Is It Safe to Eat Grapes During Pregnancy?

You’re pregnant and a craving for grapes hits you hard. That sweet taste and the satisfaction of biting into the taut skin just can’t leave your mind. Then suddenly you remember, didn't I read that I shouldn't eat grapes while pregnant?

You may have heard that grapes are unsafe during pregnancy, or maybe you read it in a pregnancy book. But actually, grapes are generally fine to eat when expecting. In fact purple and red grapes contain a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. Taking resveratrol as a dietary supplement pill or powder may be harmful for fetal development. However, the amount of resveratrol in grapes is too small to pose danger to you or your baby.

In fact, resveratrol has many benefits for your baby when you consumed in grapes, notes Len Kliman, OAM, MBBS, an OB-GYN with more than 35 years experience. "If eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, grapes are generally tolerated well during pregnancy."

Here's what you need to know about eating grapes during your pregnancy.

Can You Eat Grapes During Pregnancy?

Grapes are generally fine to eat during pregnancy. They're a good source of fiber and water, and they contain vitamins and antioxidants.

"You can safely include grapes in your diet during pregnancy by adding them to salads, mixing them into yogurts or porridge, and mixing them into a smoothie," suggests Dr. Kliman.

Every body and every pregnancy is different. Be sure to consult with a health care provider about your circumstances if you have any questions about eating grapes while pregnant.

Is Eating Grapes in Pregnancy Safe for Your Baby?

Eating grapes during pregnancy is safe for your growing baby. In fact, red grapes contain iron, which plays a vital role in fetal brain development.

Purple and red grapes also contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that's actually good for your developing baby in small amounts. In concentrated amounts, such as in supplements, it can affect your baby's liver development, so you should avoid taking resveratrol supplements while pregnant.

Benefits of Eating Grapes During Pregnancy

Grapes also have many potential health benefits for you and your baby—in addition to satisfying your cravings. Here are some potential ways you—and your baby—might profit from eating grapes while pregnant.

Antioxidants

Grapes contain many types of antioxidants, which may benefit both you and your baby. Antioxidants boost immunity and promote healing. They also may reduce your risk of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. They may even reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Good source of fiber

When you're expecting, fiber is important to lower your risks of developing pregnancy-related diabetes and preeclampsia. It also helps you avoid constipation, a common pregnancy complaint, especially if you're taking iron supplements. That's because grapes contain plenty of fiber.

"Because they are high in fiber, grapes help to soften stools and loosen bowel motions," notes Dr. Kliman.

Hydration

You'll need to increase your fluid intake during pregnancy so you can make enough amniotic fluid to support your baby's development. You'll also need to stay hydrated to aid in your digestion, preventing constipation. Grapes are 80% to 90% water, so eating them will help you get the fluid you need.

Vitamins and nutrients

Grapes contain many of the vitamins and nutrients that promote a healthy pregnancy. For instance, it's important to consume enough vitamin C for your own health and to support your baby's development. Just 10 grapes have about 1.5 milligrams of vitamin C.

Grapes also contain vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for your baby's body formation and eye development. Not getting enough vitamin A during pregnancy has been associated with a higher likelihood of childhood death due to infection. Though rare, vitamin A deficiency can also cause night-blindness in pregnant people. But supplementation in pregnancy can be very harmful, so it's not recommended to take vitamin A while pregnant.

Safety Precautions for Eating Grapes in Pregnancy

Grapes are safe and healthy to eat while pregnant, as they're a good source of antioxidants, fiber, and water. But there are a few safety precautions to know. Keep the following in mind if you're expecting.

Eat grapes in pregnancy but avoid resveratrol supplements

The antioxidants found naturally in grapes have many benefits for both you and your baby. That said, some substances are toxic in larger or more concentrated amounts, including the antioxidant resveratrol. Found in grapes, blueberries, and dark chocolate, resveratrol has particularly strong healing powers as an antioxidant. However, the concentrated amounts found in supplement pills and powders may not be healthy for your developing baby.

Eat your grapes, but avoid supplements advertising similar benefits. Reach out to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about eating grapes while pregnant.

Monitor your sugar consumption

Like all fruits, grapes contain natural sugar. They're on the higher end with 15 grams of sugar per cup. Some natural sugar is necessary for a healthy diet, but eat grapes and other fruit in moderation to make sure you're getting a balanced amount.

"Generally, eating a normal amount of any type of food is the safest bet," notes Gina Waggott, BA, Dip, a certified nutritionist specializing in pregnancy topics and the founder of Pregnancy Food Checker.

If you're at risk for gestational diabetes, you may need to keep a closer eye on your sugar intake. Speak with your health care provider to see if you need to abstain from eating grapes or limit the amount of grapes you eat.

Wash grapes before eating

Wash all fruit before eating to remove any dirt or debris that made its way onto the fruit's surface during its journey from the field to your plate. Washing also helps remove pesticides. Grapes have been found to hold comparatively high levels of pesticides on their skins. "Washing them will remove most of the [pesticide] residue," says Waggot.

If you're concerned about pesticides, choose grapes labeled as certified organic. But, you should still wash organic grapes before eating them.