Can pregnant women eat hawthorn?

Mar 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 30 years old this year and am planning to become pregnant. I would like to know what foods are safe for pregnant women, and whether pregnant women can eat hawthorn berries.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

In general, pregnant women can consume hawthorn in moderation. Hawthorn is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, various B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, and other nutrients. These nutrients provide certain health benefits for both the pregnant woman and the developing fetus. Eating hawthorn in appropriate amounts can help stimulate the spleen and appetite, alleviate morning sickness, and promote digestion.

Different pregnant women may have varying physical conditions and tolerance levels to hawthorn. Those with strong gastrointestinal function, good overall health, and no history of miscarriage or preterm birth can occasionally consume slightly more than the usual moderate amount, but should closely monitor their body's response. However, women with weak gastrointestinal function, a history of miscarriage or preterm birth, or those with gestational hypertension or other pregnancy complications should minimize their consumption of hawthorn, or may even need to avoid it temporarily under a doctor's advice.

Hawthorn can be consumed together with foods rich in protein and dietary fiber. For example, when paired with yogurt, the protein and probiotics in the yogurt complement the nutrients in hawthorn, increase satiety, and aid digestion, absorption, and regulation of the intestinal microbiota. It can also be combined with oats, which are rich in dietary fiber. Consuming oats together with hawthorn can improve taste, promote intestinal motility, and help prevent constipation during pregnancy.