2021 Expert view | can Pregnant women eat Mushrooms safe?

We all know mushrooms are tasty and healthy foods. Some people love to eat mushrooms with any dishes. But while you are expecting, is it safe mushroom in pregnancy?

So dear mushroom lovers, today we talk about all kinds of mushrooms that you can have during pregnancy.

Mushrooms belong to the fungi family, which are neither plants nor animals. They have different structures and functions including different reproductive systems.

Mushroom is known as a toadstool, which is a powerhouse of nutritional value. So there are more than 10000 species are there in the world. Can you eat all of them? Never. I will explain to you the entire list of safe mushrooms in pregnancy.

Before that, know more about what you eat. Because no matter what you eat during gestation, your baby receives the same nutrients or toxins.

So, if we talk about mushrooms, they are a good source of protein, fibers, and vitamins but make sure it should be the edible mushroom.

Mushrooms do not harm you at all, can cause side effects during pregnancy. You can’t eat random mushrooms available in the market.

Many women doubt mushrooms are heat or cold?
The mushroom is under cooling food.

I know some women crave mushrooms during pregnancy. Are you one of them? If yes, then don’t worry. Read this full article and clear all your doubts from the heal health family.

If you are in hurry, here is our short tips:

Mushrooms in pregnancy are considered healthy except under certain conditions-you should be aware of safe mushrooms such as White Button mushrooms, Oyster mushrooms, Cremini mushrooms. Mushrooms should also be fresh and clean and well cooked.

See At A Glance

The first thing, you should know that is mushroom good for pregnancy? 

So, the answer is yes, it is. Some species of mushrooms have good effects during pregnancy. 

You can eat mushrooms but 

  • It should be fresh,
  • It should be clean & thoroughly washed,
  • It should be edible.
  • And the mushrooms should thoroughly cook very well.
  • Raw mushrooms can cause deadly effects. Stay away from raw mushrooms or undercooked mushrooms.

mushrooms in pregnancy

Which mushrooms are safe during pregnancy

  • Oyster, 
  • Cremini, 
  • Shiitake mushrooms, 
  • White button mushrooms, 
  • Maitake, 
  • Porcini mushrooms, 
  • Chestnut mushrooms, 
  • King Oysters, 
  • Portabella & Portobello, 

See, many mushrooms can eat during your pregnancy, and these are safe and healthy.

Let’s talk about them. Some of them maybe not be found in your region. How did they look? How to eat the most important is limit; how much should you eat?

Lists of safe mushrooms in pregnancy:

1. Is oyster mushroom good for pregnancy?

Both are the same. Yet, king oyster mushrooms are more prominent than regular oyster mushrooms and safe during pregnancy.

They are tasty and delicious, including lots of nutritional values.

Most of the part is the stem and has a small-cap in king oyster, and Oyster mushrooms have oysters like a shell.

They are commonly founded in the Asian market.

  • Pick fresh oyster mushrooms to have antioxidants, nutrients, proteins, low fat.
  • They are a rich source of the vitamin B complex ( B1, B2, B3, B5) which, are essential for baby growth.
  • Present Vitamin D, Iron, Fiber.

Note: Make sure to eat fresh, clean, well-cooked, and do not overeat may cause stomach upset.

2. Cremini Mushrooms:

 Cremini or Crimini is known as “baby Bella” & ” baby portobellos.”

When edible mushrooms are immature and brown, they may be cremini.

  • Small to medium in size and present a round cap on head with a chubby stem basically are the Cremini one.
  • They are edible mushrooms; AKA Agaricus bisporus.
  • It carries many useful substances like Selenium, zinc, folate, which is healthy and essential when pregnant, vitamin B complex, potassium, Vitamin D, Manganese, and amino acids.
  • Baby Bella can enhance immunity and the digestive system.
  • Crimini can induce estrogen level primary essential hormone for pregnancy that helps develop the uterus, help make breast milk, and regulate the fetus’s bone density.
  • Reduce high blood pressure; women consume 100 gms of mushrooms each day can control or decrease their high blood pressure during pregnancy.
  • So, in that case, there are more health benefits you think crimini mushrooms or mushroom in pregnancy.

Note: Those who have allergy stay away from it. Make sure to eat clean and fresh with well cooked.

Avoid or don’t take if the mushroom looks sleazy, crumpled, and carries a heavy stench, than usual, should not eat.

3. Portabella & Portobello Mushrooms: 

Portobella and Portobello are the same when Crimini becomes mature and brown in color, known as Portobello. 

They are so delicious with lots of nutrients.

  • It contains high potassium, Fibre, and folate.
  • Vitamin B complex is highly essential for your baby’s blood and growth.
  • Portobello positively affects blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
  • Rich source of Niacin, Vitamin B -6, and copper.
  • It carries a massive amount of Selenium, which makes strong immunity.
  • It helps in constipation.

Note: Women have an allergy, stay away from it. It should not eat raw or undercooked.

4. Chestnut mushrooms

Chestnut almost looks like white button mushrooms with a brown cap and pinking with dark brown gills.

  • It contains Selenium, copper, and potassium.
  • Vitamin B complex and vitamin D.
  • It can go with soups, stew.

5. Shiitake mushroom in pregnancy:

Shiitake mushrooms are popular in China. Mainly in Chinese cuisine.

They are blackish and carry a leafy surface.

These mushrooms main applied in Chinese medicine as well as Korean and Japanese medicine.

  • It also contains the same as other mushrooms’ nutrients.
  • Besides, it keeps the heart-healthy.
  • Control Cholesterol.
  • It contains Beta-glucan.

Note: Raw or undercooked Shiitake can cause “shiitake dermatitis,” an allergic reaction.

6. Maitake Mushrooms:

This is a medicinal mushroom. Maitake uses in Chinese, Japanese, and North American traditional medicines.

It has an adaptogen property that helps the body stand against mental and physical disabilities.

  • It contains Beta-glucan.
  • Vitamin B and Vitamin C.
  • Maitake has antioxidant properties.
  • Others- potassium, copper, fiber, minerals, and amino acids.
  • Being low sodium maintains saltiness in the body.
  • Maintain cholesterol and fat-free.

Note: Mitake should eat fresh and clean. Do not take the too old lead to indigestion.

7. White button mushrooms:

White button mushrooms, aka Agaricus bisporus, are found everywhere. 

They are white with a small stem and most delicious.

  • One cup of mushrooms contains 21 cal with zero fat.
  • White button mushrooms provide 33 % vitamin D of the daily value.
  • It contains Selenium, folate, protein, and phosphorus.
  • They maintain blood glucose levels.

8. Porcini mushrooms:

Porcini is the expensive one mainly used in Italian Food. They have a brown cap thick white stem.

Porcini contain protein.

9. Chanterelle Mushrooms: 

Chanterelle mushrooms are good but take precautions before eating during pregnancy.

These are well-containing vitamin B1 to B6, protein, and Goodness with fibers.

However, the cell wall of chanterelle mushrooms is not digestible. So well cooked mushrooms only take during pregnancy; otherwise, it can lead to stomach upsets and diarrhea.

Now you can decide which mushroom in pregnancy should be right, and you will take it.

Benefits of eating mushroom in pregnancy:

When we talk about mushrooms’ benefits during pregnancy, frankly speaking, there are several benefits, but keep in mind raw mushrooms are not a good option during pregnancy. Try to avoid it.

Okay. You need to know its nutritional value before you know the benefits, then you can understand its importance during pregnancy.

Mushrooms contain minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. These are:

  • Energy
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrate
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Vitamin D
  • Folate
  • Niacin
  • Sodium
  • Iron
  • Phosphorus

Now you can understand the importance of mushrooms during pregnancy.

  • Vitamins during pregnancy in mushroom: 

Mushrooms are the powerhouse of vitamin B. Most importantly, riboflavin. That is perfect for your baby to develop bones, muscles, and nerves. Riboflavin is good for healthy skin.

It contains niacin. It helps maintain your cholesterol levels and diminishes your risk of heart disorder.
Vitamin B3 is useful for the circulatory system of both mother and baby.

Thiamine helps to develop your baby’s brain. It helps to reduce fatigue and build energy in your body.

Pantothenic acid is an emergent vitamin because it helps to inhibit digestive disorders.
Metabolism issue is a common problem during pregnancy but pantothenic acid perfect for your digestive system.

Do you know mushrooms also a rich source of vitamin D? Yes, it has. Vitamin D helps to absorb calcium, and it’s proper for bone and tooth.

As per the report, the boiling mushroom is perfect for the development of bone.

So, add mushroom to your diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  • Mushroom benefits because of protein and fiber:

Fiber and protein are richly in mushrooms. Protein is necessary for all the growth of the body and is suitable for muscle development.

Protein is a crucial nutrient for your fetus’s growth.

Related article: Top 29+High Protein fruits & Foods for your Healthy Lifestyle

Fiber containing fruits are foods also vital because it helps in constipation. Fatigue, even a significant problem during pregnancy but fiber, has a great effect on that.

As you know, fiber is two types:

  • Insoluble fiber
  • soluble fiber

Both are present in mushrooms.

Insoluble fiber is good for digestion.

Soluble fiber is perfect for blood sugar (low). It helps to maintain it. Cholesterol issues also a significant problem solve by soluble fiber.

If you want a stress free and smooth life, don’t avoid protein and fiber-containing fruits and vegetables.

You will get all the benefits from mushrooms; just plan your diet with mushrooms.

  • Benefits of iron:

As the amount of blood rises during gestation, your body needs more hemoglobin. As we know, mushrooms are full of loads with iron, which helps produce hemoglobin and RBC (red blood cells). It’s not only for the mom also for the fetus.

  • Mushroom benefits for antioxidants:

As we know, antioxidants help combat free radicals, giving you a healthy life and increasing immunity.

Do you know what antioxidants are present in mushrooms?

Let me tell you, selenium and ergothioneine are the most popular antioxidants present in mushrooms.

Potassium, Zinc, Selenium are all nutrients that provide you with a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and help develop the fetus.

These all help to keep away all the illness during pregnancy week.

I think now you can get an idea regarding the benefits of mushrooms during pregnancy. Right?

  • Mushrooms contain Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is essential for bone and teeth. Vitamin D also helps to absorb calcium.

Disadvantages of mushrooms in pregnancy:

Yes, mushrooms have advantages, but there are also some risks, or you may say there are disadvantages.

As we early discuss, some mushrooms are tasty but contain some toxins that are not good for you and your fetus.

Psilocybin also a chemical constituent that presents in magic mushrooms. It’s has a notable effect on fetal growth.
It’s not only harmful during pregnancy as well as worse during breastfeeding.

Congenital disabilities may occur because of poisonous mushrooms.

Extreme consumption of mushrooms is also problematic. It can affect your metabolism. So, before eating, always consult your healthcare staff.

Keep in mind that these hazards will not appear from healthful and safe mushrooms.

List of side effects:

Side effects may occur because of mushrooms like

  • Hallucinations
  • Anxiety
  • Psychotic Reactions
  • Improper growth for fetus
  • Obesity
  • Increase cholesterol levels
  • Increase blood sugar levels.

Above all of these are general side effects that may happen because of mushrooms.

unsafe mushrooms in pregnancy

Hazardous mushrooms during pregnancy:

Mushrooms during pregnancy are quite right and healthy choices but are cautious about the poisonous ones. Other things like enoki, buna-shimiji, and more are consumed safely for non-pregnant mothers.

Avoid raw mushrooms in pregnancy.

However, these are not suitable mushrooms while pregnant.

Enoki mushrooms bear listeria in it, causing listeria infection, which is not a good idea while you are pregnant.  Listeria causes miscarriage.

The moral is edible, but some of them are poisonous. They also look the same, it will confuse choosing the right and the healthy one, so these mushrooms should avoid pregnancy. There are so many other alternative mushrooms are available.

Buna shimiji is the same as enoki; they are in the same category.

Always stay away from poisonous and magic mushrooms. They highly cause of fetus death.

# Can I eat raw mushrooms during pregnancy?

No, never try to eat raw mushrooms during pregnancy.

Raw mushrooms pregnancy:

Raw mushrooms pregnancy is a terrible idea. Raw mushrooms can carry dirt residue and other foreign matter, which can be poisonous for the fetus and the mother.

The most important raw mushrooms are indigestible, which may occur stomach upset and diarrhea.

Some mushrooms contain carcinogenic effect with their cell walls, so well cooked mushrooms can vanish these toxins and make them healthy and safe. Besides that, well-cooked mushrooms develop their nutrients.

Magical mushrooms:

Don’t overthink, close your eyes, and stay away from magic mushrooms during pregnancy. They are the most dangerous and toxic for the fetus.

They carry Psilocybin & Psilocin, which leads to hallucinations, mental disbalance, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness.

The worst of all is death. Not only in pregnancy, but you should also avoid even breastfeeding. Magic mushrooms may cause birth defects.

Parasol mushrooms and Morel mushrooms should avoid while pregnant.

These are what to eat, what not to eat, the advantages, and the bad effects. Now let’s go and see what else people want, and It will be good for you.

Medicinal Mushrooms during pregnancy?

Medicinal mushrooms have many medicinal properties that help cure major diseases. It acts as an immunomodulator by which it can fight against cancer cells.

  • Pepieau uses for diminishing bad cholesterol, an anticoagulant, and sometimes anti-diabetic.
  • Cepe or King Bolete uses for healing lumbago, leg pains, paralysis in limbs, and tendon discomfort. 
  • Turkey Tail uses to reduce phlegm, promote energy, manage ringworm, heal pulmonary dysfunction.
  • Shiitake uses to treat t.B. in the lungs, improve antibody production for hepatitis B, reduce cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.
  •  Reishi uses to reduce blood pressure, & hypertension, and gout; 

has anti-allergic activity, anti-inflammatory, acts on insomnia.

These are all medicinal mushrooms that have a potential effect on certain diseases but there is no strong evidence to show medicinal mushrooms are safe or dangerous.

Before taking any medicinal mushrooms please consult with your doctor.

FAQS on Mushrooms during pregnancy:

# Can you eat mushrooms when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat mushroom in pregnancy but make sure it should fresh and safe mushrooms.

Mushroom for pregnant :

Mushrooms contain various health benefits and you have mushrooms in your diet.

100 gm of mushroom ( crimini) contains 22 kcal energy.

  • 2.5 gm of protein
  • A high amount of vitamin D about 3 IU means fill 1% of the daily value.
  • The present rich amount of Folate. Lots of essential minerals and a good amount of selenium.

# How long to keep your mushrooms?

  • As per the experts, mushrooms should store properly ( like allow the air to breathe them, don’t let them dry,
  • Another method uses plastic containers with paper towels for moisture, and
  • Another keeps them in their own box buy. Freeze the mushrooms. Fridge and humidity can increase the durability of your mushrooms. However, experts say use it within 2 weeks after you cut the seal.

# Black fungus mushroom pregnancy:

Black fungus mushrooms are safe in pregnancy. They mainly see in Asian and Chinese cuisine.

But make sure they are well cooked and fresh. Avoid raw or undercooked and spoiled mushrooms.

# Mushroom soup safe in pregnancy

Yes, mushroom soup safe in pregnancy because when it comes to mushrooms, essential nutrients of a mushroom cannot be released unless cooked fully.

Make sure before cooking mushroom should wash well drain and cooked correctly. Then it becomes a healthy and safe mushroom in pregnancy.

# Can you eat cream of mushroom soup while pregnant?

Mushroom soup while pregnant safe in case, cream of mushroom soup also safe.

For most of the women craving cream mushrooms, the cream should make from pasteurized milk or drink.

# Button mushroom during pregnancy

White Button mushroom during pregnancy considers safe and can consume them in moderate amounts.

It should be clean and fresh. The button mushroom should be cooked very well.

# Can you eat mushroom risotto when pregnant?

Risotto contains a small amount of alcohol. But alcohol does not have an ill impact.

It’s fair to eat sometimes unless you eat mushroom risotto when pregnant daily it may cause side effects, and an otherwise little bit of wine in the risotto won’t hurt you.

# Knorr mushroom soup during pregnancy:

Knorr soup contains artificial flavor and spices; in pregnancy, it is good to avoid artificial food.

The compound makes knorr mushroom soup is not safe during pregnancy.

# Wood ear mushroom breastfeeding: 

There is no such research says that wood ear mushrooms in pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. 

Our suggestion is to ask your doctor, or there are so many alternative mushrooms present and safe during pregnancy. You can try them.

# Can you eat mushroom pizza when pregnant?

Yes. You can eat mushroom pizza when pregnant but make sure it should well cook and take a moderate amount.

# Can I eat truffle mushroom in pregnancy?

Truffle mushrooms are highly costly mushrooms come in several colors like white truffle, black truffle, summer, and garlic truffle.

Most of them, black truffle comes from France and white truffles come from Italy.

Though truffle is highly qualified medicinal mushrooms which is very beneficial for health. But is truffle mushrooms healthy for a pregnant woman?

Medicinal mushrooms are not safe during pregnancy.

# can you eat fried mushrooms while pregnant?

Yes, the fried mushroom does not contain any harmful bacteria.

So you can eat fried mushrooms while pregnant.

# Is reishi mushroom safe during pregnancy?

Reishi mushroom during pregnancy is not safe because there is no enough data to indicate the safety of reishi mushrooms in pregnancy.

It affects platelet count.

# Can you eat mozzarella when pregnant?

Although mozzarella is a soft cheese, it is obtained from pasteurized milk, which is harmless during pregnancy.

You can eat mozzarella(not Burrata) when pregnant, your favorite pizza cheese.

# Tibicos mushroom for pregnant safe or not?

I don’t think tibicos mushroom safe for pregnant.

# Cheese during pregnancy list: 

When you are pregnant, craving cheese is common, and you should choose wisely.

Because cheese is made from unpasteurized milk as well as pasteurized milk.

During pregnancy, avoid unpasteurized milk; it can cause listeria infection leads to miscarriage.

So here the list of cheese during pregnancy:

  • Soft cheeses like mozzarella(not Burrata), feta, paneer, goat’s cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, halloumi, cottage cheese, are all soft and pasteurized cheese.
  • Cheeses like parmesan, Romano, stilton, and cheddar, are all hard cheeses. 

# Can you eat mussels when pregnant?

Yes, Dear, of course, you can eat mussels when pregnant, but mussels are one type of seafood and a little dangerous in pregnancy in some conditions, as you know.

Make sure the seafood should be fresh, washed thoroughly, and cooked very well.

Raw and undercooked should avoid during pregnancy because they contain many harmful bacteria and viruses that lead to food poison and hurt your baby.

And, one more thing you can eat mussels but in a moderate amount.

# Benefits of prawns during pregnancy:

Prawns are a great root of protein. You can eat prawns but in a certain amount. It is also seafood like others but has many health benefits while pregnant.

  • Contain a full pack of proteins.
  • Maintain your gestational diabetes.
  • Prawns are rich in vitamin D and B12, which are crucial during pregnancy.
  • Also, Shrimp carries iron, zinc, iodine, copper, which plays a very important role in those days.
  • Being low-fat prawns are maintained your calorie intake.
  • The most important element omega3 fatty acid needs while you are expecting for developing baby.

Note: If you are allergic, then you should avoid and ask your doctors.

# Seafood pregnancy: 

Most seafood lovers get worried when they are pregnant, is seafood safe during their good time?

As per the FDA and EPA, they recommend pregnant women can take 8 to 12 ounce (340gms) seafood in a week consider safe, but it should vary and watch out for the mercury levels.

List of seafood safe during pregnancy:

  • Salmon
  • Sardine
  • Clam
  • Mussels
  • Prawns
  • Oyster
  • Lobster
  • crab
  • Cod
  • Tilapia
  • Shrimp
  • Herring
  • Halibut
  • Flounder
  • Canned light tuna
  • Hake
  • Trout

This seafood should avoid during pregnancy:

  • King mackerel
  • Marline
  • Bigeye tuna
  • Shark
  • Swordfish
  • Tilefish

Note: Reduce the intake of mercury fish or seafood. Whatever you eat, make sure fresh and clean as well as cooked well.

Which mushrooms are safe during pregnancy

Mushrooms are a good choice of nutrients while you become a mother. But there are so many mushrooms that are present in the market, and all are not reliable.

Here the list of safe mushrooms in pregnancy:

  • Oyster
  • Crimini
  • White button mushrooms
  • Porcini
  • Chestnut 
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Portobello

These are safe mushrooms during pregnancy.

Our view on the mushrooms in pregnancy:

As per the upper discussion, we can easily say mushrooms are good to eat during pregnancy but not overeat.

Mushrooms are full of nutrition, so never avoid them.

Particular types of mushrooms are not suitable for you, damaging your immunity. So, avoid those types of mushrooms.

Not only mushrooms various foods are present that are safe throughout pregnancy week. Add your healthy diet list.

Related article: 5 Reasons You Should Not Take Too Much DHA During Pregnancy?

Though mushrooms during pregnancy are safe, there are several foods and things that are not safe for you and baby. Try to avoid it.

At last, we are supporting your craving and enjoy mushrooms throughout pregnancy. You can also enjoy your orange juice and ice cream during pregnancy but not excessive.

I think you enjoyed this article and if you think it’s an informative article regarding mushrooms in pregnancy, then share where you want.

Thank You.


Written By: Riya Paul (Asst. Prof of Biotechnology)

Reviewed By: Saikat Bera( Asst. Prof. of Pharmacology)


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