Pregnancy Food: Meat & Poultry - November 2024

Earlier, we covered the dairy products that are safe for you to consume while pregnant and which you should avoid. In this piece, we’ll be discussing on meat and poultry.

Pregnant mums should know it is essential to consume meat and poultry. It is known as a good source of protein and provides other nutrients, too. These superfoods are also easily absorbed by our body. However, you must remember that there are certain meat and poultry that are unsafe to eat during pregnancy. As mums-to-be, you will naturally only want the best for you and your baby. So it is important to ensure which choices of meat and poultry are safe to eat and which you should avoid.

Let’s learn more about it together, shall we?

Safe and Healthy

Beef

Mums-to-be can eat beef. It contains many nutrients that prevent iron deficiency and improves your immunity. However, do always ensure the beef is fully cooked as undercooked meat might contain harmful bacteria and affect your baby.

Beef brisket

Pregnant mums can consume beef brisket. It is rich in iron and protein which supplies energy to you and promote your baby’s growth. Beef also improves red blood cell productions.

Beef steak

Mums-to-be might crave beef steaks, too! Have no fear, it is safe for you to consume them. It contains protein and iron, both of which are good for you. Beef steaks also nourishes your body and ensure a baby’s healthy development. However, please make sure to avoid the fat. And do not eat undercooked steaks as it might cause food poisoning.

Chicken

Chickens are safe for pregnant mummies! They are rich in protein and other nutrients which is good for you.

Duck

You can eat ducks during your pregnancy. They protect you from nerve damage and birth defects. Duck fats are easily absorbed by the body and are good for mums and babies. Just do not have them raw or undercooked as you might ingest harmful bacteria.

Goose

Mums-to-be can consume goose. It maintains healthy bones and teeth. The fats in the goose also help to lower your blood cholesterol. Make sure to cook it well to prevent infections.

Lamb

Lamb is healthy for pregnant mums! It contains minerals and proteins which are needed for your pregnant body.

Pork

Pregnant mums should eat pork, if possible. It contains numerous essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and fat, all of which are good to consume during your pregnancy.

Pork loin

Pork loin is safe for mums-to-be to consume. It is high in nutrients and vitamins which promote your foetus’s development and growth. Just ensure to cook it well beforehand as undercooked pork can be contaminated with parasitic worms.

Quail

Mummies-to-be can ingest quail. Quail meat raises your “good cholesterol” (HDL) levels and has no saturated fat. This makes it good to consume for mums-to-to-be that have high blood pressure and diabetes. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.

Rabbit

You are safe to eat rabbits during pregnancy. It is rich in minerals and proteins. These nutrients prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension. Furthermore, rabbit meat also has calcium which helps develop your baby’s teeth and bones.

Turkey

Pregnant mums can eat turkey. It has numerous proteins that can help to promote your baby’s bone and brain development. Just ensure the turkey is well cooked before eating it.

Pork bones

Expectant mummies can eat pork bones. They contain numerous fats and collagen which can be easily absorbed by your body. Furthermore, pork bones are also anti-ageing and can improve your baby’s bone development. They are also good for your baby’s skin and neural development.

Black-bone chicken

Pregnant women can eat black-bone chicken, too. It can prevent iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy. Additionally, this chicken also improves your physical fitness and immune system. The essential minerals in this chicken also benefits your baby’s bones and body development.

Venison

Mummies-to-be can eat venison in moderation. It can help to reduce hyperlipidemia and premature eclampsia. However, the downside is you can get constipation if you consume too much venison. And as always when it comes to meat, do make sure to cook it well.

Moderation is Key

Chicken feet

You are safe to eat chicken feet during pregnancy. But you must consume them in moderation as they are rich in cholesterol.

Chicken giblet

Mums-to-be can eat chicken giblet, too. It can promote and maintain cell growth during pregnancy, while also boosting your immunity and blood circulation. However, limit your consumption as it might restrain your blood flow and increase the risk of a heart attack.

Dried beef

You can eat dried beef, but in moderation. Especially if you have high blood pressure. Dried beef contains numerous listeria bacteria that can cause toxoplasmosis and diarrhoea. This type of bacteria affect your baby. It might also cause a miscarriage if you are infected during your early stages of pregnancy.

Bacon

Bacon might cause stomach discomfort and nausea during pregnancy. It contains a high level of fat and salt content. You can try eating some while pregnant but keep them in moderation.

Pork trotters

You can eat pork trotters. They are loaded with collagen which is good for your skin. However, the downside is they have high levels of cholesterol. So, remember to eat them in small quantities.

Avoid Like the Plague

Sparrow

Mums-to-be cannot consume sparrows. It has nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and protein. However, it might also have parasites that are unsafe to eat. Additionally, it is also illegal to kill and eat them as sparrows are protected animals.

Pork sausage

Expectant mums should avoid consuming pork sausages. Or any type of sausages, really, because as we all know, sausages are preserved foods. Thus, it could contain food additives. A BIG NO for pregnant mums. Furthermore, sausages are known to be high in salt content.

Pigeon

Mums-to-be cannot eat pigeons. This is as they have high-fat content and might cause unnecessary weight gain.

Goose liver

An uncooked goose liver might contain listeria. It might also cause infections through food contaminations.

Bak kut teh

I know many Malaysian mums-to-be love to eat bak kut teh. However, you should restrain yourself from eating it while expecting because it contains selected Chinese herbs that might bring harm to your pregnancy.

Feed Your Unborn with Sufficient Meats

Meat and poultry are good sources of proteins. Therefore, it is essential to pick the right meats to ensure a healthy diet during your pregnancy as they affect you and the developing baby. Remember to eat healthily always, mummies!

Sources:

Now that you know which meat and poultry are safe to consume while pregnant and which to avoid, check out some healthy chicken recipes here.

Check out which seafood are safe to consume during your pregnancy and which you should avoid here.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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