Can Pregnant Women Eat Undercooked Eggs?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Undercooked Eggs?
Enjoying melted half-cooked egg yolks with warm bread or rice is very tempting, isn't it, pregnant women? Eits, wait a minute! Before consuming it, let's first consider the facts behind the following half-cooked eggs.
Eggs are a good source of animal protein consumed during pregnancy. The content of choline in eggs is known to support fetal brain development in the womb. But on the other hand, eggs are also at risk of harm to pregnant women and fetuses if they are not processed properly and correctly.
Safety Facts about Eating Undercooked Eggs During Pregnancy
Eggs include foods that are easily obtained and the price is relatively cheap. This favorite food of many people can be processed in various ways, for example, deep fried, fried, or boiled. The level of maturity can also be made according to taste, can be perfectly cooked or half cooked.
If pregnant women are craving eggs or want to include eggs in their daily diet, you should avoid serving half-cooked or raw eggs, yes. The reason is, eggs that are not fully cooked can contain Salmonella bacteria which can make pregnant women experience food poisoning.
Symptoms that will appear due to this bacterial infection are high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, and dehydration. In some cases, the severity of symptoms can be so severe that it can lead to premature labor or even miscarriage.
In addition to paying attention to the level of maturity of the eggs, pregnant women should also consume eggs immediately after cooking to avoid bacterial contamination. Leaving food for too long, especially those that are not processed properly, can trigger the growth of bacteria that cause listeriosis.
If it occurs in pregnant women, this infection has a high risk of causing miscarriage or even the baby dies in the womb or stillbirth.
Tips for Consuming Eggs During Pregnancy
Besides being good for fetal brain development, other mineral content in eggs, such as selenium, can strengthen the fetus' immune system and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. In addition, vitamin B2 in eggs can also support eye development and nourish the skin of the fetus.
Well, to get the benefits of eggs and avoid bad risks due to Salmonella bacteria, eggs must be processed in a good and right way, pregnant women. The following is a guide to choosing and serving eggs that pregnant women need to know:
- Avoid buying eggs with cracked and dirty shells.
- Wash the eggs thoroughly and dry the shells.
- Store eggs in the refrigerator in a separate place from other foods.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs. Serve eggs by frying and boiling until completely cooked.
- Wash your hands before and after cooking eggs.
- Clean all cooking utensils used to cook eggs.
To make sure the eggs are fully cooked, allow them to simmer in the boiling water for about 5–7 minutes while you're boiling the eggs, or tossing both sides of the eggs if you're making fried eggs or an omelet.
Pregnant women, eggs are very beneficial for fetal development if served in a good and right way. Therefore, make sure pregnant women eat perfectly cooked eggs and always apply the guidelines described above, yes.
If pregnant women feel symptoms of Salmonella bacterial infection after eating eggs, immediately consult a doctor to get the right examination and treatment.
Post a Comment