Can you Eat Rotisserie Chicken when you’re Pregnant?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Now it is time for you to learn the dos and don’ts of your pregnancy. What you can eat? What you can’t eat? What vitamins should you take? It can be mind-boggling! Those cravings could be kicking in about now. Did someone say chicken? But not the normal breasts, you are craving the golden rich tastes of rotisserie chicken slow-cooked to perfection. Sometimes it is not the food itself that could cause you and your unborn baby harm, it could be the way it is cooked and stored. Read further for the answer to ‘Can you eat rotisserie chicken when you’re pregnant?’

Can you Eat Rotisserie Chicken when you’re Pregnant – The Do’s and Don’ts

Can you eat rotisserie chicken when you’re pregnant is a question that many pregnant women ask themselves. The truth is that it is safe for pregnant women to consume chicken no matter which way it is cooked. Eating rotisserie chicken can provide you with a healthy balance of protein and nutrients, essential when you are growing another human! It is important to note that when consuming any meat it should be warm and fresh. Reheating leftovers is not advised and cold meat from the deli could carry harmful bacteria for you and your baby. 

Can a Pregnant Woman Eat Rotisserie Chicken?

This may be the answer to your craving prayers. Yes you can eat hot Rotisserie chicken when pregnant. In fact, rotisserie style cooking ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and at the best temperature. 

Providing the chicken you are consuming is fresh, cooked, and still warm you go grab some chicken girl! You need as much protein as you can get and The APA researched that, protein-based foods are also rich in iron which helps you carry oxygen to your aching muscles. In actual fact consuming meat whilst warm of course can help reduce feelings of fatigue, weakness, irritability, and depression.

can you eat rotisserie chicken when you're pregnant

Can You Eat Cold Rotisserie Chicken When Pregnant?

Extreme sickness, not just in the morning but all day long! This is something that definitely resonates with me from my pregnancies, but I found that I was able to consume foods that were cold. For some reason my body preferred cold meals over warm ones. Now I wasn’t going to go the full 40 weeks eating cucumber sticks and crackers so I needed to find out if I could eat my meat cooked yet cold.

The American Pregnancy Association states ‘The U.S. RDA recommends about 27 grams of protein based foods per day.’ This is because meat such as chicken, beef, pork, etc is high in vitamins and iron. However an interesting fact I found out was that pregnant women are more susceptible to an increased risk of listeriosis. Listeriosis is an illness caused by bacteria found in deli meats and cold leftovers, namely Listeria.

So essentially cold meats including cold rotisserie chicken while you are pregnant, are a big no-go! 

If you are suffering like I did then speak to your health care provider and they will point you in the right direction of how you can keep a healthy diet even with a cold meal!

What Can I Eat During Pregnancy?

pregnancy is a great time to fine-tune your diet! The good old saying ‘You’re eating for two’ is an absolute myth. In fact, your body will use the food you eat to ensure your baby gets the best nutrients he/she needs whilst growing. Saying this may make you feel a bit wary as with my pregnancies I had the horrible can’t eat through sickness yet I was hungry like ALL THE TIME! So I tried to eat little and often. 

Using the rule of three approach I ate three small meals and ate snacks three times a day if I could. Don’t get me wrong this was purely on a good day of being pregnant I think we all get those chocolate and carb splurge days!

Eating small yet often will help keep those hunger pangs at bay whilst you maintain a healthy plate! Here is a list of things you can consume whilst pregnant:

  • Veggies (cooked and raw)
  • Fruit
  • Fish (watch out for mercury content)
  • Eggs ( Not the runny kind)
  • Meat – lamb, beef, chicken, pork, ( fully cooked and served hot)
  • Yogurt 
  • Trail mix

FAQs

Is Rotisserie Chicken Salad safe during pregnancy?

You should avoid eating premade chicken salad while you are pregnant as there is the chance that it could contain Listeria. If you have consumed deli meats or sushi then contact your healthcare provider for advice but don’t freak out. Many women consume these things without knowing and are completely fine!

What are the odds of getting Listeria while pregnant?

An estimated 1 in 6 of all Listeria cases occur in pregnant women. Those are pretty small odds especially if you are careful about what you are consuming.

Can I eat barbeque chicken during pregnancy?

Barbecued food is safe to eat during pregnancy providing that it is all cooked thoroughly. Ensuring the meat you eat is cooked will kill off any bacteria and prevent food poisoning which can be harmful to you and your baby.

Wrapping Up

You may be doing a happy dance at the fact rotisserie chicken while hot can actually be a great part of your balanced diet while you are pregnant. But deli meats and cold leftovers should be avoided.

The CDC ( Centre for Disease Control) states that pregnant women are 10 times more likely to become infected with Listeria however it is not only found in cold meats. Not all deli meats will be a danger but because there is still an identifiable risk the recommendation would be to avoid these foods if possible. 

Please do not freak out! I cannot stress enough that if you feel you may have consumed something you shouldn’t have whilst being pregnant then you must see your healthcare provider for advice, you won’t be the first and certainly won’t be the last.

More to Read: