Can I Eat Hot dogs While Pregnant?
Limit / use cautionGeneral guidance from ACOG. Please always check with your provider.
Hot dogs are easy to make pregnancy-safe with one simple step, so you can still enjoy them at the cookout.
Why
Even though hot dogs are pre-cooked, ACOG notes they can become contaminated with Listeria after packaging and during storage, and the bacterium grows at refrigerator temperatures. In pregnancy, Listeria infection is concerning because it can cross the placenta and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or serious infection in the baby, sometimes with only mild symptoms in you.
How to enjoy it safely
Heat hot dogs until they are steaming hot, to 165F, all the way through before eating, whether you boil, grill, or microwave them. Avoid letting them sit at room temperature on a buffet, and skip the lukewarm cart dog unless you can confirm it is piping hot.
When to ask your provider
Check with your Garden OB/GYN provider if you have an immune condition or have had Listeria-related concerns before, so they can tailor guidance to you.
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It summarizes guidance from ACOG, which can change, and individual situations vary, so please confirm with your Garden OB/GYN provider.
Questions about your pregnancy diet?
Our providers across Brooklyn, NYC, and Long Island are happy to help you eat well and worry less.
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