!! I am getting a blood test on Friday then I will start celebrating.
I think you can eat deli meat if it is hot. There is an article on the home page under top searches that says "Are Hot dogs OK" If you click on that it brings up an article about deli meat and soft cheeses. It tells you what is ok to eat and what is not. Good luck and God Bless!
Before you were conceived I wanted you. Before you were born I loved you. Before you were here an hour I would die for you. This miracle of life.
~Maureen Hawkins
AQHALKETT
Posts: 2
9/8/05 11:05 A
Hi there! I'm new to the message board - hi everyone & congratulations! I have to wait until 10/4 for my first dr's apt, which is kind of a bummer. I wish it was sooner. This is my first and while I'm having some symptoms, it almost doesn't feel real! I want confirmation that I'm pg. :)
Anyway, what's the deal about eating deli meat when your pg? I have known my sisters and sister-in-law to eat deli sandi's all throughout their pregnancies. I've read about the listeria thing, but is it really a bad thing? I happen to eat sandwiches all the time, and am having a heard time figuring out what to eat for lunch that's healthy and easy.
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