Honey and Pregnancy

Honey is a sweet food that is produced by the honey bee from the nectar of flowers. This honey is an excellent source of energy and is often recommended for teenagers and adults alike. However in the case of infants and toddlers, it is not recommended. This is because raw honey contains certain spores which can produce a toxin that can lead to severe food poisoning. The adult digestive system is able to deal with these spores but an infant’s digestive system is not fully developed and this leaves them vulnerable. Honey and pregnancy is another concern, and while many experts consider that it is safe, it does not hurt to be a little cautious.

Raw or unpasteurized honey should be avoided during pregnancy, but that does not mean that processed honey has to be avoided as well. You can opt for processed medical grade honey that has been treated with gamma radiation to destroy any spores that may be present. Honey for pregnancy cosmetic problems is fine and again it would be better to use medical grade honey. You can use honey as a moisturizer to prevent or treat stretch marks. Whisk together a few spoons of honey along with a couple of drops of olive oil and apply this mixture to your skin. Make sure that you massage it gently into your skin as this will also help to increase the blood circulation to these areas. Honey for pregnancy dry skin problems is also recommended. This is because in addition to being a good moisturizer, honey also contains several types of amino acids, mineral, and vitamins which promote good skin health. Pregnant women often face a specific type of skin pigmentation problem called Chloasma. This condition is also referred to as the mask of pregnancy as it causes the darkening of the skin around the mouth and on the nose and cheekbones. A homemade face pack made out of pumpkin, papaya, and honey mixed with Fuller’s earth has been found to be effective in dealing with this problem. The pumpkin, papaya and honey can also be whisked together to make a skin tonic that can be applied during the day and left to dry. Honey and pregnancy conditions such as nausea and morning sickness should be discussed with your doctor as honey has been found to be very helpful in treating these problems. Your doctor will be able to recommend a specific medical grade honey that would be best suited to your needs.