A luscious piece of hotdog can be very tempting, especially the barbecue season. However, before consuming hotdogs a pregnant woman must know that it carries the potential of harboring a particular kind of bacteria known as Listeria. Even though listeria infections are rare they can lead to fatal consequences for the fetus. It can lead to a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Processed hot dogs also contain nitrates and nitrites which can cause brain defects if consumed in large quantities. Though the amount of nitrites used in processed food is considered safe for pregnant women you must be prudent as to what quantity of such foods do you consume.
Considering the above facts, it is appropriate to properly cook the hot dogs, at a temperature of 165oF, until they are steaming hot, in order to kill the bacteria and go for nitrate-free hotdogs (check the label on the packet) or limit your intake of smoked processed foods such as hotdogs.
