If you can't imagine a summer barbecue without kielbasa, you're in luck. Kielbasa is perfectly safe for pregnant women when handled and cooked properly. Eating the sausage in moderation can help ensure you get enough protein. If you eat too much kielbasa or eat under-cooked sausage, you could make some common pregnancy discomforts worse and even put your baby's life in danger.
Food-borne Illness
Under-cooked kielbasa can contain listeria or E. coli. If you ingest these bacteria and become ill, you put you ad your baby's lives at risk. Listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria, is especially dangerous. The infection can reach your baby and if not treated right away, can cause developmental problems and even fetal death. E. coli causes vomiting and diarrhea, which can cause dehydration and deprive your baby of nutrients. In rare cases, E. coli causes kidney failure.
Safe Preparation and Handling
Kielbasa, and most other meats, need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill dangerous bacteria and parasites, according to FoodSafety.gov. If you don't have a food thermometer handy, the sausage should be cooked through and steaming hot all the way to the middle. Bacteria can be transferred back to the foods from contaminated counter tops, hands, utensils or packaging, so be careful to clean your hands, tools and work surfaces carefully.
Sodium Content
Kielbasa contains high levels of sodium -- as much as 1,240 mg per serving. Excess sodium consumption can cause or worsen swelling. If you typically experience swelling in you feet, ankles, hands or face, you may want to choose a low-sodium kielbasa or avoid the sausage altogether. If you do experience swelling, try elevating your feet and drinking plenty of water to help flush out excess sodium and fluid, recommends the American Pregnancy Association.
Fat and Calorie Content
One serving of a popular kielbasa brand, Hillshire Farms, contains 510 calories and 46 g of fat. A high-calorie, high-fat diet is associated with weight gain and increases your risk of high blood pressure, varicose veins, cesarean delivery and gestational diabetes, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Make sure you balance the calories you consume each day with the amount of calories you burn to avoid weight gain. Choose lower-fat protein sources, such as beans, nuts and lean beef, most of the time.
References
- FoodSafety.gov: Checklist of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
- Colorado State University Extension; Food Safety During Pregnancy; J. Dean, et al.; December 2006
- MayoClinic.com: E. Coli
- American Pregnancy Association: Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association: Swelling During Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association: Eating for Two When Over or Under Weight
