Eggnog is a popular holiday drink made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s rich, creamy, and delicious. However, pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming eggnog and other raw egg products. In this article, we will explore why eggnog is considered unsafe during pregnancy, what the risks are, and some safer alternatives pregnant women can enjoy instead.
Raw Eggs and Food Safety
The main safety concern with eggnog relates to the use of raw eggs in the recipe. Eggnog recipes typically call for raw eggs to be blended together with the other ingredients. Raw or undercooked eggs may contain bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
One of the bacteria that may be present is salmonella. Salmonella infection causes symptoms like fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. For most healthy adults, a salmonella infection leads to a few days of illness. However, salmonella can have more serious effects on vulnerable populations.
Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for foodborne illness. Changes in the immune system during pregnancy make expecting mothers more susceptible to infections. There is also a risk of the infection spreading from the mother to the developing fetus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning related hospitalizations and deaths among pregnant women in the United States. Other problematic bacteria that may be found in raw eggs include E. coli and listeria.
Risks of Foodborne Illness During Pregnancy
If a pregnant woman develops a foodborne infection, it can pose risks to both her health and the pregnancy. Possible complications include:
- Dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea
- Difficulty absorbing nutrients due to gastrointestinal issues
- Hospitalization for IV fluids and monitoring
- Preterm labor and delivery
- Pregnancy loss or stillbirth
- Infecting the fetus, potentially leading to birth defects or developmental issues
In addition to salmonella, listeria infection during pregnancy is another major concern linked to the consumption of raw dairy products and produce. Listeria can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, potentially resulting in miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or a dangerous form of sepsis in the newborn.
Between 1998-2008 in the United States, pregnant women accounted for 18% of listeria cases, with a fatality rate around 15% for mothers. For infants born to mothers with listeriosis, the fatality rate approaches 25%.
Clearly, coming down with a foodborne illness poses serious risks during pregnancy. That’s why doctors and health agencies stress avoiding high-risk foods like raw eggs.
Pasteurization and Eggnog Safety
To make eggnog safe for pregnant women, it’s essential that the eggs used are pasteurized rather than raw. Pasteurization is a process of heating liquids to a high enough temperature to kill pathogenic bacteria.
The FDA Food Code requires egg products like eggnog to be pasteurized. Commercially produced eggnog you find in grocery stores will be made with pasteurized eggs and milk. This makes store-bought eggnog generally safe, even for pregnant women and other high-risk groups.
However, home-made eggnog recipes using raw eggs are not considered safe. Even when alcohol is added to eggnog, which can inhibit microbial growth to some degree, the CDC advises pregnant women not to consume it.
If you want to make eggnog at home safely, you can use pasteurized egg products. Some options include:
- Pasteurized egg whites or whole eggs
- Powdered egg whites or powdered whole eggs
- Pasteurized egg nog bases
Substituting one of these products ensures any bacteria present in raw eggs are eliminated. Keep in mind that the other dairy ingredients like milk and cream should be pasteurized as well.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Eggnog Flavors During Pregnancy
While homemade eggnog with raw eggs may be off limits, you can still enjoy the flavors of eggnog during pregnancy. Here are some tips:
- Opt for pasteurized store-bought eggnog or egg nog shakes from restaurants.
- Make eggnog with pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes.
- Choose pasteurized dairy and non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, soy or coconut milk.
- Include spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and cloves to get that eggnog taste.
- Make eggnog-flavored items like pancakes, French toast or milkshakes.
- Use eggnog as an ingredient in baked goods like cupcakes, donuts, bread pudding or waffles.
With some adjustments, you can still enjoy eggnog flavors without putting your health at risk. Be sure to inspect product labels closely and opt for pasteurized versions or make your own pasteurized eggnog at home. If in doubt, avoid homemade raw egg eggnog while pregnant.
Other Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
In addition to raw egg products, there are some other foods considered unsafe to eat during pregnancy:
Unpasteurized Foods
Any food or beverage made with raw milk or juices is potentially hazardous. This includes soft cheeses, juice, cider, and milk itself. Stick to pasteurized dairy products while expecting.
Undercooked Meat and Seafood
Raw or rare meats may harbor bacteria. Cook beef, pork, poultry, and seafood thoroughly to the recommended safe internal temperatures.
Processed Meats
Hot dogs, deli meats, smoked seafood, and lunch meats should be avoided unless heated until steaming hot. This kills any listeria present.
Fish High in Mercury
Mercury builds up in certain fish and can be harmful in pregnancy. Limit tuna, swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel.
Unpasteurized Juice
Only drink pasteurized juice, such as from a can or bottle. Juice at restaurants, smoothies, and fresh squeezed juice may be unpasteurized.
Sprouts
Sprouts like alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean may have bacteria and should be avoided in pregnancy.
Alcohol
No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy according to the CDC. Drinking can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever or abdominal pain during pregnancy, call your obstetrician right away. Let your doctor know if you recently consumed high-risk foods, raw dairy, eggs, meat, or juice prior to falling ill.
Foodborne illness can progress rapidly in pregnant women, so prompt medical treatment is important. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend IV fluids, medication, or hospitalization to prevent dehydration and ensure you and your baby stay healthy.
Conclusion
Raw egg eggnog is off limits for pregnant women because of the risk of salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness. While food poisoning affects everyone, pregnant mothers and their developing babies have an increased risk of serious complications. Consuming pasteurized dairy products, eggs, juice and cooked meats can help you steer clear of dangerous infections. Though you may need to avoid homemade eggnog with raw eggs, you can still find ways to safely enjoy eggnog flavors during the holidays. Being informed about risky foods and smart safety precautions will help keep you and your baby as healthy as can be.