Hello mom, I know you are pregnant and worried about your food list because you know that you have to avoid lots of things during your pregnancy time, that’s why you are thinking about can pregnant women eat honey? Is it safe or not. Right?
When we are thinking about natural sugar, then the first thing that came to mind is honey. It is healthy for any people and comes with lots of nutritional benefits, but is it OK to eat natural sweetening things during pregnancy?
We all know you want to save your fetus from anything, and don’t worry, your heal health family is here to solve your queries. Our teams are always with you.
Before going to the first point, we are requesting you please read the full articles because we discuss all kinds of honey safety, side effects, and, most importantly, how to eat when it is dangerous.
See At A Glance
Can pregnant women eat honey is it safe?
Yes, pregnant women can eat honey. If your doctor suggests not to eat, then you have to stop it. Otherwise, it’s right for you and your baby.
Remember one thing honey, must be pasteurized and check the level of packets that it is also government authorized or not.
Botulism is the most concerning thing about eating raw honey. Research says it mainly affects kids who are below one year. Because the digestive systems are not well matured.
Gastrointestinal systems contain good bacteria that support to block botulism toxins. It’s rare to find that any pregnant woman suffering from that because the placenta is strong enough to protect it, which means it does not pass through the placenta barrier.
But the fact is, we all believe that prevention is better than cure. So, the best thing is if you want to eat honey during pregnancy, then focus on pasteurized honey.
Not only the upper things, but there are also lots of benefits of honey during pregnancy. Let’s talk about that.
Benefits of honey during pregnancy:
Honey has lots of benefits because of its ingredients. I can explain you step by step.
If you look into the components presents in the honey, then you can find three things,
- Water
- Glucose
- Sucrose
Though honey does not contain any vitamins and popular minerals, it still has some nutritional benefits.
Tremendous effects on the immune system:
Honey is most popular because of its antibacterial and antioxidants properties that strengthen your immune system.
It also uses for topical purposes like cuts and wounds because of its wound healing characteristics. It helps to relieve heartburn.
Know how does a banana relieve heartburn during pregnancy
Relief from cold and cough:
Some of us think can pregnant women take honey for cough, then the answer is yes, why not?
Honey is famous for its antiviral properties. It helps to relieve acute cough and prevent viral disease.
During pregnancy, we always try to avoid extra medicine that can affect our body like any side effects. So, honey is the best option for that reason.
Helps in insomnia:
According to Ayurveda, honey has a hypnotic effect that helps you sleep properly.
Some studies say if you take honey with hot milk before bedtime, it gives you a night of uninterrupted sleep.
Honey also has some stress-relieving effects. During pregnancy, stress can affect your quality of sleep. Believe me. Honey is perfect for this condition.
May cure ulcers:
Ulcers are dangerous during pregnancy because of their effect on the stomach and its located near the womb.
Regular consumption of honey can protect you from a duodenal ulcer caused by H.pylori germs.
That’s why honey while pregnant is necessary. If you have any other issues, then before eating anything, always consult with your doctor.
Perfect for allergies:
Honey is good for seasonal allergies. Though some research says many allergies occur because of immunity but as we previously noted that honey also strengthens our immunity.
More research is needed for a perfect conclusion on that.
Honey effect on the sore throat:
Sore throat is a common irritating syndrome. Whenever you face that, drinking tea with honey and ginger. It relieves your pain.
Generally, sore throat occurs because of viral infection or may bacterial. Honey helps with that because it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Protect your hair and scalp:
If you have any dandruff problems, then you can use honey with water. During pregnancy, always using shampoo and other things may cause cold and cough for that reason, honey also a good option.
As we know, craving sweets also a common thing throughout pregnancy. Craving is not a bad thing, but if you take refined sugar, it can affect your health. Honey is a natural sweetener; you can focus on that without any doubt.
I think now you can understand the benefits of honey during pregnancy and get some idea of whether pregnant women can eat honey or not. Right?
Though honey has tremendous health benefits in pregnancy, there also some side effects. Let’s talk about that point.
Honey in pregnancy side effects:
As you know, excessive foods or overeating is not suitable for your health. It also applies to honey.
Could increase blood sugar levels:
If your craving is honey and consumes an excessive amount, it can increase your sugar levels in the blood and worsen insulin protection.
Do you know? One tablespoon of honey contains 64 Kcal because of glucose and fructose that are present in it. This is one of the reasons for insulin sensitivity, and that’s why gestational diabetes occurs.
Some people say honey is one of the foods to avoid during pregnancy; the reason is gestational diabetes. If it may happen, you have to check your blood sugar spike regularly.
I know your question is can pregnant women eat honey; then yes you can. But excessive honey can harm you. Here are also some results that you have to know about it.
Weight gaining issues:
Whether you are a mother or not, 97% of women do not like the effects of weight gain. We are in the trend of weight loss.
The fact is one spoon of honey contains more calories compared to refined sugar. Now you can calculate how much honey is right for you.
Though it also increases your activity levels but remembers maintaining weight is good but during pregnancy, always consult with your doctor about your matter because too thin may also create problems during labor.
Diarrhoea and allergy:
An allergy may occur because we are not taking honey regularly. Always consume branded honey. Otherwise, diarrhea also happens.
Though these are not severe conditions, it may irritate your pregnancy week. That’s why always believe in a trusted brand.
Cramps in pregnant lady:
Fructose is the leading cause of gastrointestinal issues, and honey contains a lot of it. This sugar can take a lot of time to digest in our body that why stomach cramps, bloating are happening.
So, these are the honey side effects during pregnancy. If you are sensitive to that, then try to avoid it.
FAQS:
Q1. Can a pregnant woman take honey and lemon?
Yes, mom. It is perfect for you. You can drink honey with lemon. It helps to reduce stress during labour. Most of the mom prefers it during 5th weeks of pregnancy.
Our advice is to consult your doctor about when to start and when to stop.
Q2. Honey with warm water during pregnancy safe or not?
Honey is safe for you and your baby. Many doctors suggest taking one tablespoon of honey with one cup of tea or a glass of water.
Remember, always drink lukewarm water. Tap water is harmful during pregnancy.
Q3. Honey during pregnancy first trimester:
Pasteurized honey is safe during the first trimester. Not only honey, here is a list of foods that are in the first trimester like
- Bananas
- Ginger tea
- Yogurt
- Lean Meat
Q4. Excessive coughing during pregnancy, how to treat it?
If you think what the reason for excessive coughing, then the main two-point is increasing estrogen levels and the other is lower immunity.
Now you are thinking about how estrogen is responsible. Right? The TRPV1 ion channel is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic cough.
Honey is the perfect treatment for this because it works as a cough suppressant and helps to increase our immune system.
You can also try the below home remedies for cold during pregnancy.
- Gargle with salty lukewarm water
- Warm water with lemon
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Apple cider vinegar
Steam breathing is the most popular method for fast relief from excessive coughing during pregnancy.
Q5. Coughing during pregnancy second and third trimester:
Some women think honey does not work during the second and third trimester. But believe me, it’s wrong. Pasteurized honey is a safe option.
If you think coughing can hurt your baby, then you are wrong that she or he is safe in the womb.
Q6. Manuka honey during pregnancy:
Yes, Manuka honey is safe while pregnant. If you have any diabetes then before eating it, consult with your doctors.
The product must be certified by the food inspector.
Q7. Can I take Capilano pure Australian honey in pregnancy?
It is quite confusional because the company said they did not pasteurize the honey at a high temperature.
Capilano honey does not contain any added sugar and good for our health, but when it comes to pregnancy, always ask your health care staff is it safe for you or not.
Sorry for the inconvincible answer.
OK, let’s move to other queries are you ever think that can pregnant women eat raw honey?
Q8. Is raw honey safe for pregnancy?
Raw honey is safe for pregnant women without any doubts. Some article says to try to avoid natural honey that comes to the farmer.
It is useful if you have recent antibiotic treatment. It not safe for a child who is below one year.
Unpasteurized honey may contain botulism and toxins that can harm you. Botulism is a dangerous bacteria. So, avoid honey for infants.
The bottom line is raw honey during pregnancy safe, but always verify the quality of honey.
Raw honey benefits:
- The powerhouse of antioxidants.
- Improve digestive problems.
- Famous for antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Work as an immunity booster.
These are the remarkable benefits of eating raw honey.
Q9. How much honey is a day safe during pregnancy?
There is no perfect recommendation. Approximate you can eat 3 to 5 tablespoon honey is excellent, and it means you consume 180 to 200 calories. It is safe.
Benefits of honey in the morning:
First of all, if you want to eat regular honey, then you have to replace other sugar-containing foods because of the sugar.
- It’s good for your heart health.
- Give you a fresh morning full of energy.
- Moderate consumption limiting weight gain.
- More health benefits come when you take it on an empty stomach.
Remember, excessive eating has many side effects. As we previously discussed disadvantages of honey.
Use caution when eating honey:
Precaution is always better than cure. So, before eating or drinking, know the below things.
- Never add honey to hot water; it can remove all beneficial enzymes. I always prefer lukewarm water.
- Never mix curd with honey. It may create digestive problems.
- Never mix radish with honey. It may produce toxins in your body.
- Avoid honey when taking foods that contain vitamin C and D. It may nullify the vitamin’s benefits.
Pregnant women eat honey but not with the upper combination.
Q10. How to separate real or pure honey?
In the market, you can get branded honey, but they’re also some adultered honey that contains refined sugar, corn syrup, starch, etc. These substances are not suitable for your health.
Now the question is how to choose or identify. Right?
Don’t worry. We are suggesting some tips that help you.
- When you apply any pure honey, it sticks to the fingers but adulterated honey reasonably sticky because of added impurities.
- Pure honey is viscus and takes time to move around the jar. Where diluted honey smoothly rotates in the pot.
- Pure honey takes time to settle in the water when you mix with any spoon. Otherhand diluted honey is quickly dropped.
- Real honey does not readily absorb in bloating paper but dilutes honey easily absorb.
Buy honey from a branded store. This type of honey is pasteurized and passes all qualities with the drug inspector’s approval.
I think now you have a clear idea of can pregnant women eat honey or not. Right?
Our view on can pregnant women eat honey:
After all, above the conversation, we can conclude that pregnant women eat honey, but if you have any diabetes and gastrointestinal problems try to avoid it or for best results consult with your doctors and health care staff.
If you are worried about what things to avoid during pregnancy, then here is the article
21+ Things to avoid during pregnancy that cause miscarriage*
Throughout pregnancy ever feel bad or severe situation happen, always consult a doctor or any health care staff.
Enjoy your stress-free pregnancy week with lots of cravings. You can check the craving list that guides you a lot.
Check out our article: Is craving orange juice good during pregnancy?
We are praying; So that you and your baby stay healthy, and we look forward to seeing your smile with your baby.
So, that’s all for today. If you find any helpful information regarding can pregnant women eat honey, then share this article for any queries comment to us.
Thank You.
Written By: Saikat Bera ( Asst. Prof. of Pharmacology)
Reviewed By: Dr. Subha Das ( M.B.B.S, MD.)
