Is It Safe to Eat Honey during Pregnancy

Is It Safe to Eat Honey during Pregnancy

Children under one year of age should not eat honey because it can contain botulinum spores.  Mature digestive systems are more acidic than a young child’s and thus prevent spores from producing the toxin that causes the deadly food poisoning botulism.  Children under one do not have the mature digestive system that can prevent this from happening.  When young children eat honey contaminated with botulinum spores the spores can colonize the intestine.  The spores are not toxic, but when they germinate the release dangerous neurotoxins that are absorbed into the blood stream and can cause paralysis.

Pregnant woman can safely eat honey.  Pregnant Mom’s digestive tracts are acidic and will prevent the spores from germinating thus preventing any danger to the fetus from eating honey.  Men, Women, and older children are routinely exposed to the spores that can be present in honey without any affect.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.

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