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Can You Eat Chicken Salad While Pregnant?
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In 2020, there is a lot of knowledge regarding the safety of food, but what about those same foods during pregnancy? Is there any reason that pregnant women shouldn’t eat certain foods that a non-pregnant would have no problem-consuming?
It’s difficult to keep tabs on all the do’s and don’ts in pregnancy, but certain foods are not good for women with a baby in their womb to consume.
Let’s go over one of the most loved salads in the United States, a summertime favorite, and one that people consume on a regular basis – chicken salad.
If you’re pregnant you might be wondering if you can still have your favorite chicken salad, a lot of changes during pregnancy, how do your eating habits change too?
Table of Contents
Why Is Chicken Salad Potentially Dangerous
If you usually grab lunch to go to, from the deli, you might want to leave the chicken salad off your plate. The reason is that you have absolutely no idea how it was prepared, and there is a potential risk in consuming any food you don’t make yourself. While the risk may be low, it still exists.
Listeria could be in any pre-made meat dishes
Listeriosis monocytogenes, better known as listeria, is a very harmful bacteria that can cause infection in anyone, but especially among the pregnant population. Any pre-made meat dishes are at a higher risk of containing listeria.
Pregnant women who eat a contaminated chicken salad that has listeria could become very sick afterward.
The reason that pregnant women are at a higher risk for catching listeria is due to her immune system already being overworked to keep the body and baby she is growing safe.
It’s a lot of work to grow a baby, and this fact makes you particularly susceptible to illness and food poisoning during pregnancy.
It won’t harm the pregnant mother as much as the baby though when a mother catches listeria. The fetus could potentially develop a severe infection like sepsis if their mother catches listeria.
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How Do You Eliminate Listeria Infection From Your Body Once You Have It?
You probably want to know how you would get rid of listeria if you did end up developing it.
Good question, listeria usually goes away on its own after the infection has run its course, during its active time in a pregnant mothers body, it can cause significant harm to the unborn baby.
Symptoms of listeria in a pregnant mother
Getting listeria is no joke, and there may or may not be symptoms that go along with it. If you believe that you have listeria or the lunchmeat you ate contained it – speak with your primary physician to see what the next steps you should take are.
The symptoms of each pregnant woman will vary, but they can include anything ranging from mild to severe flu-like symptoms, and considerable muscle aches or tiredness. The important thing is to get to a doctor as soon as possible if you believe you have listeria.
During pregnancy listeria can cause, still-birth, miscarriage, premature labor, and even a severe infection that passes along with the baby after birth. This infection can be serious for a newborn even life-threatening.
It’s Best To Avoid All Pre-packaged Lunch Meat or Premade Chicken Salad During Pregnancy
Since this is the case with all pre-packaged or lunch meats, pregnant women should avoid all meats of this kind. Some pregnant women do not display any signs of listeria poisoning at all, even though it has passed onto their unborn baby.
Make your own chicken salad at home to be safe
Giving up chicken salad would be hard during pregnancy if you especially love it. So we aren’t going to tell you to do that, we just advise you to make it at home in the safety of your own kitchen.
When you do this, you will know exactly when the chicken was cooked, and how long it will last in the safest zone for food consumption.
Since chicken salad contains common ingredients like mayonnaise, celery, and various other vegetables that are easy to come by – it should be easy to make your very own!
Foods made at home are cheaper and can taste better
The best part about making foods at home is that you get the opportunity to make a lot more of it, for a lot less money.
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You can buy a whole chicken, that gives you chicken broth, and all the meat for a lot cheaper than buying it frequently from the deli – plus it will taste better!
Having food on hand, that you can grab right out of the freezer, during the end of pregnancy is especially helpful. Chicken salad is filling and can be super nutritious for pregnant women.
Enjoy the all-time favorite right at home by purchasing the ingredients at your local grocery store.
What chicken salad ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
If you’re an avid lover of chicken salad, you probably know that certain toppings are a big hit for many.
Avoid these cheeses to avoid potential listeria infection during pregnancy
There are certain cheeses that you will need to avoid with all the chicken salad you’ll be eating. Any of the following cheeses are a no-go during pregnancy, soft unpasteurized cheeses (queso fresco, brie, feta).
Avoid raw undercooked and unwashed vegetables during pregnancy
In addition, these toppings should not be eaten during pregnancy; raw vegetables that haven’t been washed, radish -alfalfa – clover sprouts that are undercooked.
What Are The Most Common Signs Of Being Infected With Listeria Infection?
Sometimes when pregnancy happens, we eat a chicken salad before even knowing it’s not a good idea. This is the case for many pregnant women who have lived on to see healthy days afterward and did not come down with Listeria Infection.
Sometimes our minds will not settle. Though, unless we know the signs and symptoms to look out for when it comes to Listeria, you might want to contact your obstetrician if you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming any pre-made meats and chicken salad.
- Cramping or pain in your abdominal region
- Throwing up or feeling extra nauseous
- Feeling like you might have food poisoning
- Grogginess or being unalert overall
- Your neck is stiff
- Equilibrium being off causing you to feel off-balance
- If you spike a fever
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Chicken Salad Isn’t The Only Food That Could Potentially Contain Listeria, Here Are The Others
Listeria can happen to anyone because there are many foods that hold potential for containing various infections or contamination- these are the many other foods to look out for and stray away from it at all possible at any point in pregnancy.
Uncooked hotdogs and lunch meat
As mentioned throughout this article, lunchmeat can contain Listeria. Hotdogs are another pre-prepared lunch meat that can cause Listeria poisoning – avoid hotdogs during pregnancy.
Raw eggs or anything that contains eggs that are not cooked in it
If you make up some cake batter right at home, don’t lick the bowl. Raw eggs can be potentially dangerous to pregnant mothers due to salmonella poisoning.
Clams, shellfish, and oysters are a no-go
Vibrio is a bacteria that causes an intestinal disease called vibriosis – clams and oysters alike have the possibility of being contaminated with vibriosis.
Pate or any kind of meat spread that is unpasteurized
If you want to indulge in pate or pre-cooked meats, you will want to opt for the shelf version of these items which is generally in cans. Meats that are pre-cooked have the possibility of containing listeria too.
We know it’s delicious but don’t eat raw cookie batter
Raw cookie dough or cake batter should be avoided due to the risk of Salmonella in these products. The recipes call for eggs, and this poses risk for pregnant females.
In Conclusion
It might seem like your food choices are becoming slightly slender, considering heartburn, and being more at risk for the infections in this article.
But, that truly isn’t the case you can enjoy a wide array of food choices from meals to treats with keeping food safety in mind, too.
You have the choice of making vegan options for most pastries or baked goods as well. Be sure to check out recipes for a vegan version of what you would like to eat whenever possible.
Making foods at home will better your chances of avoiding listeria because you know the entire process the food underwent from preparation to the end result. Remember that pregnancy is a time to enjoy the abundance of foods out there.
Medical Disclaimer. All content and media on the MomInformed Website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Sources
Is it Safe to Eat Chicken Salad While Pregnant? – My Parenting Journey
Can Pregnant Women Eat Chicken Salad? Is It Risky or Safe? – Pregnancy Food Checker
Mirisa Jewell
Hello, I'm Mirisa. I'm a mother to five children, in which I aim to raise through a holistic-practical approach. My goal as a triathlete mom, health, and wellness enthusiast, and an avid entrepreneur - is to inspire other parents that it's completely possible to be a wholesome and loving parent while chasing down your own goals!
FAQs
Is it OK to eat chicken salad sandwich while pregnant? ›
Fully cooked chicken that you've roasted yourself, left to cool, plus pasteurized mayo, will mean the salad is safe for you to eat throughout your pregnancy, especially if you're craving a chicken salad, on its own or as a chicken salad sandwich.
Can you have chicken salad from a restaurant while pregnant? ›If you're having chicken salad craving during pregnancy, the best is to make it yourself and ensure that the chicken is roasted at a high temperature to kill the bacteria. It's best to avoid deli salad or any premade food that may have a risk of developing listeria.
Can you eat cold chicken while pregnant? ›Well-cooked chicken and other poultry are safe to eat while you're pregnant, as long as they're still hot. But you should avoid cold cooked chicken and processed chicken meat from the deli. Chicken is a good source of protein during pregnancy.
Can I eat Panera chicken salad while pregnant? ›Yes. You can eat Panera chicken salad if you are pregnant. During pregnancy, if you are going to eat chicken salad at Panera or anywhere, for that matter, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. The first is that you need to make sure the chicken salad is fully cooked.
Can you eat mayonnaise while pregnant? ›Note: Commercial mayonnaise, dressing, and sauces contain pasteurized eggs that are safe to eat. Safe Ways to Make Your Favorite Egg-containing Foods!
What not to eat when pregnant? ›...
Avoid undercooked meat, poultry and eggs
- Fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. ...
- Cook hot dogs and luncheon meats until they're steaming hot — or avoid them completely.
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. An estimated 1/6 of all Listeria cases occur in pregnant women.
Can I eat chicken Caesar salad while pregnant? ›Caesar salad, if freshly made, is safe for pregnant women to eat. Caesar Salad Dressing is only safe in pregnancy if the dressing is pasteurized because it usually contains raw egg.
What restaurant food is safe during pregnancy? ›Go for greens and beans
Steamed veggies, a baked potato (instead of fries or onion rings) or yams are all super sides. If there's lentil, bean or vegetable soup on the menu, ask for a bowlful. Same goes for tomato-based broths — another opportunity to get in some veggies!
This is a question that many people have asked, and the answer is yes! You can eat chicken cold as long as it's cooked properly and has stayed safely refrigerated.
Can you eat chicken salad cold? ›
Chicken salad is traditionally served cold, as in chilled. Yes, it can be eaten, warm, or room temperature but the flavors have time to meld together when it's been in the refrigerator for a couple hours.
Can I eat at Subway while pregnant? ›Can Pregnant Women Eat At Subway? Subway sandwiches are safe for pregnant women to eat if they're heated until hot, rather than just warm. This means either microwaved for a few seconds or having the sandwich toasted – sometimes a little more than normal.
Can I eat a chicken mayo sandwich when pregnant? ›Sandwiches containing mayonnaise such as chicken mayo, tuna mayo and so on can be eaten if the mayonnaise is pasteurized. Commercially-made sandwich mayo filling is usually safe for pregnant women to eat. Exercise more caution if eating at a restaurant or deli as the mayonnaise may contain raw eggs.
What salad can you not eat when pregnant? ›Avoid salads with deli meats, raw fish, raw eggs, smoked seafood and fish with high amounts of mercury. The occasional salad with canned, chunk light tuna may be OK because this type of tuna is lowest in mercury, but check with your doctor to determine a safe amount.
What weeks are the highest risk for miscarriage? ›Most miscarriages - 8 out of 10 (80 percent) - happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies. Pregnancy loss that happens after 20 weeks is called stillbirth.
Can you eat bacon while pregnant? ›You can enjoy bacon safely during pregnancy. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, until it's steaming hot. Avoid ordering bacon at a restaurant because you don't know how well it's cooked. If you want to avoid all risks completely, there are meat-free bacon alternatives available, like soy or mushroom bacon.
Can you eat coleslaw when pregnant? ›Avoid: Packaged salads, unless you wash them first, ready prepared dressed salads like coleslaw or potato salad. Cooked-chilled foods can carry the risk of listeria. You can eat: Cooked-chilled foods that have been thoroughly heated all the way through.
Can a baby survive listeria? ›During pregnancy, a listeria infection is likely to cause only mild signs and symptoms in the mother. The consequences for the baby, however, can be devastating — the baby can die in the womb or have a life-threatening infection within a few days of being born.
Would I know if I had listeria while pregnant? ›Listeriosis can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea or upset stomach. You also may have a stiff neck, headache, confusion, or loss of balance. Symptoms may appear as late as 2 months after you have eaten something with Listeria. Many pregnant women do not have any symptoms.
What can accidentally cause a miscarriage? ›- Infection.
- Exposure to TORCH diseases.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Improper implantation of fertilized egg in your uterine lining.
- How old you are.
- Uterine abnormalities.
- Incompetent cervix (your cervix begins to open too early in pregnancy).
Can I eat ranch while pregnant? ›
The confusion seems to come from the belief that one of the ingredients is raw eggs. It isn't. Therefore, yes, you can eat ranch dressing while pregnant. However, always look for pasteurized dressing and keep it refrigerated at all times when not in use.
What salad dressing is best while pregnant? ›Vinaigrettes are a safe bet, as are creamy dressings made without eggs (say, a ranch made with commercially prepared mayo).
Can I eat Chinese food when pregnant? ›The bottom line. During pregnancy, eating right-sized portions of foods with MSG isn't likely to land you with a slew of unpleasant symptoms — and it won't harm your growing baby, either. You can feel free to enjoy umami-flavored veggies, nuts, broths (and, yes, even the occasional Chinese takeout) without concern.
Can I eat Mcdonald's when pregnant? ›There are many items on the McDonalds menu containing ingredients that are safe for pregnant women. However, processed food is never a great choice in pregnancy. You'll have to ensure your order is cooked fresh, and also adapt it by avoiding some ingredients.
Is Chick-fil-A pasteurized? ›Through a precise process known as high-pressure pasteurization (HPP), we're able to maintain the delicious taste that Chick-fil-A customers expect without making any compromises along the way.
Can I eat salads at restaurants while pregnant? ›Salads of all kinds are safe to enjoy while pregnant. However, raw produce should be carefully washed before enjoying it. Because washing is the key to safety, it's also best to prepare fresh, both at home and at restaurants.
What vegetables should be avoided during pregnancy? ›...
Raw or undercooked greens and sprouts
- mung beans.
- alfalfa.
- clover.
- radish.
After checking with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, here is what they had to say: For best quality, chicken (as well as egg, ham, tuna and macaroni) salads should be kept only three to five days in the refrigerator (stored at 40 degrees or lower).
Can you eat chicken mayo cold? ›This cold chicken mayo sandwich is perfect for a picnic, tea party, barbecue, or even kids' lunchboxes. It has a creamy filling made with mayonnaise and a few simple ingredients that you will find in your pantry or refrigerator. Make it with white or brown bread, lettuce and grated carrot for a quick and tasty snack.
Is it safe to heat chicken salad? ›If the salad contains mayonnaise, it is not recommended to heat it up as the mayonnaise can separate and become oily. However, if the cold chicken salad contains ingredients that are safe to eat heated up, such as cooked chicken, then it should be fine to heat it up.
Is chicken salad supposed to be cold or hot? ›
Chicken salad is typically served cold, as opposed to warm. It can be consumed at room temperature, at room temperature, or at room temperature. The flavors can be combined after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Can I eat Taco Bell while pregnant? ›Most items on the Taco Bell menu are safe for pregnant women, because the meat in Taco Bell's products is fully cooked, and Taco Bell's cheese is a pasteurized, processed product (source: Taco Bell). Their sour cream is also made from pasteurized ingredients.
Is Fast Food OK during pregnancy? ›Fast food usually isn't the best choice for expecting moms, since it's often packed with excessive amounts of salt, added sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Can I eat pepperoni while pregnant? ›You can eat pepperoni while pregnant, but the pepperoni should be cooked, rather than cold and uncooked, according to Healthline. Uncooked pepperonis can contain "bacteria and parasites" that is dangerous to a pregnant person's weakened immune system.
What if I ate a deli sandwich while pregnant? ›Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking. Cold cuts are now sprayed with a food additive that helps prevent Listeria before packaging. You don't need to panic if you are pregnant and have been eating deli meats. The probabilities are in your favor that nothing has happened.
What happens if you accidentally eat mayonnaise when pregnant? ›Risks of eating unsafe mayo during pregnancy
Eating unpasteurized eggs and foods made with them puts you at risk of catching the foodborne illness (food poisoning) salmonellosis, which is caused by salmonella bacteria.
Why can't pregnant women eat deli meat? It's best not to eat deli or lunch meats while you're pregnant, unless the food has been heated until steaming (165 degrees F) right before serving. These meats can harbor bacteria, which can continue to grow even when refrigerated.
What kind of sandwiches can a pregnant woman eat? ›- Tuna. Fish is a good source of many vitamins and minerals. ...
- Ham and cured meats. It is safe to eat cold, pre-packed meats such as ham and corned beef. ...
- Cheese. Hard cheeses like cheddar are safe to eat during pregnancy. ...
- Mayonnaise. It is safe to eat shop-bought mayonnaise during pregnancy.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that pregnant women "avoid eating hot dogs, lunch meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (such as bologna), or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving."
Can I eat a cold deli sandwich while pregnant? ›“If you're pregnant, you really shouldn't have deli meat,” Schaffner says. The only way to ensure that sliced deli meat is safe to eat, he adds, is by heating it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, to guarantee that any lingering surface bacteria is killed off.
Is Subway OK when pregnant? ›
Can Pregnant Women Eat At Subway? Subway sandwiches are safe for pregnant women to eat if they're heated until hot, rather than just warm. This means either microwaved for a few seconds or having the sandwich toasted – sometimes a little more than normal.
What is the best lunch when pregnant? ›Tips for healthy lunches for pregnancy
Think a small smoothie for calcium, a salad for fiber and vitamins, and a sandwich on whole grain bread for protein and carbs. Throw in some good fat from olive oil, nuts or avocado and you've got yourself a perfect meal.
Non-dried deli meats such as bologna, roast beef and turkey breast. Dried and salted deli meats such as salami and pepperoni. Non-dried deli meats heated throughout to steaming hot.
What are the odds of getting listeria while pregnant? ›Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. An estimated 1/6 of all Listeria cases occur in pregnant women.
Can I eat hot rotisserie chicken while pregnant? ›Avoid eating cooked rotisserie chicken and lunch meat found in the refrigerated case at the deli-meat counter. If you can't live without your cold cuts, heat the deli meat before eating it. “You have to heat the meat until it is steaming,” Dr. Guster says.
What are the signs of listeria while pregnant? ›Listeriosis can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea or upset stomach. You also may have a stiff neck, headache, confusion, or loss of balance. Symptoms may appear as late as 2 months after you have eaten something with Listeria. Many pregnant women do not have any symptoms.
Can I eat bacon while pregnant? ›You can enjoy bacon safely during pregnancy. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, until it's steaming hot. Avoid ordering bacon at a restaurant because you don't know how well it's cooked. If you want to avoid all risks completely, there are meat-free bacon alternatives available, like soy or mushroom bacon.
Can I eat deli meat 8 weeks pregnant? ›It's best not to eat deli or lunch meats while you're pregnant, unless the food has been heated until steaming (165 degrees F) right before serving. These meats can harbor bacteria, which can continue to grow even when refrigerated.
Can I eat Jersey Mike's pregnant? ›Yes as long as they do not contain deli meat that has not been heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and served hot. You should not eat cold lunch meats, processed meats, deli meats, or smoked meats that are served cold or at room temperature during pregnancy.
Can you eat cooked spiral ham when pregnant? ›Some foods must be abolished to protect against the onset of diseases, but there is no cooked ham, one of the few cured types of meat you can also enjoy during pregnancy.