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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is raw honey safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about raw honey during pregnancy?

  1. Honey is restricted for babies under 12 months because of infant-botulism risk, but that rule is about life after birth and doesn't apply to the pregnant person. 1
  2. A mature adult digestive system keeps the bacteria that can cause infant botulism from growing, which is why honey is risky for babies but not for healthy adults eating normal amounts. 2
  3. CDC's food-safety guidance for pregnant people focuses on risks like Listeria in specific food categories, and honey isn't on that restricted list. 3
  4. A tablespoon of honey has about 17 grams of carbohydrate, worth counting if you're watching blood sugar or being monitored for gestational diabetes. 4

Is raw honey safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. There's no special restriction here. Normal cooking and eating amounts are fine.
  • Second trimester. Same guidance continues. If your gestational-diabetes screening comes back elevated, honey's natural sugar is worth counting, so talk with your provider about tracking carbs.
  • Third trimester. Same guidance still applies. Just remember not to give honey to your baby until after their first birthday.

Frequently asked questions

Is raw honey different from processed honey for pregnancy safety?

Not in any meaningful way for the pregnant adult. Both are fine in normal cooking amounts. Just keep either kind away from babies under 12 months after birth.

What about mead or honey wine?

Skip it. Alcoholic drinks, including mead, should be avoided during pregnancy no matter what they're made from. See our alcohol and beverage guides.

Can raw honey soothe a sore throat in pregnancy?

Yes, a spoonful or a bit stirred into tea is a common and generally fine way to soothe a sore throat. If it lasts more than a couple of days or comes with a fever, call your provider.

Are honey-based cough drops safe?

Plain sugar-and-honey lozenges are generally fine. If the cough drops contain added medication, check with your provider or pharmacist first.

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References

  1. Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit: Infant and Toddler Nutrition, CDC

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-or-limit.html

  2. About Botulism

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/about/index.html

  3. Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women: CDC Food Safety

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html

  4. Nutrition Facts on the New Nutrition Facts Label: FDA

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-new-nutrition-facts-label

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.