During pregnancy you're much more vulnerable to infection, including bacterial food poisoning. That's why doctors recommend avoiding foods that could contain nasty bacteria. In some cases, hot sausage can make an ideal home for bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes. As with most foods, the safety of hot sausage during pregnancy depends on the storage and cooking methods.
Listeriosis
One bacterium in particular poses a problem for pregnant women. Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, an infection that can even lead to miscarriage in the worst cases. All meats and products such as soft cheese pose a risk of listeriosis if not handled correctly. Sausages, whether made from fresh minced meat or highly processed pork, can contain listeria. However, you don't need to avoid sausage altogether when you are pregnant. If you heat it hot enough to steam, then the sausage is likely safe, according to experts from the Baylor College of Medicine -- provided, of course, that the sausage is freshly prepared.
Food Temperatures
If you're preparing your own fresh, hot sausage, make sure you cook it to the right temperature. Cooking the center of the meat thoroughly increases the chances of killing off any bacteria lurking inside the meat. The government website FoodSafety recommends cooking hot dogs and deli sausages to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You also should cook sausages made from poultry such as chicken and turkey need cooking to 165 degrees. In both cases, this should be hot enough to destroy listeria and most other bacteria. Check the sausage temperature by sticking a cooking thermometer into the very center of each link.
Expiration and Source
Pregnant women should pay extra attention to any expiration dates on food packages. If a sausage is even a day over its use by date, it's not worth the risk. Similarly, avoid sausages from deli counters, barbecues, street vendors or anywhere that you can't be sure of the cooking method and quality of the sausage. Cooking hot sausages that you've opened and prepared yourself means you know that they're in date and cooked correctly. Meat left out on deli counters is sometimes more vulnerable to bacterial infection because it's open to the air.
General Diet
Eating a well-prepared hot sausage during pregnancy occasionally is fine as part of a balanced pregnancy diet. However, many sausages contain high levels of sodium and fat. It's important to get a good mix of nutrients when you're pregnant, as well as lots of fiber. Include fresh vegetables and fruits alongside sausages to give your baby the best possible range of vitamins and minerals. Too much fat and protein can even slow down your bowel movements, making you more uncomfortable during the sensitive time of pregnancy.
