Eating Medium Steak While Pregnant: Is It Safe?

Eating medium steak while pregnant sounds great.

Everybody loves a good steak, that’s juicy and delicious. If you’re a pregnant woman, you feel the need to eat everything that tastes good.

You want to enjoy yourself during these 9 months. Unfortunately, being pregnant and eating is slightly more complicated than that.

There are many rules that should be followed if you want to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy food. In general, eating meat is good for everyone, especially pregnant women.

Meat is filled with proteins, and it helps your baby to grow. The thing with medium steak is about the way of cooking. Steak is allowed, but it has to be well-cooked.

This article will explain some facts about eating medium steak while pregnant. Finally, you will know if is it safe to eat or not. Being pregnant and eating by the rules is easy for some women.

For others, it’s difficult. Some women simply enjoy eating foods that aren’t recommended during pregnancy. The problem with pregnancy and eating, are cravings.

Sometimes you want to eat something so bad, that you want to cry for it. You just can’t tell your body to stop wanting that certain food. When it’s something forbidden, you have to do it.

You have to fight yourself and your cravings because it’s the right thing to do.

Can I Eat Medium Steak While Pregnant?

I am sure that it seems silly to even ask a question like this. It feels like you want that medium steak while pregnant so bad, that you just need one person to tell you it’s okay to eat it.

Can you eat medium steak while pregnant?

The short and straightforward answer to this is no. Before I start explaining, I am sorry to disappoint you. Medium steak while pregnant sounds like a dream.

Meat is good and healthy. Chicken, beef, pork, veal, and any other type of meat is good for our health. The main thing about meat is protein.

Protein is a macronutrient that is essential for the growth and development of cells in our body. You probably know that people eat more protein when they want to grow bigger muscles.

Besides their power of growth and development in our bodies, proteins are also responsible for many important functions and structures in our bodies.

Of course, meat is not the only source of protein. You can also find protein in beans, lentils, tofu, spirulina, quinoa, eggs, etc…

However, meat has a lot of protein, and many people think that other sources of protein are incomplete. Since you’re reading this article I suppose you like meat as the main protein in your diet.

Eating protein during pregnancy is very important. You’re building a new human being inside your womb. You need protein to help your baby grow and develop.

You also need protein to be healthy and strong while pregnant. Therefore, I suggest eating meat during pregnancy. Steaks are allowed, but medium steaks and medium rare steaks should be avoided.

You’ve probably heard that you should avoid eating deli meats and cured meats while pregnant.  So, delicious prosciutto while pregnant is a big no, unless it’s cooked or fried well.

Deli meats are not cooked, they’re dry-aged, cold-cured, or smoked. Since they’re not prepared for eating by cooking on high temperatures, there are some risks.

Deli meats are forbidden because there is a chance of getting diseases like Listeriosis or Toxoplasmosis.

Both of these diseases are caused by bacteria that can be found in deli meats. Of course, this is a rare case, but it’s possible for deli meats to be contaminated with something.

This is possible for all types of meats, not just deli meats. However, other meats are always prepared by using heat. We cook them, fry them, or bake them. High temperature kills any bacteria that might have contaminated the meat.

Eating medium steak while pregnant is unsafe because this kind of steak is not cooked well. Because of this, it’s possible that if there was any bacteria or a parasite on the meat, it’s still there.

Obviously, eating medium-rare steak while pregnant is also off the limits. When your meat is pink, bloody, and oozing bloody juices, it’s not safe for you. So, pregnant women should avoid eating these steaks. Listeriosis or toxoplasmosis is not fun at all.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes – bacteria. Most people get this disease by eating contaminated food.

However, it should be noted that pregnant women, newborns, and older people are more likely to get Listeriosis. It’s because this is the group of people who have a weakened immune system.

When we talk about pregnancy and Listeriosis, symptoms are not that serious for the mother. It’s like having the flu. You might experience some fever, fatigue, and weakness.

Unfortunately, this disease can be fatal for the baby in your womb. It won’t be so harmful to you, but it could harm the baby.

Listeriosis can even cause miscarriage, premature labor, stillbirth, or some birth defects.

The main problem with listeriosis is the fact it can be present without any symptoms, especially during pregnancy. This is an issue because without symptoms you won’t feel the need to visit the doctor.

That’s the reason to avoid eating medium steak while pregnant and medium rare steak too. It’s simply better to prevent any possible complications.

Besides, you won’t be pregnant forever. Be patient, and remember that the consequences of eating raw meat or undercooked meat could be very negative for you and your unborn child.

The symptoms of Listeriosis are quite different if you’re not pregnant. Headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle aches, convulsion, and loss of balance are just some of the possible symptoms.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Just like Listeriosis, the main reason for getting this disease is eating contaminated food.

Another frequent reason for getting this disease is being in contact with a cat’s feces. So, if you’re pregnant and you have a cat, ask someone else to change the cat’s litter or wear a mask and gloves.

Toxoplasmosis is different than Listeriosis because its symptoms are mild for everyone. So, both pregnant women and others will have mild to no symptoms at all.

If there are any symptoms, it’s usually headache, weakness, skin rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Another danger of Toxoplasmosis is connected to your eyes. It’s possible that you get eye disease if you caught Toxoplasmosis. Symptoms are blurred vision, eye pain, and floaters- specks.

This eye disease caused by Toxoplasma can be treated, but if you don’t get the treatment on time, permanent blindness is possible.

Toxoplasmosis can cause many other complications. Lung infection or even brain infection are possible with this disease. Heart conditions, seizures, or severe skin rash are uncommon but possible.

Since Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is more dangerous for babies, it’s good to know the possible complications.

If you get Toxoplasmosis while pregnant, your baby may have brain infections, seizures, enlarged liver or spleen, severe skin rash and discoloration, blindness, heart problems, and problems with motor and mental skills.

It’s possible that you give birth to a perfectly healthy baby, but Toxoplasma can cause complications when they’re older.

Symptoms that older kids and teenagers have are hearing loss, slowed growth, problems with brain functions, eye infections, problems with motor skills, and early puberty.

As you can see, eating undercooked meat and raw meat can truly cause tragedies in your life. Therefore, no matter how good they taste, they’re not worth the risk.

What About Medium Well Steak?

To put it simply, anything that’s called “medium” is forbidden. If you truly want that steak, just eat a well-done steak. If you don’t like your steak well done, then simply eat something else.

All these serious medical conditions are caused by the presence of certain bacteria and parasites.

We can’t know what kind of meat we’re buying or eating in restaurants. However, we know that we can kill whatever is on that meat. We kill it by cooking the meat well, at a really high temperature.

So, say no to eating medium steak while pregnant. Say no to eating medium-rare steak while pregnant. Finally, you’ve got to say no to medium-well steak while pregnant as well. No to everything that’s “medium” when it comes to eating steak.

How To Cook Your Steak At Home?

The best steak to eat during pregnancy is the steak cooked at home. Make sure to buy organic, high-quality meat from certified sellers. This way, you will know that the meat is safe and tasty.

Your steak should be at least 1- 1,5 inches thick. This way it will still be juicy and tender even though you will cook it all the way through.

You can cook however you like. You can fry it, bake it in the oven, or toss it on the grill. But, before doing any of that, you have to season it well.

The seasoning is all up to you. Some basic things to season the steak with are salt, pepper, oil, and perhaps some garlic, butter, and rosemary. You can choose whatever you like.

When it comes to cooking the steak all the way through, it would be good to have a cooking thermometer. This way you will be able to check the internal temperature of the steak.

It’s also good to use a thermometer to avoid cutting through the steak to see if it’s done.

If you could eat your steak the way you wanted to, the desired temperature would be 145 degrees Fahrenheit. That is the perfect temperature if you want your steak to be medium.

Since we don’t want that when we’re pregnant, you should cook the steak until its internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature means that your steak is well done.

After cooking the steak, it should be left to rest for at least 10 minutes. This way, you will have a delicious juicy steak.

It’s good to prepare some side dishes. As a pregnant woman, you should also eat a lot of vegetables. Corn, asparagus, or green beans will be a great addition to your steak.

Of course, you can always go for classic – potatoes. You can serve baked potatoes or fries with your steak, and it will be a great combination.

Is Steak Healthy?

Steak is very healthy for pregnant women and for others too. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should eat steak every day. Red meat is a bit stronger and it has more fats than some leaner meats. It should be consumed in moderation, but it’s healthy.

As I’ve mentioned before, steak is a great source of protein. Protein is essential for good health and normal body functioning. It’s also beneficial for good hard, nails, and skin.

Another health benefit of steak is iron. Red meat is filled with iron that our body needs, especially during pregnancy.

When you’re pregnant, you actually have to take iron supplements. Eating red meat is a great way to increase the levels of iron in your body and prevent iron deficiency.

Besides iron, steak is also rich in vitamin B, selenium, zinc, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids. It’s also rich in phosphorus, which is why it’s great for your teeth and oral health in general.

Some studies also show that eating the steak is good for mental health. This is a great reason for pregnant women to eat steak. We all know that mental health is important during pregnancy.

As you can see as long as you don’t eat medium steaks, you will enjoy many benefits of this food.

How To Fight With Cravings?

There are many foods that can cause food poisoning, infections, diseases, or other medical conditions. Sometimes these things happen without a specific reason.

The problem with eating during pregnancy is that you’re not only putting yourself in danger. You’re also responsible for your unborn baby.

Even though there are some foods forbidden for you during pregnancy, there are still many other food choices available. If you want to eat a medium-rare steak or prosciutto, you have to cook it.

If you think that this is not the right way of eating these foods, then choose something else. Fruit, veggies, chicken, nuts, and grains are also delicious and satisfying.

If you like the steak so much, but don’t want to eat it when it’s well done, try eating some other meals made from beef.

Eating beef stew, tortillas, or beef patties is a great choice. Beef stew requires well-cooked meat to taste delicious. Undercooked stew is not very tasty. Tortillas and patties will still be juicy even if you cook the meat all the way through.

There are many options for you, you just have to explore. It’s hard to fight pregnancy cravings because you’re controlled by the pregnancy hormones.

Many women love eating seafood, but this is also a food that has to be cooked completely if you’re pregnant.

Because of this information, many women are looking for information about eating octopus during pregnancy or caviar.

It can be hard to stop eating all the food we enjoy. As I’ve said before, this is not forever. You’re being strong for your health and the health of your baby.

The best way to fight those bad cravings is to find something else to eat. Cravings hit hard when you’re hungry, so avoid being hungry.

Eat something light and healthy, or figure out something else that could be delicious for you at this moment.

Personally, crunchy food was a great way to forget about eating something I shouldn’t. Some pumping seeds or peanuts are great to satisfy your need for a while.

Potato chips are the best, just make sure to eat a small amount of them. They’re full of additives, and unhealthy fats. Raw celery is also crunchy, so if you like it, it’s also a great, healthy option to take your mind off something else.

These suggestions are great because they’re easy to grab. However, it’s good if you have the time and patience to prepare something.

Make yourself a delicious smoothie, or cheesy pasta with some parmesan cheese. There are many options.

You can also go out and buy something you like to eat, something that’s safe. You have to fight back when those cravings attack your mind.

Finally, the best thing to forget about craving foods that you can’t eat is being busy. Take a walk or read a book. Do some house chores or visit a friend. Watching movies and planning your pregnancy and motherhood is also an option.

Make a list of your favorite baby names, and think about decorations for the baby’s room. Plan a baby shower even if it’s too early.

There are many things that can occupy your mind. This is great to forget about the cravings and food desires.

Conclusion

Eating medium rare steak or just a medium one is not good for pregnant women and their babies. This article is filled with a lot of information about why is this type of steak forbidden.

You will hear many experiences from the women who ate everything they wanted and everything was fine. That is true. All these possible medical conditions are rare, but they are possible.

Just because there are more cases of everything being fine, you shouldn’t follow bad examples. You might be one in million and you will be sorry for risking. It may sound harsh, but if you know that something is bad for you and your child and you still eat it, you’re the one to blame if something happens.

Being pregnant is a huge responsibility for every woman. However, pregnancy is just a preparation for everything that comes after. Being a mom is a challenge that lasts forever.

Every stage of your child’s life is difficult and special. You will have to sacrifice many things to be a good mom. When you look at things like this, not eating something is a piece of cake. It’s something that can be easily controlled.

There is no such thing as being the best mom in the world. But, when you make safe and good choices, you’re close to that title.