Can You Eat Cherries While Pregnant?

If you’re about to indulge in a cup of your favorite fruit, this may be a matter of urgency. So, let’s dive in: can you eat cherries while pregnant?
If the very thought of a ripe cherry makes you feel happy, you’re not alone.

In Japan, the cherry tree is representative of new beginnings and good luck.

And the sight of the tree’s blossoms after the winter means that spring is on its way. 🌸

Sure, the trees are beautiful—but the taste of the fruit? Now, that’s really something.

So now for the all-important question: can you eat cherries while pregnant?

Or is this one of the items that are on the no-go list at this time?

We’ll take you through the details.

In this article: 📝

Can I eat cherries during pregnancy?

First things first, is this fabulous fruit on the menu?

There’s good news here—unless you have an allergy to them, eating cherries while pregnant is safe.

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, cherries can be a great addition to your pregnancy diet.

Can you eat fresh cherries while pregnant?

Yes! In fact, fresh cherries are preferred.

Although maraschino cherries and their dried, sweetened sisters are delicious, they have a lot of added sugar.

And there is evidence to suggest eating too much sugar when you’re pregnant can lead to complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

So best to keep it fresh right now.

Can you eat too many cherries while pregnant?

No matter the type of cherry you eat, it’s best to limit your intake.

The amount of fiber in cherries could lead to some rather uncomfortable digestive issues, like bloating, cramping, and gas.

And these are symptoms you may be experiencing during pregnancy anyway.

If you have gestational diabetes, it’s a good idea to keep your fruit intake in check.

That’s because too much can spike your blood sugar.

Are cherries good for pregnancy?

Research has shown that cherries are a rich source of vitamin C and micronutrients—both of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Foods with antioxidant properties are always important—and particularly beneficial during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, extra demands are made on your body.

You’re generating new cells, keeping your own systems running, and nourishing a whole other person.

Eating foods rich in nutrients is more important than ever.

Luckily, cherries are filled with the good stuff.

According to the USDA, one cup of sweet, fresh cherries has, amongst other nutrients:

• 3.2 grams of fiber, which decreases your risk of constipation and preeclampsia.
  
• 10.5 milligrams of Vitamin C, which is important for tissue repair and wound healing, and the development of your baby’s teeth and bones. It also helps you to absorb iron.

In lesser amounts, cherries include the following helpful ingredients:

• 1.6 grams of protein
  
• 20 milligrams of calcium
  
• 0.5 milligrams of iron
  
• 333 milligrams of potassium

Cherries may also come with another potential bonus.

The research is still young, but there’s some evidence to suggest that tart cherry juice may actually help you sleep.

The reason for this? According to the Sleep Foundation, tart cherries contain an amino acid called tryptophan which helps your body produce melatonin, the sleep hormone.

Sounds particularly promising if sleep is a struggle right now.

So, all in all, cherries and pregnancy suit each other very well.

So what about other fruits? Are there any bad apples to watch out for?

Which fruit should be avoided during pregnancy?

As long as the fruit you’re eating is not making you feel uncomfortable or sick, you’re good to go.

It’s a good idea to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables when you’re pregnant.

Fruit helps you keep your strength up so that you can nourish your baby, and keeps your digestive system running as smoothly as possible.

That’s why the American Pregnancy Association recommends eating at least two to four servings of fruit a day.

If you’re aware of your sugar intake—and you don’t overdo the fiber (hello, gassiness!)—savor every second of those sweet temptations.

Enjoy, mama.