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I have been told that I should not eat hot dogs or lunch meat while I am pregnant. Is this true? If so, why? |
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Listeria, a type of bacteria found everywhere, can cause a food-borne illness called listeriosis, which is extremely dangerous for a pregnant women and her unborn baby. Listeriosis can cause premature delivery, miscarriage, and fetal death. A pregnant woman is more susceptible to listeriosis because of the normal pregnancy changes that affect your immune system. You can eat these items, but you must make sure they are cooked properly. Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot. You can learn more about this topic from this article in the nutrition resource center: Playing it Safe Part 2 - Deli Meats and Soft Cheese. Becky Hand Licenced Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian |











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