Verified by Edna Skopljak MD
Edna Skopljak is a medical doctor and an editor at BJBMS medical journal. She graduated from the University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology.
Most pregnant women are highly cautious about what they eat and drink because some foods are riskier than others when you’re expecting.
For example, there are all sorts of meat that you may think is healthy but can actually cause problems for your baby.
Let’s talk about one particular dish – Bratwurst. It’s a German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, and it sounds like it could be a delicious and safe option for pregnant women, but is it?
Can you eat Bratwurst while pregnant?
Can you eat brats (Bratwurst) while pregnant?
The simple answer is yes. Generally, you can eat any sausage while pregnant as long as it is thoroughly cooked. This applies to Bratwurst as well. You should be fine if you make sure your sausage is fully cooked before eating it.
However, some things should be considered when eating sausage while pregnant. First of all, sausage is often high in fat and sodium. According to a food source, 70g sausage has 27% of the daily fat and 26% of the daily sodium.
This is not necessarily bad, but you should be aware that these are things to watch out for when pregnant.
Fat and sodium can lead to dehydration and other problems, so it’s important to moderate your consumption. Make sure to eat it along with fruits and vegetables.
Another thing to remember is that commercially processed Bratwurst may contain ingredients that are not safe for pregnant women. One of them is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a food additive that has been linked to headaches and other problems.
Consumption of Bratwurst may also trigger heartburn and indigestion in some pregnant women.
Hence, if you often experience this, you might want to skip Bratwurts until after your baby is born.
As a general rule, you should always consult your doctor or midwife before eating anything while pregnant to be safe. They will be happy to give you specific dietary advice based on your situation.
Are there any health benefits of Bratwurst for pregnant women?
Yes! According to research, Bratwurst may be beneficial for pregnant women.
One study found that Bratwurst can be a good source of selenium, which is known for boosting the immune system.
This is especially important for pregnant women because they are more susceptible to infections and other illnesses, and their immune systems are weaker than usual.
Bratwurst is also high in protein and rich in vitamins B6 and B12, which are essential for developing the baby’s organs, muscles, and tissues and helps prevent iron deficiency or anemia, respectively.
Conclusion
So, can you eat Bratwurst while pregnant?
The answer is yes, but you should be aware of the health risks and benefits associated with eating it.
Sausage, in general, is a high-fat and high-sodium food, so you should moderate your intake if you’re pregnant.
It’s also important to watch out for additives like MSG that may not be safe for expecting mothers.
On the plus side, Bratwurst is a good source of selenium, protein, B6, and B12. Consult your doctor or midwife before making any dietary changes during pregnancy.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bratwurst
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/can-you-eat-sausage-when-pregnant#considerations
