Foods to avoid and not avoid during pregnancy
Did you know? Latest scientific research reveals there’s no need to avoid certain foods during pregnancy because you’re worried they might cause your baby to have allergies.
If you’re allergic to any foods, you should continue to avoid eating them during pregnancy. However, some women without food allergies believe that eating certain foods (such as nuts) when they’re pregnant can cause allergies in their babies. While research on this topic is ongoing, current recommendations do not indicate the need for dietary food restrictions for women without food allergy. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about your family history, or your baby’s risk, of allergy.
If you are healthy and not suffering from food allergies, you can safely eat the following foods without worrying about increasing your baby’s risk of developing allergies:
- milk
- eggs
- fish
- nuts
- wheat.
Of course, there are some foods that all pregnant women should avoid eating, such as raw fish, raw meat, or unpasteurized cheese. This is because of the risk of bacteria or food poisoning and has nothing to do with allergies.
Sources
Health Canada. Food safety for pregnant women. Food safety for pregnant women - Canada.ca Published 2015. Accessed April 2021.
Bunyavanich S, Rifas-Shiman S, Platts-Mills T et al. Peanut, milk, and wheat intake during pregnancy is associated with reduced allergy and asthma in children. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 133(5):1373-82.
Fleischer DM, Spergel JM, Assa’ad AH et al. Primary prevention of allergic disease through nutritional interventions. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2013; 1:29-36.
Frazier AL, Camargo CA, Malspeis S et al. Prospective study of peripregnancy consumption of peanuts or tree nuts by mothers and the risk of peanut or tree nut allergy in their offspring. JAMA Pediatr 2014; 168(2):156-62.
Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW, and the Committee on Nutrition and Section on Allergy and Immunology. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolyzed formulas. Pediatrics 2008; 121(1):183-91.
Related articles
5 ways to reduce your baby’s chances of having allergies
Did you know, a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce your baby's chances of developing allergies?
1 min to read
Third month of pregnancy symptoms
Your pregnancy: weeks 9-13. Your silhouette still may not show your pregnancy, but you begin to feel that the baby is there.
3 mins to read
12-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You’re coming to the end of your first trimester. Congratulations! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
They are what you eat
Did you know? Making wise food choices when you’re pregnant can set your baby up for a healthier future.
5 mins to read
Did you know?
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy can influence baby's lifelong health
1 min to read
Your Maternity Leave and Parental Leave checklist
It might seem a while away, but ahead of the arrival of the new addition to your family, it’s a good idea to begin preparations towards your leave and to find out what you are entitled to.
2 mins to read
25-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. Read more to learn what to expect during week 25 of pregnancy
2 mins to read
How to exercise safely through pregnancy
Why 30 minutes a day can impact a lifetime.
4 mins to read
6-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby’s growth is in overdrive right about now. So many exciting developments in such a tiny little being! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
38-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place.
3 mins to read
Newborn taste preferences | Did you know?
Babies’ taste preferences start before they are born
1 min to read
7 simple food swaps to consider before you get pregnant
Eating well now can have a positive impact on your pregnancy, as well as a lasting effect on your baby’s health.
4 mins to read
19-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little lodger weighs between 300 and 400 grams – weigh a grapefruit in your hand and that’s about how heavy they are. Read more to learn how baby looks at 19 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
Boost your breastfeeding confidence
Did you know? Developing your support network now can help you feel good about feeding your baby later.
2 mins to read
Prenatal multivitamins and folic acid for pregnancy
A lack of folic acid during pregnancy leads to higher risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Learn about supplementing with folic acid and how much you need.
4 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party.
2 mins to read
32-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is still developing as you head into the final lap, but it’s mostly perfecting and polishing from here on out. He or she is getting ready to meet you!
2 mins to read
Fourth month of pregnancy symptoms
Your pregnancy: weeks 14-17. Your baby's individual features and sensory organs are now being fine tuned.
3 mins to read
13-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
The start of your second trimester is the start of lots of new developmental milestones for your baby. Read more about what to expect at 13 weeks of pregnancy.
2 mins to read
