Can You Eat Bologna While Pregnant – Risks and Safety Tips

Pregnancy induces unexpected cravings. While some pregnant women crave unexpected foods like jam and doughnuts, others may opt for a rather salty diet, such as bologna. Bologna is a type of deli meat, salty in nature, and a popular filler for sandwiches. This versatile, dried, and smoked beef sausage meat is a popular go-to option among meat lovers, but a craving is something altogether different. When it comes to diet and nutrition during pregnancy, it is best to approach any food based on its safety level for the mother and her baby. Since bologna is a salty food, many are apprehensive about it; even many pregnant women ask themselves, ‘Can I eat bologna while pregnant?’ While it’s easy to form a general opinion about bologna and pregnancy, we suggest reading this article to learn whether bologna is safe for pregnant women.

What Is Bologna?

Bologna is a type of sausage made from finely ground meat, often including pork, beef, or poultry, with chunks of lard added. The meat is blended with different seasonings, including salt and various spices. The mixture is then finely processed to achieve a smooth texture and cooked to form the cooked sausage. Some commonly known seasonings in bologna include black pepper, coriander, celery seeds, allspice, nutmeg, and more.

Different Types of Bologna

Bologna is available in several different versions. Here are some common types of bologna available in the market:

• Ring Bologna: Ring Bologna is a smaller version of the classic bologna and is usually considered the descendant of German ringwurst. Ring Bologna is fully cooked and can be eaten right out of the package, making it perfect for cold sandwiches. Although most bologna does not include organ meat, ring bologna may have organ meat of liver or heart (1).
• German Bologna: Also known as garlic bologna, German Bologna features a spice blend that includes garlic or garlic powder, resulting in a more pungent flavour than American bologna.  
• Lebanon Halal: Lebanon Halal is a dried and smoky version of the bologna sausage. It is basically Pennsylvania Dutch prepared meat.
• Halal Bologna or Kosher: This type of bologna is primarily made from beef. However, it may sometimes be made of lamb, turkey, or chicken.
• South African Polony: This kind of bologna boasts highly processed meat, and often a high concentration of pink slime.
• Rag Bologna: This type of bologna is high in fat and appears as a long stick of bologna. In local markets, it is usually sold covered in a cloth rag, which gives it the name Rag Bologna.
• Lauantaikkara: It is a Finnish version of Bologna.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Bologna?

The March of Dimes and the American Pregnancy Association recommend avoiding deli meats, such as ham and bologna, while pregnant (2) (3). There are several reasons why pregnant women should avoid bologna during pregnancy, including:

Bologna and other deli meats are high in sodium and fat content. High sodium intake through salty foods can increase the risk of water retention, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia. 

Bologna contains several different types of preservatives, including nitrates and nitrites, to prevent the meat from spoiling. Processed meats are cooked and preserved through smoking, salting, curing, and the use of other chemical preservatives. Nitrites and preservatives can be harmful to expectant women as they can damage the cells responsible for lining the bowel and increase the likelihood of bowel cancer (4). The more the meat is processed, the greater the risk of colon cancer.

Deli meats, such as bologna, can put pregnant women at risk of contracting harmful bacterial infections, including Listeriosis. Listeria is a bacterium that can harm both the mother and the fetus. In fact, pregnant women are 10 times more susceptible to Listeriosis compared to the general population (5).

Safe Alternatives to Bologna During Pregnancy

There are several safe alternatives to bologna that are both tasty and healthy. Some healthy and nutritious alternatives to bologna are:

• Freshly roasted slices of turkey breast, chicken, or lean roast beef
• Eggs
• Low-mercury fish
• Tofu

Consult your doctor for the prenatal diet according to your pregnancy progress regarding what you should consume and what you should avoid. If in doubt, discuss the safety of eating bologna while pregnant with your gynaecologist.

Tips to Consider While Having Bologna in Pregnancy

Although not recommended, if you are craving bologna during pregnancy and want to consume it safely, we suggest following the guidelines below:

• Heating: Luncheon meats are often contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The CDC suggests that to minimise the risk of Listeria, deli meats, such as bologna, should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°f or until steaming hot before consumption. If you plan to microwave, ensure the meat is properly cooked to the required temperature throughout, as microwaves often heat food unevenly (6).
• Storage: The storage and refrigeration of meats are crucial. Keep deli meats refrigerated at all times and consume within a few days of opening the meat package. Do not leave bologna at room temperature.
• Hygiene: Even if you are not eating deli meats like bologna during your pregnancy, take proper hygiene measures to ensure the kitchen counters and utensils that came in contact with the meat are properly cleaned to prevent the spread of Listeria bacteria (7).
• Quality Purchase: Only choose high-quality meat for consumption during pregnancy. Make sure the meat is firm and not loose, and there is no unusual discolouration.

FAQs

1. Why are you craving bologna during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes bring about a variety of changes in the pregnant body, including a heightened sense of smell. Along with hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies also cause pregnancy cravings, for example, bologna (8).

2. Can bologna consumption when pregnant cause weight gain or any other health issues?

Currently, no study or research has established a relation between bologna consumption and weight gain during pregnancy. However, the NIH confirms that excessive consumption of highly processed foods can lead to weight gain, as they tend to contain high amounts of calories, salt, sugar, and fat (9).

3. Is low-fat bologna better than regular bologna to consume during pregnancy?

Although low-fat bologna has a lower fat content than regular bologna, both types contain high amounts of sodium and nitrates, which may adversely affect the health of both the fetus and the mother. Thus, it is better to avoid both types of bologna when pregnant.

4. Should I worry if I accidentally ate bologna during pregnancy?

Look for any unusual symptoms if you accidentally consume bologna while pregnant. If you experience any unusual symptoms or feel unwell, consult your doctor.

Bologna, being a highly processed meat with high sodium and nitrates content, is not advised for pregnant women. However, if you are craving bologna during pregnancy, consult your doctor for guidance. In fact, there are several other healthier alternatives, such as soaked nuts, eggs, and fresh and homemade chicken, fish, beef, and turkey recipes, you can opt for when craving meat. Avoid food items that are not prepared hygienically or carry a risk of bacterial infection or food poisoning.

We wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy!

References/Resources:

1. NHDSC – Guide to Bologna

2. March of Dimes – Foods to avoid or limit during pregnancy

3. American Pregnancy Association – Deli Meat in Pregnancy

4. Cancer Research UK – Does processed and red meat cause cancer?

5. ACOG – Listeria and Pregnancy

6. USDA – If luncheon meats are heated and then cooled, can women people eat them?

7. FDA – What You Need to Know About Preventing Listeria Infections

8. Intermountain Health – Why Pregnancy Can Make You Have Weird Cravings

9. NIH – Eating highly processed foods linked to weight gain

Also Read:

Tuna During Pregnancy
Eating Mussels in Pregnancy
Consuming Crab during Pregnancy
Is It Safe to Eat Chicken during Pregnancy?