Can You Eat Ham During Pregnancy?

 Lyndsay Hall Profile Photo
By Lyndsay Hall | Updated on Dec 10, 2023
Image for article Can You Eat Ham During Pregnancy?

Yes and no—it all depends on the type of ham you are interested in eating.

The two main reasons to exercise caution when it comes to deli meats are food safety and food additives. If the ham in question is the sliced black forest variety you put on sandwiches, then unfortunately it's best to remove it from your lunch rotation. Cold ham slices that you get pre-packaged or from the deli counter are more likely to host bad bacteria. They also contain nitrites/nitrates, preservatives that are likely not the best to have too much of during pregnancy, if at all.

Roast ham, on the other hand, is a bit safer when it comes to the risk of foodborne illness, though the nitrite/nitrate issue is still relevant. An interesting (and potentially disappointing) fact is that ham tends to contain the highest amounts of nitrates/nitrates of the deli meat family, so it’s not something you want to have regularly.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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Lyndsay Hall
Updated on Dec 10, 2023

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Can You Eat Ham During Pregnancy?

 Lyndsay Hall Profile Photo
By Lyndsay Hall | Updated on Dec 10, 2023
Image for article Can You Eat Ham During Pregnancy?

Yes and no—it all depends on the type of ham you are interested in eating.

The two main reasons to exercise caution when it comes to deli meats are food safety and food additives. If the ham in question is the sliced black forest variety you put on sandwiches, then unfortunately it's best to remove it from your lunch rotation. Cold ham slices that you get pre-packaged or from the deli counter are more likely to host bad bacteria. They also contain nitrites/nitrates, preservatives that are likely not the best to have too much of during pregnancy, if at all.

Roast ham, on the other hand, is a bit safer when it comes to the risk of foodborne illness, though the nitrite/nitrate issue is still relevant. An interesting (and potentially disappointing) fact is that ham tends to contain the highest amounts of nitrates/nitrates of the deli meat family, so it’s not something you want to have regularly.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


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