Yes, it is generally safe for women to eat bacon during pregnancy as long as it is well-cooked. There are many health benefits of eating bacon to both the mother and child. It contains a mineral called choline which aids in your child’s brain development. Bacon is also a rich source of protein so it aids in the bone growth of your child. Lastly, it contains elements such as potassium and sodium, which prevent heart disease and stroke.
However, there are some health risks of eating bacon while pregnant that you should be aware of. If the bacon is under-cooked or raw, it can result in infections and food poisoning. Pregnant women are especially at risk as their immune system isn’t as strong as it was before. Also, bacon that is excessively processed contains toxins such as nitrates and nitrites which increase your risk for premature delivery.
This is why it’s good to buy uncured bacon, which is not artificially preserved, rather than cured bacon, which contains a lot of synthetic preservatives. Moreover, make sure that the meat is cooked to a temperature of 165°F (73.8°C) before consuming it. General rule of thumb, it is safe to eat bacon while pregnant, as long as it is cooked until steaming hot.
Read about eating other deli meats during pregnancy here:
