can i eat Christmas Ham?

**gonnabeaGR8mum** · 15-12-2008 11:04

okay so i know we're not supposed to eat deli meat whilst pregnant- and i've been really good so far but i don't think i can face christmas without ham off the bone (especially given the absemce of prawns and soft cheeses)

can anyone tell me the risks, if any, of eating ham off the bone if it has been properly refridgerated??

**Sheer Bliss** · 15-12-2008 11:08

Ham off the bone is OK to eat! I just don't eat it once it has been opened and cut for days, like i normally would. Mostly because my tummy is sensitive though. So is most soft cheeses in Australia. Many labels say they are made with pasteurised milk, so is much safer - just make sure it has been well refrigerated, and don't eat after it's been sitting ont he table for an hour. DH is also making me a greek salad with fetta, as he will be getting one with pasteurised milk!

I have been told that you can't get unpasteurised stuff in australia, but don't know if it's true, so i always check the labels.

**susieq1969** · 15-12-2008 11:10

YAY!! We've been given a HUGE ham from my mum for Xmas, it's sitting in the fridge, and my mouth waters everytime I look at it

Thank goodness for that!

**CheekyChicken** · 15-12-2008 11:10

My Midwife said it is fine to eat! If it is bought fresh in the vacuum pack and kept in the ham bag, refrigerated- not left out on platters in the middle of the day etc. I might not eat it at a buffet but from home it should be good! I'm looking forward to it!

**gonnabeaGR8mum** · 15-12-2008 11:12

thanks charlis_mum

i was so dreading christmas without ham, but if i buy one with the bone in and only cut what i eat hopefully i will have a happy and healthy christmas

yipee!!!

**Deserama** · 15-12-2008 11:42

Well I'm gonna LOL

**Kema** · 15-12-2008 12:49

Well Girls you have convinced me!!

Kema

**FertileMertile** · 15-12-2008 13:24

Hooray!

I love xmas ham so am VERY happy to hear that it is A - OK to eat

**Tigerlil** · 15-12-2008 13:32

I'm sure you'll be just fine. I live on salami and brie through my whole pregnancy - not to mention unpasturised milk when-ever I can get my hands on it - and my baby is fine.
The chances of developing a listeria infection from food is extremely low.
I'll definately be chowing down the xmas ham! And the prawns and smoked salmon - YUM!

**Sheer Bliss** · 15-12-2008 13:46

Originally Posted by Tigerlil

I'm sure you'll be just fine. I live on salami and brie through my whole pregnancy - not to mention unpasturised milk when-ever I can get my hands on it - and my baby is fine.
The chances of developing a listeria infection from food is extremely low.
I'll definately be chowing down the xmas ham! And the prawns and smoked salmon - YUM!

If you choose to eat foods that are a high listeria risk, that is your choice. But Please don't go be so blase about something that can be so potentially dangerous. DH's aunty is lucky to be alive, as are her twins after they all developed a listeria infection and she went into premature labour at 26weeks. The risks increase when you eat high risk foods, and many people DO contract listeria infections - they are just usually relatively harmless, unless you are pregnant. You may think you just have a slight upset tummy, and develop a fever weeks after eating the food, but the outcome can be fatal to your baby.

Again, i do agree that it is a personal choice, and if you choose that for yourself, then fair enough. But it is so very irresponisible to be spouting about how low the risk is to others. I have a friend who has been in a car with a drunk driver and no seatbelt on before, and they are perfectly fine.....it doesn't mean it was the right choice at the time, or that I would say that there is a low risk of anything happening. It's just irresponsible to say things like that.