undercooked pork

[pjkost]

Hi. Im 38 weeks pregnant. Husband and i went to a friends house for dinner. The pork chops they served us were very very undercooked. We both ate them anyway to not be rude. What can happen to us?

[mkh9]

Good question. Where do you live? Usually, you can get a pork tapeworm from under-cooked pork but the USDA should check the pork for illness. If it was free ranging pork there more risk. So, it is not as likely to get it in the U.S. but not impossible. I would probably as your doctor to make sure. You could get a few stool samples to check for tapeworms. If either of you have them then there is a risk of one of you doesn't wash your hands well after using the toilet, then you can transmit eggs that can cause worse disease. So It couldn't hurt to  check into it. But it is more likely in rural areas where people have their own pigs and they are not tended well. Or in other countries besides the U.S. where they don't check the pigs health. The rule of thumb to me is just not to eat any pork or beef that is pink. Beef is also checked by the USDA but it is a matter of whether you want to trust them or not. Personally I can't eat any meat that is pink because I am a microbiologist and I get sick thinking about it. I also don't like the taste because I am so used to the very cooked meat. I'm surprised that so many people like seared meat these days. So you are probably fine as it is not likely. But can't hurt to get checked.
mkh9