Pregnancy comes with a whole new set of dietary guidelines and restrictions. With morning sickness cravings and an increased need for certain nutrients, eating can become a complicated balancing act. One food that often pops up on pregnant women’s radars is Big Mama pickled sausage. But is this tasty, spicy snack safe to eat during pregnancy?
In this complete guide we’ll take an in-depth look at Big Mama pickled sausage the potential benefits and risks of consuming it during pregnancy, and tips for maintaining a healthy diet while satisfying cravings.
What is Big Mama Pickled Sausage?
Big Mama pickled sausage is a popular pickled meat snack produced by San Miguel Purefoods, a food manufacturer in the Philippines. Sold in jars, cans, or vacuum packs, these sausages have a distinctly sweet, slightly tangy, and spicy flavor profile.
Big Mama sausages get their signature tangy taste from being pickled and cured in a solution of vinegar, salt, garlic, and various spices like red chili and black pepper. The sausages themselves are made from a blend of chicken and pork along with other seasonings.
Compared to other pickled sausages, Big Mama stands out for its soft and easy to chew texture. Each individually wrapped sausage also provides a good source of protein at 160 calories per link. Their portable size makes them a convenient ready-to-eat snack.
Can You Eat Big Mama Sausage While Pregnant?
The good news is that yes, it is generally safe to eat Big Mama pickled sausage during pregnancy. There are no specific ingredients in this sausage that need to be avoided. As long as the sausages are fully cooked, the risk of harmful bacteria is very low.
However as with any food it is smart to enjoy Big Mama sausages in moderation. Pregnant women should be mindful of the sodium content, as too much can contribute to swelling and high blood pressure. The vinegar used in the pickling process also contains acetic acid, so large amounts could potentially trigger heartburn, which is already common during pregnancy.
Overall, though, many pregnant women find that they are able to incorporate some Big Mama sausage into their diet without issue. Cravings during pregnancy can be strong, and a small indulgence here and there of a favorite snack is unlikely to cause harm.
Benefits of Big Mama Pickled Sausage in Pregnancy
Beyond satisfying cravings, there are some potential benefits to be gained from eating Big Mama sausage during pregnancy:
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Protein – Big Mama sausages contain a good amount of protein, which helps support fetal growth and development. The 10-12g of protein per link can help pregnant women meet increased protein needs.
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Iron – Big Mama sausages provide some iron, mostly from the pork content. Iron assists in the production of hemoglobin and development of baby’s circulatory system.
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Vitamin B12 – Big Mama sausage is a source of vitamin B12, also primarily from the pork. B12 aids brain and nervous system development.
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Calcium – The chicken in Big Mama sausage contributes some calcium, which is vital for fetal bone growth and development.
So while not a significant source of major nutrients, Big Mama sausage can be a tasty way to add small amounts of key vitamins and minerals. In moderation, it can help support a healthy pregnancy diet.
Potential Risks of Eating Pickled Sausage While Pregnant
However, there are some potential risks associated with eating pickled and cured meats like Big Mama sausage during pregnancy that should be kept in mind:
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Sodium – Pickled sausages tend to be very high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and swelling. Pregnant women are advised to limit sodium intake.
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Nitrates/Nitrites – These curing agents found in some pickled meats may potentially affect thyroid function and blood flow during pregnancy.
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Soft Cheeses – Some pickled sausages contain soft cheeses, which could pose a slight listeria risk if unpasteurized.
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Acidity – The vinegar used in pickling can aggravate pregnancy heartburn when consumed in large amounts.
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Weight Gain – High calorie, high sodium pickled sausages can contribute to excessive weight gain if over-consumed. Portion control is key.
By enjoying Big Mama sausage in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, these risks can be minimized. But it is important to be mindful of them when making dietary choices while pregnant.
Healthy Alternatives to Pickled Sausage During Pregnancy
If you want to limit or avoid pickled sausage while pregnant, there are many healthy,lower sodium alternatives that can satisfy your cravings:
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Fresh or dried fruit – Try mangos, berries, apples, apricots for sweetness
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Pickled veggies – Pickled carrots, cucumbers, green beans, etc provide tang without the sodium
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Yogurt – Low-fat plain yogurt mixed with fresh fruit satisfies sour cravings
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Cheese sticks – Single-serve mozzarella or cheddar cheese sticks offer protein
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Nuts and seeds – Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds give crunch and protein
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Popcorn – Air-popped or stovetop popcorn curbs salty cravings
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Vegetable soup – Opt for low-sodium varieties with added protein
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Smoothies – Blend yogurt, milk, fruit, spinach for a nutrient boost
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Hummus and veggies – A healthy swap for saltier dips
The key is finding alternatives that provide the satisfying flavors and textures you may be craving, while keeping your pregnancy diet balanced.
Tips for Eating Big Mama Sausage Safely During Pregnancy
If you do choose to indulge in some Big Mama pickled sausage during pregnancy, here are some tips to enjoy it safely:
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Read labels – Check the sodium content per serving and be mindful of daily limits
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Portion control – Stick to 1-2 sausages at a time instead of the whole pack
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Rinse first – Rinsing the sausages briefly before eating can reduce some excess surface sodium
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Balance with veggies – Pair with raw veggies, salads, or fruits to balance the saltiness
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Watch out for heartburn – Avoid eating right before bed or lying down after eating spicy foods
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Cook thoroughly – Make sure any raw sausage is cooked completely before consuming
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Choose nitrate-free – Opt for no-nitrate-added varieties when possible
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Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to counterbalance sodium intake
By using portion control, limiting frequency, and making smart dietary choices overall, you can safely satisfy occasional Big Mama sausage cravings during pregnancy.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet During Pregnancy
Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy is vital for the health of mother and baby. Here are some tips for maintaining great nutrition:
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Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. These provide important vitamins, minerals and fiber.
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Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs and plant-based options. Protein supports fetal growth.
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Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, iron, calcium and other key nutrients.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excess caffeine and alcohol.
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Speak with your doctor about appropriate weight gain targets and exercise.
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Make sure all meats, eggs and seafood are fully cooked to avoid bacterial risks. Avoid unpasteurized dairy.
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Limit sodium, nitrates, mercury, and raw fish/meat. But don’t stress over occasional cravings for prepared foods – moderation is key!
While the diet limitations during pregnancy can seem overwhelming at times, focusing on wholesome nourishment for you and your baby is what matters most.
The Verdict on Eating Big Mama Pickled Sausage While Pregnant
Cravings and food indulgences inevitably come up during pregnancy. Big Mama pickled sausage is one such craving many moms-to-be struggle with. But with mindful portion sizes and frequency, Big Mama sausage can be part of an overall healthy pregnancy diet.
If you are concerned about any particular risks, always consult your doctor about the best dietary choices for your specific pregnancy. But in general, yes – with some care and caution, Big Mama pickled sausage can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy. A little moderation goes a long way in balancing cravings with nutrition for a healthy 9 months!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Big Mama sausage is safe to eat per day while pregnant?
1-2 sausages per day should be fine, but check with your doctor. Moderation is key, as too much sodium is not recommended during pregnancy.
Are there any side effects from eating too much Big Mama sausage while pregnant?
Consuming very high amounts could potentially increase risks of high blood pressure, swelling, dehydration and heartburn.