Is It Safe to Eat Peanut Butter During Pregnancy?

If you get a craving during pregnancy for a peanut butter sandwich or a peanut butter cup, you might be wondering if it is a suitable option for your prenatal diet. Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy over whether or not it is safe for pregnant women to consume peanuts and peanut products. Here's what all women should know about the role that peanut butter should play in their diet while they are pregnant.

Does Peanut Butter Increase the Risk of Childhood Allergies?

Some medical experts believe that eating peanuts and peanut products during pregnancy increases the risk of childhood peanut allergies. These theorists also believe that the risk of a child having a peanut allergy is highest among women who consume large quantities of peanut butter while they are pregnant. For this reason, some obstetricians may recommend their patients to limit the amount of peanut butter that they consume during pregnancy.

That said, there is no conclusive medical evidence that has confirmed that peanut allergies are caused by women eating peanuts during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. Genes are believed to be the primary cause of this allergy, and it is not believed that the problem can be prevented through diet alone. Some medical experts even believe that consuming peanut butter and other peanut products during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of allergies by exposing your baby to it, but, once again, there is no evidence in support of this theory.

Can Eating Peanut Butter During Pregnancy Cause Asthma?

Research has shown that there is a 50% greater risk of asthma among children born to mothers who consumed peanut butter regularly during pregnancy, according to WebMD. The study found that the risk was greatest when pregnant women ate peanuts or peanut products every day during pregnancy. While you do not need to give up eating peanut butter entirely while you are pregnant to reduce the risk of childhood asthma, it is recommended that you avoid eating it daily.

Keep in mind that peanut butter isn't safe for all women to eat during pregnancy. If you have a preexisting peanut allergy, it is important to avoid peanut butter and other peanut products at all times. While your doctor may recommend you to eat peanut butter because it contains levels of protein and folic acid, you should not put your health at risk by including this food in your diet. Also keep in mind that certain types of peanut butter tend to be high in sugar. Read labels or ask a nutritionist about a healthier brand of peanut butter to reduce your risk of gestational diabetes.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Any individual who is concerned about their health should seek medical attention from a licensed health care professional.

Sources:
BabyCenter
March of Dimes
WebMD