Eating raw meat during pregnancy

Is it safe to eat raw meat during pregnancy?

Raw meat is not allowed to be eaten during pregnancy. It is also assumed that a pregnant woman should not only not eat raw meat, but also not prepare it. It is advisable to use separate cutting boards for vegetables or fruit and separate boards for raw meat. For the duration of the pregnancy, it is best to leave the preparation of meat dishes to other family members.

Eating raw meat during pregnancy - what are the risks?

The consumption of raw meat during pregnancy is prohibited due to the risk of bacterial or parasitic diseases that can be transmitted through such foods. The most frequently mentioned are toxoplasmosis and listeriosis. These are infectious diseases that can have serious consequences for the expectant mother, but also for the developing baby. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can lead to malformations, neurological disorders, hydrocephalus or even intrauterine death. The later the week of pregnancy, the easier it is for the baby to become infected, but the consequences are most severe if the infection occurs early in pregnancy.

Which meat should be avoided during pregnancy?

Raw meat includes not only beef tartare, but also various types of raw ham such as salami, chorizo or Parma ham. They also contain salt, which should not be abused during pregnancy.

Meat of unclear origin should be avoided at all costs, even if the expectant mother eats it after heat treatment. This increases the risk of contracting salmonella as well as toxoplasmosis or listeriosis.

Products prohibited during pregnancy

In addition to raw meat, the expectant mother should not eat the following:

• Raw fish and seafood
• Unpasteurised cheese and dairy products
• Raw eggs
• Sprouts, e.g. radishes