Can You Eat Macaroni Salad When Pregnant? Let’s Find Out!

ByWinters Hours Updated:

macaroni salad pregnant

Motherhood has its challenges, and by now, you would notice that it starts with sorting the list of safe and unsafe food items.

If you are craving macaroni salad today, you may wonder whether it’s safe! The good news is that you can eat your macaroni salad, but there are specific points to consider. Read on for more information.

Can You Eat Macaroni Salad When Pregnant?

Yes, you can eat macaroni salad when pregnant. The common ingredients in a macaroni salad are:

  • macaroni
  • eggs
  • vegetables
  • mayonnaise
  • salt
  • pepper
  • And more!

The ingredients in your macaroni salad depend on your choice. However, you can always customize the recipe when preparing the macaroni salad at home.

5 Tips to Consider for Macaroni Salad During Pregnancy

macaroni salad when pregnant

If you are an expecting mom craving macaroni salad, it’s time to take all the precautionary measures. Well, you need to try your best, and here are the tips that can help:

#1. Prepare It In A Clean Environment

Make sure you prepare the macaroni salad in a clean environment. If you prepare the macaroni salad at home, it’s easy to control the setting. But if a relative or a friend is preparing the macaroni salad for you, it’s best to think whether it would be safe for consumption if you are unsure about the cleanliness of their food preparation method or space!

The same goes for restaurants too. You don’t have to take the risk of any viruses or bacteria entering your system at this time, which is why it’s essential that whatever you eat during pregnancy, whether it’s the macaroni salad or anything else, must be prepared in a clean environment.

#2. The Salad Must Be Fresh to Prevent Foodborne Illness

The ingredients in macaroni salad include eggs, vegetables, macaroni, and mayonnaise. You can adjust the taste and flavor.

When using eggs in the macaroni salad, these must be pasteurized. You don’t want the risk of salmonella or Listerine. You must also thoroughly cook the macaroni. In the same way, mayonnaise needs to be fresh and safe for the pregnant woman. The eggs in the mayo need to be pasteurized, which is why you need to be mindful.

The vegetables must be fresh or stored correctly. The goal here is to avoid any foodborne illness at this precious time. If you feel sick after consuming the macaroni salad, it’s best to talk to your doctor about it!

#3. Consider The Portion Size

Macaroni or pasta salad can contain up to 457 calories in a cup with ingredients such as eggs, cheese, and mayo dressing.

A pregnant woman of normal weight can consume about 1800 calories a day during the first trimester, about 2200 during the second, and about 2400 during the third trimester.

So, it’s wise to keep an eye on the calories you consume as it’s easy to enjoy macaroni salad in large quantities if it’s yummy and you crave a lot!

#4. Be Cautious When Buying Macaroni Salad from Outside

You must check the typical ingredient list when buying macaroni salad from the store. In the same way, if you want to have macaroni salad in a restaurant, it’s best to ask them whether it would be safe for you.

It’s a precaution; while expecting, you need to be sure of your well-being. For example, unpasteurized eggs or a creamy macaroni salad containing microorganisms can become risky for an expecting mom!

There could be deli macaroni salad or deli salads, but it would be best to avoid it. You can request the restaurant to change the ingredients for you. But, of course, you are pregnant, so your child’s safety is important to you now. Listeria can cause miscarriage, which is why the emphasis is on being careful.

#5. Always Consult Your Doctor

When pregnant, it’s normal to crave different food. However, you must always ask your doctor to help you when unsure. There is a lot of information available online, and at times the info contradicts, and you need clarification as to whether to go ahead or stop right there.

The doctor and healthcare providers want the best for you and your child. So, always consult your doctor instead of assuming or finding information online.

FAQs

Where can I get macaroni salad during pregnancy?

You can get macaroni salad from the store, order at a restaurant, or prepare it at home. Friends or family members may also prepare it for you. However, it’s best to prepare it yourself as you aim to prepare it in a clean environment free from all germs, bacteria, and viruses.

Can I buy any macaroni salad from the store?

You must always check the ingredient list and decide whether it would be safe. When unsure, don’t buy it. You can check the reviews from other people and find information on whether it would be safe for expecting moms. You can also ask your doctor to suggest the best macaroni salad for pregnant women; you may find the best!

Why must I be careful when buying macaroni salad from the store?

The mayonnaise in the macaroni salad can be a breeding ground for bacteria if sitting for too long and is not properly refrigerated. The macaroni salad would thus not be safe to eat. You need to watch what you eat during pregnancy as you don’t want to risk the pregnancy. So, always be sure that the food you consume, whether it’s macaroni salad or anything else, must be safe.

Which salads shouldn’t you consume when expecting a child?

There is a variety of salads that are safe for pregnant women to eat. Here are a few examples of risk-free and nutritious salads:

  • Low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit salad
  • Vegetable salad where veggies are freshly cleaned and tossed together in a salad
  • Succulent grilled meats and seafood served on a healthy salad
  • Low-fat mayonnaise-based tuna or egg salad
  • Salad with feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, a traditional Greek salad
  • Fresh herbs and vegetables in a salad made with lentils or beans, often called mixed bean salad.

Can you eat potato salad while pregnant?

Pregnant women should be mindful of the ingredients used for preparing coleslaw and potato salad. Raw eggs can be used in certain recipes, such as mayonnaise or salad dressing. Consuming raw eggs or items containing raw eggs can lead to salmonella poisoning.

Wrapping It Up

Pregnant women can eat macaroni salad, but it must be fresh, and you have to prepare it in a clean environment. If you are ordering at a restaurant, you can request to customize the recipe.

However, it’s best to be aware of the ingredients that go into your macaroni salad so that you would be on the safe side. Also, be mindful of the portion size when eating the macaroni salad; talk to your doctor when in doubt!

Reference:

https://www.hellomotherhood.com/article/394599-foods-to-avoid-in-the-first-trimester-of-pregnancy/

https://community.babycenter.com/post/a22656167/packaged_macaroni_salad_during_3rd_trimester