The article has been reviewed by medical expert Margaret Dogwood, BSN, RN
If you’re a pregnant woman wondering whether it’s safe to eat a medium well steak, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the risks and benefits of consuming a medium well steak during pregnancy. To build this list, we looked at medical research and expert opinions to provide you with a comprehensive guide to making informed decisions about your diet while pregnant. We understand that this can be a confusing and overwhelming topic, and we hope this article can help you feel more confident about your choices.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet During Pregnancy
The most important thing during pregnancy is eating food. That is full of nutrition with a proper balance. For the proper growth of the fetus, mother’s food must contain all essential nutrients. That is only possible if the mother is consuming a variety of different foods. Steak is such a perfect food that contains a large amount of protein, iron. And other essential vitamins and minerals are essential during pregnancy.
Although vitamins and minerals are important, their consumption must be in small amounts. Their small amounts play a crucial role in our body. Protein is the building block of our body with a great role during pregnancy. Iron is a necessary part of hemoglobin, an oxygen carrying protein. That exchanges oxygen between the fetus and mother’s body. Iron deficiency may lead to anemia in pregnant women. That will cause various risks such as preterm birth and birth of a baby with low weight.
Guidelines for Safe Meat Consumption During Pregnancy
Wash your hands: Before dealing with any kind of meat it is necessary to wash your hands. Wash with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
Meat source of high quality: Meat must be fresh and of high quality. It has a clean source to avoid any kind of foodborne illness.
Meat storage: Store meat at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Use frozen meat within a few days.
Thaw meat safe: Safe thawing is very important in case of frozen meat. Don’t leave meat at room temperature for a long duration. Try to thaw meat in cold water or in the microwave.
Cook meat completely: For the destruction of all toxic bacteria. Cook meat according to the required temperature. 145 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature in the case of steak.
Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of your meat. As by putting the thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding bone and fat.
Avoid cross-contamination: There should be different kitchen tools for uncooked and cooked meat.
Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat: It contains causative agents of foodborne illness. So, avoid eating that kind of meat.
Be careful with processed meats: Foods that are rich in sodium and nitrates. Such as deli meats and hot dogs necessary to eat in moderate amounts.
While consuming meat during pregnancy, consult your doctor. Otherwise, you could get help from a dietitian for your personal requirement. They sure give you the directions on healthy consumption. That will ensure you and your baby stay healthy.
How to Safe Prepare and Enjoy Medium-Well Steak During Pregnancy
As we have discussed all the factors above. That can affect the safety of steak consumption during pregnancy. Let’s talk about safe preparation of medium-well steak and make it enjoyable.
Some tips that help you to reduce risk of eating unsafe meat are as following:
Choose high-quality meat sources: Always buy meat cuts of steak. They are fresh and come from well-known sources. Meat inspection by particular regulatory bodies.
Storage and handling of the meat: Refrigerate your steak until you’re ready to cook. Use separate utensils for cooked and uncooked meat to avoid cross-contamination. Moreover, wash your hands and keep the kitchen surface germ free.
Meat thermometer usage: Use meat thermometer to check whether the desired temperature attains. Make sure that the temperature is in the thickest part of the meat. The lowest temperature of a medium-well steak is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Proper cooking of steak: Different methods used for cooking medium-well steak. Few of them are grilling, oven-baked, tartare and broiling. You can use any method; the only need is to fully cook the steak.
Resting Time: Place cooked steak aside for a few minutes. So that all the juice redistributes to all parts making steak mouth-watering.
How Much Steak Should a Pregnant Woman eat?
Although steak is a nutritious and wholesome addition to pregnant women’s diet. The balance is still needed there. The daily consumption of steak. The American Association recommends keeping it to around 80-85 grams. Its calories content is similar to protein rich food. Moderation is very vital because of its high fat content. For consumption of fats in pregnant women, it suggested lowering the intake of saturated fats. As, saturated fats cause the development of high cholesterol. That further leads to various heart diseases.
How Should I Order My Steak When Eating Out While Pregnant?
During pregnancy, eating out can be a risk as the only need of that time is to eat healthy and microbe free food. Need to to cook steak that is at least medium-well cooked. Because, if you eat uncooked steak there are chances of the presence of harmful bacterias. Such as E.coli and salmonella. The temperature required to kill them is around 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit. So, try not to eat rare or medium rare steak during pregnancy.
The Risks of Undercooked Meat During Pregnancy
One of the most common causes of miscarriage and severe illness is toxic bacteria. These are such as Listeria and Toxoplasma. The bacterial species Listeria is present in deli meats, cheeses. They are soft and mainly undercooked food. Moreover, Toxoplasma is a parasite more dangerous than Listeria. It can reside in undercooked or raw meat and also in the feces of cats. Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, nausea(vomiting), and diarrhea are indications of these microbes. They can also cause inflammation of meninges i.e, Meningitis and even stillbirth.
Medium-Well Steak and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
It is a controversy that consumption of medium-well steak is not safe for pregnant women. As having foodborne illness. But, many researches reveal that medium- well steak is safe for pregnant women. If it cooked properly at the temperature of 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit. So, a pregnant woman should avoid the consumption of rare or medium rare steak. Because there is a risk of the presence of microbes in that steak.
Can You Eat Pink Steak While Pregnant?
One main concern during pregnancy is that eating undercooked meat is harmful. This statement is true for a certain limit. But the idea that all undercooked meat is dangerous is obviously a myth. Actually, consumption of some types of steaks, even medium-rare steak, are safe during pregnancy. The only condition is that it needs to be cooked well and handled properly.
Factors That Affect the Safety of Medium-Well Steak During Pregnancy
Some factors can influence the safety of consuming medium-well steak during pregnancy. These factors are the method of cooking, the most important source of meat and its handling. To avoid any kind of risk, select the best quality meat source. And also cook the steak according to their suggested temperature. Don’t overlook handling and storing.
Addressing Common Concerns About Medium-Well Steak During Pregnancy
After all scientific proofs that defend the consumption of medium-well steak during pregnancy. Even now there are many myths still present. Let’s have a look at them:
Myth: Consumption of undercooked meat is always harmful during pregnancy.
Fact: It is correct that consumption of undercooked meat. It can increase the chances of food borne illness. But, considering all uncooked meat unsafe is wrong. For instance, a safe level of medium-well steak attained once. It cooked according to its proper time..
Myth: Eating all types of steak during pregnancy is safe.
Fact: Not all types of steak are safe to consume during pregnancy. Consumption of medium-well steak recommended. But consumption of rare or medium-rare steak is not good. Because they may contain microbes that are the agent of foodborne illness.
Myth: Undercooked meat only affects the mother’s health.
Fact: It is one of the most dangerous myths. As if you get sick after eating uncooked meat, it will automatically affect your baby too. Even, miscarriage, preterm labor and other complications result in some food borne illness.
Myth: No need to care about the food safety at a restaurant.
Fact: Food safety needs to be set up strictly in all restaurants. All restaurants may not always do that. So, it is very important to ask them whether the steak is cooked at the proper temperature. Also, ask about the handling during preparation of steak.
After discussing all the common concerns and myths. We have developed the understanding of safe consumption of medium-well steak during pregnancy. Important decisions made on the recommendation of doctors or dietitians.
Can I Have Medium Rare Steak at 22 Weeks Pregnant?
During pregnancy, it is the common question of the expectant mother. That it is safe to eat medium-rare steak. Usually medium-rare steak is safe., if cooked properly. but not in the case of pregnant women. She should consult her health service provider. As the needs of every individual are different.
Is It OK to Stop Eating Meat When Pregnant?
Meat is an essential source of most-needed nutrients. But in any case a woman wants to avoid it during pregnancy. Because of some personal or religious reason. It recommended that women fulfill her protein needs by consuming non-meat sources. Pregnant women should consult her dietitian. To learn how to meet nutritional needs by following a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
Consequently, a pregnant woman can consume and enjoy a medium-well steak. As she fulfills her daily needs. But prepare the steak by following the proper cooking directions. It requires temperature, proper handling and storage of meat. Moreover, it is important to stay in-touch with your dietician. Not for some reason but for your personal advice. And keep yourself aware of consuming safe steak during pregnancy. By proper knowledge and cautions you can enjoy delicious steak. Along with the health and comfort of you and your baby.
