Is It Safe To Eat Peanut Butter During Pregnancy And Breast Feeding.
Peanut allergy is one of the most fatal allergies among children above the age of 2years, where a mere contact with it’s skin can lead to anaphylactic shock.
It is interesting to note that peanut allergies start in the womb of the mother, so parents having peanut allergy should wait until 3 years of age to introduce peanuts in any form to the child. If a small amount of protein present in peanuts crosses the placenta of baby who has a family history of peanut allergy has 4 times more chances to get allergic.
Mothers in families with no past family medical history of peanut allergy can safely eat peanuts in the form of peanuts or peanut butter. Peanuts are safe in pregnancy and breast-feeding which gives protein to the mother and baby, and sources of folate, which is vital for both the mother and baby.Peanuts contain no cholesterol thereby making it an ideal food choice.
Symptoms Of Peanut Allergy:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Urticaria
- Swelling in the lips, throat,face and skin
- Abdominal pain
- Asthma
- Anaphylatic shock.
It is best you consult your doctor and give a detailed family history of allergies, especially peanut allergies. Your doctor will help you figure out the ideal peanut-eating plan for your pregnancy and breast-feeding period. However a mother should never indulge in eating peanuts or peanut butter if she is apprehensive.
Various research state that pregnant and breast feeding mothers should restrict or stop consumption of peanut products in the third trimester of pregnancy. This would help minimize/prevent peanut allergies in the baby.Mothers should keep themselves updated with current and latest research on this subject. Avoiding peanut allergy means avoiding products that have peanuts in them. Which include certain cereals, cakes, muesli, biscuits, salad dressings, ice cream, and breads, in addition to restaurant menus.
