Can you eat raisins when pregnant?

Find out if it's safe to eat raisins during pregnancy, plus precautions to take to keep you and your baby healthy.

The official advice on eating raisins in pregnancy

Good news! It's safe to eat raisins during pregnancy.

Raisins are an extremely versatile food. They can be added to rice dishes, cereals, salads and baked desserts or simply eaten as a delicious healthy snack.

Are raisins good for you in pregnancy?

Despite their tiny size, raisins contains lots of nutrients. However, they're also high in calories. According to Healthline, half a cup of raisins contains around 217 calories. In comparison, a 330ml can of coke has 139 calories. This is why it's best to enjoy raisins in moderation.

Because raisins stick to your teeth when you eat them, they can also contribute to tooth decay. Where possible, it's best to enjoy them with meals, as the other foods will help to remove the raisins from your teeth. Alternatively, try rinsing your mouth with water or having some sugar-free chewing gum after eating raisins.

That said, raisins do have some health benefits that sugary drinks don't:

• Raisins are rich in fibre and iron. These can help to aid digestion and boost your immune system. It can be particularly tricky to get enough iron when you're pregnant, so raisins are a great way to boost your intake.
• Raisins are an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Delicious raisin recipes

Love raisins? Why not try one of these great pregnancy-safe recipes?

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• Raisin and oat cookies
• Lemon and raisin cookies
• Beetroot, raisin & stem ginger pudding

The Day-by-Day Pregnancy Book: Count Down Your Pregnancy Day by Day by Dr Maggie Blott is packed full of advice from a team of experts to help guide you through your pregnancy from conception to birth. See more details here at Amazon.

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Looking for more pregnancy diet info? Check out our articles below, or swap tips with other mums-to-be in our forum.

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