Can Pregnant Women Eat Corn Dogs? Let’s Find Out!

ByWinters Hours Updated:

pregnant women eat corn dogs

We will respond to the question “Can you eat corn dogs?” in this brief article. providing a comprehensive review of corn dogs, their nutritional content, some explanations of why it is unsafe for pregnant women to eat corn dogs, and advice on how to consume them safely.

Can a pregnant woman eat corn dogs?

In order to have a good pregnancy, pregnant women need to be cautious about what they consume. So, are corn dogs safe to consume while pregnant? Since it depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation, there is no conclusive response.

If the corn dog is cooked with fresh, whole ingredients and is cooked properly, it should be safe for a pregnant woman to eat. And if the corn dog is produced with processed ingredients or if it is not cooked properly, it can not be safe. If you want to eat a corn dog when you’re pregnant, it’s advisable to first discuss it with your doctor.

What is a corn dog?

eat corn dogs

Beef or pork-filled corn dogs are dipped in a sweet batter made of cornmeal and deep-fried. Depending on where you purchase your corn dogs, there may even be chicken filling alternatives in addition to the sausage filling. Even though corn dogs are a staple of our food at parties and get-togethers, few people are aware of their specific ingredients.

They are hot dogs on a stick that have been deep-fried to get the beloved, classic crispy golden-brown color. They are topped with a lovely cornmeal batter. It is a typical component of American cuisine and was first introduced there.

The nutrient content of corn dogs

Corn dogs have the following nutrients in a 100-gram serving:

  • 263 calories
  • 11 g total fat
  • 2.9 g of saturated fat
  • 45 mg of cholesterol
  • Salt is 556 mg
  • 150 milligrams of potassium
  • 32 g of total carbohydrates
  • 10 g of protein
  • 5% of the daily value for calcium (DV)
  • 19% of the DV is iron.
  • 5% of the DV for vitamin B6
  • 2% of the DV for magnesium
  • 5% of the DV for cobalamin

Why are corn dogs unsafe for pregnant women to eat?

corn dogs

Meat that has been processed makes up corn dogs. They call for some caution because of this. There is a chance that Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, will be present. As a result, corn dogs must be thoroughly cooked at a temperature that kills this growth of bacteria.

A deadly but uncommon condition called listeriosis can seriously complicate pregnancy and even result in miscarriage. Instead of what the corn dog is made of, the safety of corn dogs depends on the temperature at which it is cooked and served. The internal temperature of corn dogs must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are making corn dogs from scratch or a BBQ, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The hot dog should be boiling, not simply warm. When grilling or making a barbecue, especially when using frozen hot dogs, more caution should be used. Even if they appear cooked on the outside, they may still be undercooked meat on the inside.

It is preferable to use a meat thermometer for this reason. Anytime during a woman’s pregnancy, listeria infection is possible. Typically, symptoms start to show 2 to 30 days following exposure. Pregnant women’s immune somewhat declines throughout the third trimester, making them more prone to infection.

Headaches, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and, in some cases, the flu are among the common symptoms. If the germs are not treated, they may enter the nervous system and result in seizures, confusion, and neck stiffness. In extreme circumstances, it may result in stillbirths, birth abnormalities, and miscarriages. However, there is extremely little chance that listeriosis may affect pregnant women.

Symptoms of listeria

Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can be consumed from undercooked meats and other processed food products. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. Those with strong immune systems are typically unaffected by this harmful bacteria.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to exercise caution when it comes to how your raw meat is prepared and cooked during pregnancy. Nearly all people who have had Listeria also have additional invasive infections, such as bloodstream infections or damage to the central nervous system that results in meningitis.

Pregnant women who have listeriosis may have some of the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headaches
  • Sore muscles

FAQs

Q1: Is corn husk oil safe to use during pregnancy?

Corn contains a lot of vitamin A, which helps to maintain good skin, boost immunity, and improve cognitive function by improving blood flow while you’re pregnant. It increases your healthy cholesterol levels. Consuming corn husk oil while pregnant may help reduce plasma LDL cholesterol while also increasing the body’s levels of good cholesterol.

Q2: Are premade corn dogs safe to consume while pregnant?

According to FDA recommendations and rules, prepackaged corn dogs that you purchase are generally kept hot and deep-fried at temperatures between 325 °F and 375 °F, making them safe to eat. Avoid ordering corn dogs that are not provided hot enough, and if they are brought lukewarm, request that they be heated up till steaming.

Q3: Can a woman who is expecting eat hot dogs?

Yes, a woman who is expecting can eat hot dogs. Since hot dogs are processed meat, they are okay to eat while pregnant. However, hot dogs should always be fully cooked before consumption. This will lessen the possibility of contracting a foodborne illness. You should consult your healthcare practitioner if you are unsure whether or not to consume hot dogs.

Q4: I’m pregnant. How many hot dogs am I allowed to eat?

The amount of food you may consume when pregnant should be limited. It’s bad for you to eat too much. You and your child should be safe eating a couple of hot dogs per week.

Final thoughts

Yes, corn dogs are safe to eat while expecting! Because corn dogs are a processed meat product, they should only be consumed occasionally. To prevent any foodborne illnesses, pregnant women should also make sure to completely boil the corn dogs.

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/unhealthiest-junk-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9