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It’s hard to know what is and is not safe to eat while you’re pregnant. With fallacies and facts floating around together, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about chorizo sausage and the health of your pregnancy.
Can You Eat Chorizo When Pregnant?
Yes, you can eat chorizo when pregnant, but it’s very important to ensure that it is well-cooked and fresh. Many pregnant women avoid chorizo during pregnancy because of the risk that comes with eating raw or undercooked meat.
Certain chorizo sausages are still safe during pregnancy, like the Mexican chorizo, which is fresh and cooked before consumption, making these choices safe for you.
It’s suggested that when eating out, you should avoid chorizo and other raw meats. Toxoplasmosis and different types of germs and bacteria that live in meat can make you seriously ill if eaten undercooked and is not recommended for pregnant women – like the Spanish chorizo, which is eaten raw or undercooked.
You can look for fresh chorizo that is not made with preservatives or any dye, and you can safely enjoy this meaty treat if cooked well and eaten fresh.
Why Is Chorizo Not Okay For Pregnant Women?
Chorizo and other types of raw or uncooked meat are not safe for pregnant women especially, as these meats have a higher contamination rate and can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites that will make you ill.
Toxoplasmosis and trichinosis are just 2 of the serious parasites that can be harbored by undercooked meat and should be avoided absolutely during your pregnancy.
You can store your fresh chorizo in the freezer for about four days to ensure any bacteria is killed by the cold, and to prevent any contamination, always properly cook all your meat.
Expected Symptoms If You Consume Unsafe Chorizo
The main cause of parasitic infection from raw or undercooked chorizo is trichinosis. This type of roundworm larvae is hatched in your stomach and comes with a wide range of symptoms to look out for
Mild symptoms of trichinosis can include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting or nausea
Two weeks after eating infected meat, trichinosis symptoms can include the following:
- Muscle fatigue
- Fever
- Eye swelling
- Headaches
- Chills and itchy skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Constipation/diarrhea
Severe symptoms of trichinosis can include the following:
- Poor movement and coordination
- Heart muscle inflammation
- Breathing difficulty
- Brain inflammation
And That’s A Wrap!
Despite having to limit yourself from a lot of your favorite meals, you can still have a wide range of cuisine types when pregnant. If you’re safe with your choice of chorizo, you can still indulge in this delicious meat treat in moderation.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7142-trichinosis
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/can-you-eat-chorizo-when-pregnant#what-to-avoid
