Meringues for pregnant women: advice and information

Meringue is a treat enjoyed by a great many people, including pregnant women. However, it is essential for expectant mothers to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming this food, whether in terms of its sugar content or the eggs used in its preparation. In this article, we explore the subject in greater detail in order to provide practical advice for enjoying this sweet treat safely during pregnancy.

The impact of sugar on pregnant women

First of all, let us address the question of sugar. As meringue is generally high in sugar, consuming it in excess could have a detrimental effect on the health of both the expectant mother and the baby. Indeed, this can increase the risks of:

Excessive weight gain, which can lead to complications during childbirth and difficulty returning to pre-pregnancy weight after the birth.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin to process the sugar in the blood during pregnancy.

Foetal macrosomia, where the baby reaches an excessively high weight before birth.

How much sugar can you consume when pregnant?

It is recommended to limit your daily intake of added sugars to 10% of your total daily caloric intake, which equates to approximately 25 grams (6 teaspoons) for a pregnant woman. To avoid exceeding this limit, it can be helpful to check nutritional labels to find out the amount of added sugars in each food product.

Raw or cooked meringue: the risks of egg consumption for pregnant women

Beyond the sugar, the other key element of meringue relates to the eggs used in its preparation. It is important for pregnant women to know which types of meringue are safe to eat and what precautions to take before indulging.

Raw meringue and the dangers for pregnant women

Be aware that some meringue recipes may contain raw or lightly cooked egg whites. For pregnant women, this represents a potential danger due to the possible contamination by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes or the Sapovirus. There are various symptoms that accompany these infections:

Listeriosis (infection caused by Listeria): fever, chills, muscle pain, diarrhoea, or nausea.

Sapovirus: vomiting, acute diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever.

These infections can also have consequences for the unborn baby, such as low birth weight, premature birth, or serious neonatal infections. Therefore, for pregnant women, it is advisable to avoid consuming meringue containing raw egg whites.

Cooked meringues: opt for those that are thoroughly cooked

Fortunately, many meringues are prepared with egg whites cooked at high temperatures. To be sure that these meringues are safe for pregnant women to eat, it is worth checking that they have been subjected to sufficiently long cooking to eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria or viruses. Commercially produced meringues generally comply with these standards, but it is always worth checking before buying.

Alternative meringue recipes for pregnant women

To enjoy meringues during pregnancy without worry, here are a few possible options:

Meringue with a sugar substitute: you can opt for recipes that use sugar substitutes such as erythritol or stevia (whilst respecting daily caloric intake).

Aquafaba meringue: another alternative made from the cooking water of legumes such as chickpeas, known as aquafaba, can also be safe for pregnant women and their baby as it contains no eggs.

Making well-cooked meringues at home: if you are making your own meringues, ensure they are thoroughly cooked (at least 2 to 3 hours depending on the size) to eliminate any bacteria or viruses that may be present in the eggs. Don’t forget to monitor your sugar intake to comply with the recommendations mentioned above.

In summary, meringue can have an impact on the health of pregnant women and it is crucial to take certain aspects into account when consuming it during pregnancy.

Therefore, expectant mothers should:

Pay attention to the amount of sugar consumed daily.

Avoid meringues containing raw or lightly cooked egg whites.

Opt for safer alternatives in terms of ingredients and preparation methods.

Keeping this information in mind, pregnant women can enjoy meringues with pleasure and without worry throughout their pregnancy.