Summary:
It is a fact that pregnancy cravings indeed occur and one of the most common craved foods is pizza that a pregnant mother looks up to. But can pregnant women eat pizza without worrying about their health or their baby’s safety? In this paper, we would plunge into the question of whether one can have a pizza during pregnancy and what you should consider, and how to ensure that the pizza that you will consume during pregnancy is safe.
Introduction:
Being pregnant is something that causes a lot of changes, both physiologically. Food cravings are one of the most enjoyable (not to mention confusing) parts of pregnancy. No matter how pickles, ice cream, or pizza are concerned, food cravings are a normal part and parcel of the journey. However, there are certain considerations as far as pizza is concerned. You might be wondering, “Can pregnant women eat pizza?” and whether it is permitted to have your favorite slice at this special time. The short answer to the question is, but with some caveats.
Hi there, welcome again, I am Dr Shivani Bhutani. And today I am going to educate you on whether pregnant women should eat Pizza or not. Earlier, we talked about Mango, Corns, Maggi, and other food items pros and cons if savoured during pregnancy. According to me, Pizza may indeed be delicious in satisfying your whims, but one has to consider the ingredients of such pizza. Whether you top with or without cheese, or even the crust of your choice, there are a few factors to consider to make sure you not only satisfy your craving but also make a safe choice as far as you and the baby are concerned. That being the case, we should examine in more detail all that you should know about consuming pizza when you are pregnant.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Pizza Safely? Here’s What You Should Know
Can pregnant women indulge in pizza without fear? Of course, but one needs to make conscious decisions. Pizza is a very versatile food, and not all pizzas are made equally safe to eat during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is not only about whether you are allowed to take a slice but also about the ingredients and the way they are made. A handful of risks surround the toppings of the pizzas, the option of crust, and even cheese it seems. So how do we break it down?
The Importance of Safe Toppings
Certain pizza toppings are risky when you are pregnant. A question many women ask is, “Can pregnant women eat pepperoni pizza?” Although a pepperoni pizza tastes good, pepperoni is processed meat, and processed meat may sometimes have harmful bacteria such as Listeria. However, Listeria becomes harmful to the pregnant population as it may find its way to complications like preterm or miscarriage. Not only pepperoni, deli meats, sausages, even certain kinds of ham may be of concern.
In order to have a safe pizza experience, it is better to take your choices to fully cooked or well-warmed toppings. In case you enjoy the meaty flavor of pepperoni, it is always possible to get it, only it should be cooked correctly. Instead, you may replace processed meat with something more healthful, such as grilled chicken, turkey, or even vegetable toppings such as spinach, bell pepper, and mushrooms. The substitutes bring additional vitamins and minerals to your pizza, so it would be a better choice both to you and your kid.
What About the Cheese?
One of the creams that most people tend to like in pizza is the cheese; however, when pregnant, you have to be very careful of what kind of cheese you want to use. Listeria may be transported in some forms of cheese carried in unpasteurized milk, and this becomes a risk in pregnancy. The usual suspect is soft cheese such as brie, camembert or unpasteurized mozzarella. Your baby may get infected with bacteria that are contained in these cheeses.
So, can pregnant women eat mozzarella cheese? It varies whether the mozzarella is pasteurized or not. Virtually all the mozzarella produced in an industrial manner and sold on pizza is made with pasteurized milk, making it safe to consume. All you need is to ensure that the cheese is pasteurized. Pick cheeses you know are pasteurized or inquire with your pizzeria regarding the type of cheese that is used in their products.
Is Pizza a Healthy Option During Pregnancy?
You may be wondering, “Is pizza a healthy choice for pregnant women?” Pizza is mouthwatering and is recognized as high-fat, high-calorie, and high-sodium food. It is alright to succumb to a pizza craving once in a while but one must keep in mind that pizza is not always the most nutritious meal choice that you can make all the time. But that does not mean you are required to quits it completely does it? Definitely not. Some small modifications can enable pizza to become a much healthier food during pregnancy.
Choosing Whole-Grain Crust and Veggie Toppings
Among the simplest means, with which one can make your pizza healthier in pregnant times, is the switch to the healthy whole-grain crust, rather than a white one. Whole grain crusts have better fiber that aids the digestion process, and the nutrients contained in them are needed during pregnancy. They also have a lesser amount of glycemic index, which implies that they will not make your blood sugar go high as quickly as the white flour crusts may.
Piling on the veggies is another terrific way to nutrify. Some toppings include spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives which are not only tasty but they too contain vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Whether you top it on or as an ingredient, adding veggies to your pizza is a high nutrient meal packed with essential nutrients that are very crucial in pregnancy; folate, iron, and vitamin C.
In case you are in the mood to eat protein, you can add grilled chicken or other lean meat on the top of your pizza rather than fatty sausages or pepperoni. All these are wonderful sources of lean protein that your baby needs to grow.
Moderation is Key
Although it would be wonderful to eat the whole pizza, it is wise to have moderation. Pizza contains a lot of calories, fat, and sodium that may result in unwanted weight gain during pregnancy, high blood pressure, etc., in case one eats it regularly. There is no harm in having a few slices but you should strive to be at par with other foods that are rich in nutrients in the course of the day.
Think of furnishing your pizza with a side salad or some fresh fruits to counter this meal. An extra dose of fiber and vitamins in your meal may help you feel full longer and supply your body and your baby with the nutrients they both require. It would also be beneficial to choose thinner crust which will decrease the calorie amount of your pizza.
Can Pizza Cause Heartburn During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy heartburn or acid reflux is common in many pregnant women particularly as the pregnancy advanced. Pizza, which is made with both tomato sauce and cheese is one of common culprits of heartburn. In case you tend to have heartburn, it may be a good idea to be wary of what kind of pizza you consume.
Choose white sauce base pizza or a tomato-less base to make the acidity low. You also have the choice to request less amount of sauce or even do away with the cheese all together. Try out various crust types and dressings till you discover a type of pizza that does not bring on heartburn.
Conclusion:
Now me Dr Shivani is signing off and will be back soon with a new blog. Ending this article, I want to ask if you can satisfy your pizza craving while pregnant? Answer is Absolutely! The trick here is to make safe and nutritious choices as far as ingredients are concerned. Opt to stick with pasteurized cheese, and eliminate riskier meats, such as deli meat and pepperoni, and make healthier topping choices such as grilled chicken and vegetables. A few adjustments and your pizza won’t be over your pregnancy diet.
Alright, remember that despite being a delicious treat, pizza should be kept in moderation as well as paired with other healthy foods. As far as you are aware of your options, the pizza is as safe as ever and you can take your time fulfilling the cravings without care.
FAQs:
Frozen pizza can even be safe as long as the toppings are safe during pregnancy and when it has been cooked, right to the core. Whenever reading labels, be sure to read the list of ingredients, particularly for cheese and meats. Also make sure that you thoroughly cook the pizza before eating it.
It is quite OK to consume it provided the mozzarella is pasteurized, which it is in many cases. When you order a pizza in a restaurant or with a takeout, you should inquire whether the cheeses (the mozzarella) are pasteurized. Pasteurized cheese is used in most pizza parlors but it is always good to confirm this once more.
Processed meats such as pepperoni are safe in case they are cooked thoroughly, but you need to avoid deli meats and cold cuts that are not heated. Listeria which is present in undercooked or processed meat is more prone to pregnant women. Eat properly done pepperoni then.
Pizza is fine in moderation as is any treat, but it should be a treat not a meal. Pizza may be caloric, rich in fats and salt, so it is preferable to moderate its intake with a balanced and healthy diet. Go the healthier option as far as pizza is concerned, and eat sparingly.
Pizza may occasionally cause heartburn or the acid reflux because it is very acidic and contains copious ingredients. So, in case you experience the heartburn in your pregnancy days, consider a pizza whose sauce is white or less acidic. Also, reduce or avoid cheese completely in case you find your symptoms are aggravated by it.
