You really want beef jerky, but should you have it? Below, experts dive into the dos and don’ts of eating processed meats during pregnancy—plus, safe ways to curb the craving! save article By Ashley Ziegler, Contributing Writer Published May 19, 2026 NEW! Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD | Fact Checked by G. O’Hara Image: vgajic | Getty Images I don’t eat a lot of meat in my everyday life—but when I was pregnant with my second daughter, it was my most intense pregnancy craving.