Mushrooms in pregnancy: can they be eaten or better avoided?
Mushrooms, against common beliefs, are not a type of vegetable and do not even belong to the category of vegetables, even if from a nutritional point of view they are assimilated to these two categories of food. When you discover that you are pregnant, it is normal to ask yourself if you can continue to eat this or that food even when pregnant. Here is a video with a roundup of
foods to watch out for during pregnancy.
Nutrition and mushrooms in pregnancy
In general, some foods during pregnancy should be taken with caution by halving the doses or eliminating them completely. Eating mushrooms while pregnant deserves a separate discussion, that's why we talk about it in this article.
Mushrooms are loved by many people who love to taste them in all ways: in fact they have a particular flavor that lends itself well to many recipes, but unfortunately it is not always appreciated by everyone.
We must admit that mushrooms also have many benefits, as well as low calories and nutritional values such as to make them a healthy food. Among the main benefits we find:
- they contain fibers useful in case of constipation during pregnancy
- they are rich in vitamins useful for the bones
- they contain valuable minerals such as potassium and phosphorus
- they are low in calories
- strengthen the immune system
See also
Mushrooms in pregnancy: contraindications
But if they have all these benefits, why are mushrooms in pregnancy bad for you? The answer is simple: because they are potentially toxic. Being similar to sponges, they absorb all the impurities present in the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, among the contraindications of eating mushrooms during pregnancy we find:
- Difficult to digest
Because of chitin, the substance that makes up its membrane.
- High risk of poisoning and intoxication
In some cases even very serious.
- They can hurt the liver
According to experts, mushrooms should be avoided especially by those who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders or have liver problems, given their high level of toxicity.
Eating mushrooms while pregnant is possible
Although experts say that mushrooms are potentially toxic and if ingested during pregnancy they could pose a serious risk to the fetus, know that you can still eat mushrooms when you are pregnant, the important thing will be to make sure they are fresh and edible. Let's go deeper below.
All future mothers during the 40 weeks of gestation must follow a balanced diet to safeguard their health as well as that of the baby. Mushrooms are just one of the foods to watch out for in this particular period of life, but by following some precautions and advice that we give you below, you will no longer have to give up your favorite food.
© GettyImages
- Avoid eating raw mushrooms, possible vehicles of dangerous infections for mom and baby.
- Always cook the mushrooms before consuming them during pregnancy, better if you can boil them in water for at least 5 minutes.
- Do not exceed the recommended weekly dose, which is around 200g.
- Avoid the version of mushrooms in oil during pregnancy, like all pickles and oils, they could increase the risk of botulinum (microorganism responsible for intoxication).
- Unlike those in oil, dried mushrooms, on the other hand, can easily be eaten during pregnancy as long as they have not expired and are bought at the supermarket and not collected in the woods.
- Spontaneous mushrooms collected during the outings, on the other hand, must be absolutely avoided: if you are not sure, you can always contact a mushroom expert who will be able to help you.
Porcini mushrooms in pregnancy
Porcini mushrooms (Boletaceae - genus Boletus) are the best known and probably most loved variety of mushrooms on our tables.
They are usually quite large, formed by a whitish stem and a large brown cap that can reach up to 35cm in diameter. In addition, a single porcini mushroom can weigh up to 3kg.
The main problem with eating porcini mushrooms while pregnant lies in the fact that the poisonous types are difficult to recognize from those that are not. To be on the safe side, it's best to eliminate them from your diet.
This is the advice that the Ministry of Health, the poison control center and the Italian zooprophylactic institute also give: future mothers and children should give up porcini mushrooms, especially if eaten raw to avoid poisoning.
Champignon mushrooms in pregnancy
The champignon mushrooms are instead cultivated and therefore available every day of the year. A little smaller than the porcini brothers, the champignon mushrooms have a white stem and cap. Their peculiarity is the flavor that is enhanced especially if eaten raw. For this reason, it is best to avoid them during pregnancy. But if you like them and want to include them in your recipes, toss them in a pan with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt, so you can be sure they won't hurt you and your baby.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
To be clear and explanatory, we prefer to dedicate a paragraph to the symptoms that can occur in case of mushroom poisoning. If you recognize even one of these, see your doctor right away.
Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, here are the main symptoms of mushroom poisoning or poisoning:
- diarrhea
- stomach ache
- He retched
- convulsions
- muscle cramps
- drowsiness
- anemia
- irreversible liver damage
- death, if no action is taken in time
In pregnancy, mushroom poisoning can lead to miscarriage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mushrooms In Pregnancy
Are fungi and toxoplasmosis linked?
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can be found mainly in rare meat or raw cured meats. Mushrooms are not part of this food category, so they cannot be the cause of toxoplasmosis. However, as we have already mentioned, being "sponges" they often attract inside them a series of particles present in the environment and responsible for any viruses or infections. Before consuming them you must wash them thoroughly and then proceed to cooking.
Can I Eat Mushrooms While Breastfeeding?
Attention to the diet does not end after the end of pregnancy, but also continues with breastfeeding. When you are breastfeeding your baby you will have to pay attention to what you eat and that inevitably ends up in the milk that you then give to your baby. Having said this, are there any risks for the newborn if we eat mushrooms during the breastfeeding period? The main risk is always linked to the fact that in the case of toxic particles, these end up in the blood and therefore in the milk with serious consequences for the newborn. Best to avoid them altogether if you are breastfeeding.
What happens if I exceed the weekly dose?
You shouldn't exceed 200g of mushrooms every week, especially if you are pregnant. If you overdo it with this type of food, you run no risk as long as the ingested mushrooms are certified and safe and you have consumed them cooked in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Always pay attention and try to have a diet that is as balanced as possible.
Should I also avoid other mushroom products?
For all other products that may contain mushrooms such as pate, ready-made sauces, sauces, velvety or soups, the same rule always applies: make sure about their origin, if they are safe and you bought the products at the supermarket, then you should not worry, however the suggestion we give you is to read the list of ingredients to understand the percentage of mushrooms in that specific preparation. Often some brands also indicate the type of mushroom used.
