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Can Pregnant Women Eat or Drink This? 27 Common Questions

When you’re pregnant, you’re questioning if almost everything you eat is safe. And we don’t blame you; you want to keep your baby healthy.

However, it can be confusing when there are so many myths about what isn’t safe and how much of what is okay.

We’ve collected some of the most commonly searched questions about what you can eat and drink as a pregnant lady. Here you’ll find the answers compiled in one convenient guide.
Note: This post assumes you don’t have any allergies. Before introducing new food during pregnancy, ask your doctor to be safe.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat This?

Unpasteurized and raw products are something to be on the watch for. Read on for the details.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp?

Yes, you can eat shrimp during pregnancy as long as you ensure it’s fully cooked. In fact, seafood can be great for pregnant women. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women get at least 8 oz. to 12 oz. of varying seafood sources a week. People are often worried about fish because it can have high mercury levels, which can affect a developing baby. However, if you eat an array of low-mercury seafood as opposed to just one type, it’s unlikely that you’ll be getting harmful amounts.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Tuna?

Tuna is one of the fishes that pregnant women need to watch out for because of higher mercury levels. You should limit the amount of tuna steaks and white tuna (albacore) you eat.  As long as you limit it to 6 oz. a week, it’s okay. If you like canned light tuna, up to 12 oz. a week is safe, according to the FDA. The only caveat is that the tuna needs to be caught in safe waters, which most commercially sold fish are. If you eat a locally caught fish, you’ll need to ask if the waters contain high mercury levels.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Lobster?

Lobster is okay to eat in moderation, as the guidelines suggest. When you’re preparing it, make sure it’s fully cooked by looking for a milky white color inside.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Crab?

Crab is one of the best choices when it comes to seafood, according to the FDA. As long as it’s fully cooked, you’re safe. Eating imitation crab is typically okay, but ask if there’s any raw seafood in it before mowing down.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Clam Chowder?

Pregnant women can eat clams as long as they’re not raw. Since clams in chowder are cooked, you can go ahead and enjoy!

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?

Sadly, pregnant women shouldn’t be eating raw fish or seafood, so the FDA recommends against sushi. That’s because it’s more likely to contain parasites and bad bacteria. But if your friends are going out for sushi, you can still eat—just choose vegetarian options.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Dairy Products?

Dairy products are good for women to have while they’re expecting as long as they’re made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized dairy products put you at risk for listeria infection. Let’s get into more detail:

• Yogurt— All yogurt commercially sold in the U.S. is pasteurized so it can be a healthy choice.
• Cheese— Cheese is generally okay, but you’ll want to stay away from soft cheeses (brie, feta, etc.) unless they specifically state that they were made with pasteurized milk. If you’re traveling to Europe, be especially careful with cheeses there.
• Milk— Milk sold in the U.S. is pasteurized, so you’ll be okay if you purchase it commercially.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Mushrooms?

As long as it’s an edible mushroom, it’s okay to eat. Although many women eat raw mushrooms during pregnancy and are fine, you may want to cook them instead. Since mushrooms are fungi, cooking them can burn off any bacteria and dirt.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Pineapple?

If you’re searching this, it’s probably because someone told you that pineapple can induce labor and cause miscarriage. They’re wrong; there’s no evidence to back that up. In fact, it’s packed with vitamin C and contains other important nutrients such as folate and iron.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Pickles?

Pickles are one of the most commonly craved foods during pregnancy, so it’s a good thing they’re safe to eat (although they contain no nutritional value). Steer clear of homemade pickles though because they may contain listeria.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Cookie Dough Ice Cream?

We understand why people are asking this. Raw cookie dough contains raw egg—which isn’t safe for anyone to eat. So is raw cookie dough used in ice cream? Since store-bought cookie dough ice cream is pasteurized, it’s okay to eat.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Medium Steak?

Steak itself is fine for pregnant women to eat, but it depends how cooked it is. The FDA advises pregnant women to avoid rare steak because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. Although some women only eat well-done steak to be safe, medium or medium-well should be okay, too.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Garlic?

Garlic is mostly safe to eat, but in large amounts, it can cause some issues such as low blood pressure, thin blood, etc. However, unless you’re mowing down on garlic or using it in concentrations, it’s unlikely to affect you.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Pizza?

Although not the healthiest choice, pizza is fine to eat during pregnancy. Since commercially bought pizza in the U.S. uses pasteurized cheese, it’s okay.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Grapes?

Grapes are another fruit that people may have told you to avoid. Again, there’s no evidence behind this. As long as you wash grapes as you would any produce, you’re safe.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Kimchi?

Kimchi is safe to eat during pregnancy and is good for your gut, too. Just make sure it doesn’t contain any raw shellfish.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Watermelon?

We’re not sure why people would think watermelon is unsafe, but it’s fine to eat. Since it contains so much water, it’s a good way to keep hydrated.

 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Mango?

Mangoes are a great way to get your vitamin C and A. With that being said, it’s not good to get too much vitamin A. Like most things, eat mangoes normally, in moderation and you’re safe.

 

Can I Drink This?

Here are some of the most common questions pregnant women Google about beverages.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Cold Water?

Some women think that drinking cold beverages will affect their baby, but that’s not true. Drinking water, whatever temperature it is, is good to stay hydrated.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Coffee?

It may be safe for women to drink up to 200 mg of caffeine per day, according to the March of Dimes. This equals about one 12 oz. cup. If you’d like, you can play it safe and avoid it altogether.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Tea?

Similar to above, pregnant women can drink caffeinated tea, as long as they don’t consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. Herbal teas that are naturally caffeine-free are also safe—but make sure the herbs they contain are safe.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Chamomile Tea?

Although there’s not a lot of research on chamomile and pregnancy, women have been drinking it for ages without issues. Sticking to 1-2 cups a day shouldn’t be a problem.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Apple Cider?

As long as you’re drinking store bought apple cider (whether hot or cold), it’s pasteurized and is safe while you’re expecting.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Protein Shakes?

First off, if you’re using a protein shake as a meal replacement, you should tell your doctor. He or she will need to assess if you’re getting the nutrients necessary during pregnancy. Whether protein shakes are safe will depend on the brand you’re considering. Some protein powders contain unhealthy additives (sugar, caffeine, etc.) or herbs unsafe for pregnancy. Others are made from whey protein or vegan protein that are generally okay to drink. There are also some products specifically made for pregnant women. Whichever you choose, ask your doctor if it’s safe first.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Wine?

You probably know that alcohol, in general, is a no-no during pregnancy. But what about one glass? Will it really do anything? The answer is that there is no known safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, whether it’s beer, wine or liquor. You should avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks are generally advised against, especially on a frequent basis. They are unhealthy for anyone, but they also contain a lot of caffeine and sometimes herbs that may be harmful during pregnancy. One 2018 study looked at how energy drinks affected pregnant mice. Researchers found that over time it promoted oxidative liver, kidney and brain damage. It also changed the way their babies behaved.

 

Can Pregnant Women Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

Some women drink apple cider vinegar because of its lofty—yet unproven—health claims. When we look at the research, there’s not enough to say apple cider vinegar is safe or unsafe. In small amounts, it’s probably okay. You may be tempted to buy unpasteurized apple cider vinegar because it’s a health trend, but unpasteurized products are generally best avoided because of the risk of bacteria.

 

What foods are you avoiding during pregnancy? Comment below. If you have any pregnant friends, share this post to keep their babies safe, too!

P.S. Have you used a fetal doppler? These amazing at-home devices allow you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat at home—ensuring you that she’s okay. Check them out here.