Can You Eat Prosciutto While Pregnant?

Short answer: You should avoid uncooked prosciutto during pregnancy due to the risk of foodborne illness. However, cooked prosciutto — heated to steaming hot — is generally considered safe [*].

If you're pregnant and suddenly craving that salty, melt-in-your-mouth Italian delicacy, you're not alone. Prosciutto is a popular favorite in everything from charcuterie boards to pizza toppings.

But during pregnancy, food safety becomes a top priority. So the big question is: Can pregnant women eat prosciutto?

Let’s unpack the facts and help you make informed, confident choices during this special time.

What Is Prosciutto, Exactly?

Before diving into safety concerns, it's helpful to understand what prosciutto actually is. Prosciutto is a type of dry-cured Italian ham typically made from the hind leg of a pig. There are two common varieties [*]:

• Prosciutto crudo: This is the raw, uncooked version, which is aged and air-dried for months (or even years). It's served cold in thin slices.
• Prosciutto cotto: This version is cooked, often resembling traditional deli ham. It's less common outside Italy but considered safe in pregnancy when fully heated.

Most of the prosciutto you find on charcuterie boards or in gourmet sandwiches is prosciutto crudo — which is the one to be careful with when you're expecting.

Why Is Prosciutto Risky During Pregnancy?

You’ve probably heard that pregnant women should avoid deli meats or soft cheeses — but why? The answer lies in harmful microbes that can survive in uncooked, cured, or improperly stored foods.

Let’s take a closer look at the specific risks associated with eating prosciutto when pregnant.

1. Listeria monocytogenes and Listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can thrive in cold environments, including your refrigerator [*]. It's notorious for contaminating:

• Ready-to-eat meats (like prosciutto crudo)
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• Refrigerated smoked seafood
• Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert

Pregnant people are 10 to 20 times more likely to contract listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria. While you may only experience mild, flu-like symptoms (or none at all), the consequences for your baby can be devastating [*].

Potential complications include [*]:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Preterm labor
• Neonatal sepsis (a life-threatening bloodstream infection)
• Meningitis in newborns

Listeria’s symptoms are sneaky and can take 1 to 4 weeks to appear. They often resemble a cold or mild flu [*]:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting

Even if symptoms are vague, the infection can silently cross the placenta and harm your baby — making prevention absolutely essential.

2. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxoplasmosis

Another lesser-known but equally important risk is toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii [*]. You can become infected by:

• Eating undercooked or cured meats like prosciutto
• Consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables
• Handling cat litter or contaminated soil

Because prosciutto crudo is not cooked — just salted and air-dried — the Toxoplasma parasite can survive the curing process. And when it infects a pregnant woman, the parasite may cross the placenta and affect the baby [*].

Potential complications from congenital toxoplasmosis include [*]:

• Brain or eye damage
• Intellectual disability
• Seizures
• Liver or spleen enlargement
• Hearing or vision problems
• Stillbirth or miscarriage

The earlier in pregnancy the infection occurs, the more severe the consequences can be.

3. Cold Storage and Cross-Contamination

Even if prosciutto has been safely packaged or stored, additional risks come from how it’s handled after you bring it home or order it in a restaurant.

• Cross-contamination with bacteria can occur through cutting boards, utensils, or surfaces shared with raw meat [*].
• Buffet-style serving or leaving prosciutto unrefrigerated at parties or picnics can allow bacteria to multiply rapidly [*].
• Some delis may slice prosciutto alongside other cold cuts on the same equipment without cleaning in between.

In short, even seemingly high-quality prosciutto isn’t immune to unsafe handling — which adds another layer of concern.

Can You Eat Cooked Prosciutto While Pregnant?

Yes! Cooked prosciutto is safe to eat during pregnancy — as long as it’s heated thoroughly [*].

Cooking kills both Listeria and Toxoplasma. The USDA recommends heating meats to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to destroy harmful microbes [*].

Safe Ways to Enjoy Prosciutto During Pregnancy

During prengancy, it’s important to be cautious with foods like prosciutto. To enjoy it safely, make sure it’s cooked thoroughly. Here are some ways to enjoy prosciutto:

• On a baked pizza: Add the prosciutto before baking to ensure it heats all the way through.
• In pasta dishes: Crisp prosciutto in a skillet and toss it with warm noodles or creamy sauces.
• In egg dishes: Try pan-frying prosciutto and adding it to omelets, frittatas, or scrambled eggs.
• As prosciutto chips: Bake thin slices in the oven until crisp. They’re great in salads or on soups.

Caution: If you’re eating prosciutto as a topping added after cooking (like on a pizza pulled from the oven), it needs to be reheated again until steaming to ensure safety.

So if you can’t resist that rich, savory flavor — just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly!

When Should Prosciutto Be Avoided Entirely?

There are specific situations when eating prosciutto — cooked or not — should be off the table.

1. First Trimester

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are critical for fetal development. Even minor infections during this stage can lead to miscarriage or neural tube defects [*]. Since the risks are higher early on, most healthcare providers recommend avoiding prosciutto crudo altogether during the first trimester — even if you plan to cook it.

2. Uncooked Prosciutto (Prosciutto Crudo)

This includes store-bought, pre-sliced prosciutto that’s not heated, no matter how well-packaged or aged. The curing process doesn’t kill all bacteria or parasites, so even sealed packages should be treated as unsafe if eaten cold [*].

3. Unclear Sources or Storage

Avoid eating prosciutto if:

• It’s from a buffet, charcuterie board, or party tray that’s been sitting out.
• You’re unsure how long it’s been refrigerated.
• It’s homemade or purchased from local farms or delis without food safety certifications.

If in doubt, it’s better to skip it than risk a dangerous infection.

Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to Prosciutto

If you’re missing that distinctive saltiness and umami flavor, you’re not out of options. Here are a few delicious alternatives that are safe during pregnancy:

Crispy Cooked Bacon or Turkey Bacon

Bacon offers a similar salty crunch when cooked to a crisp. Opt for nitrate-free varieties and always cook until sizzling hot. Turkey bacon is a leaner option with less fat and a similar flavor profile [*].

Cooked Ham or Deli Meats (Heated)

Ham and other deli meats are fine during pregnancy if heated until steaming. You can microwave them, pan-sear them, or bake them into casseroles or hot sandwiches [*].

Smoked Salmon (Cooked)

Though raw smoked salmon is off-limits, fully cooked salmon (like hot-smoked salmon) is rich in omega-3s and safe for pregnancy. Just be sure it’s cooked through and not cold-smoked [*].

Vegetarian or Vegan Cold Cuts

Plant-based deli slices are made from tofu, tempeh, or wheat protein and pose no risk of listeria or toxoplasmosis. Look for seasoned varieties that mimic prosciutto or salami flavors [*].

The Bottom Line: Should You Eat Prosciutto During Pregnancy?

Uncooked prosciutto is not safe to eat while pregnant. The risk of Listeria and Toxoplasma — though small — can have devastating effects on fetal health. That said, cooked prosciutto is safe as long as it's heated thoroughly and served steaming hot.

When in doubt, opt for pregnancy-safe alternatives or simply cook the prosciutto before you enjoy it. It may not taste exactly the same as prosciutto crudo, but the peace of mind is well worth it.

About MiracleCord

At MiracleCord, we understand that pregnancy is filled with careful choices. Whether you're avoiding uncooked prosciutto to protect your baby from foodborne illness or researching prenatal supplements, you're already making decisions rooted in safety, prevention, and love.

That same instinct — thinking ahead and minimizing risks — also applies to a powerful choice you can make at birth: banking your baby’s cord blood and tissue.

Cord blood banking gives families access to a unique biological resource that is effectively being used in medical treatments. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve something that could protect your family’s health for years to come.

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You’ve already made the smart choice to protect your baby by avoiding risks like prosciutto. Let MiracleCord help you take that protection one step further to protect your family. Request your free information kit today and discover how easy it is to plan for your family’s future.

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.The materials and information contained on the MiracleCord website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis, and should not be used as such. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If you are seeking personal medical advice, you should consult with a licensed physician. Always consult with a qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition.