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Can I Eat At IHOP While Pregnant?

Updated May 8, 2023

Pregnancy can sometimes make it difficult to decide where to eat out, especially when choosing a restaurant that has as many options as IHOP.

So, if you’re expecting and wondering Can I eat at IHOP while pregnant? Is it safe? look no further.

Can I eat at IHOP while pregnant?

This article will help guide you through the decision-making process with an in-depth exploration of health concerns and special considerations that must be taken into account while pregnant

So before you go let’s talk about it.

 

Can I eat at IHOP while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat at IHOP while pregnant.

Our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta, MD said that generally speaking it is safe to eat at IHOP while pregnant.

You’ll need to follow a few simple tips when ordering and making smart choices is important.

  • Pancakes OK to eat while pregnant.

Pancakes are safe to eat during pregnancy.

You may even find that pancakes help ease your morning sickness symptoms.

And yes, you can eat pancakes with syrup while pregnant.

  • Order foods that are grilled, baked, or broiled

When choosing your dinner pick items that are baked, broiled, or grilled.

IHOP has many pregnancy-friendly, lower-calorie menu options a

Choose dishes that have grilled chicken or grilled fish as the main entree, and order broccoli or carrots, or green beans as your side.

  • Order the salad

They have an incredible selection of salads that are not only delicious but are packed with nutrition that both you and your baby need.

Chicken and veggies salad: this is a great option that has grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and salads.

If you have a salad at IHOP you should avoid blue cheese and caesar dressing.

They are not safe to consume during pregnancy.

Ask that salads be made with no blue cheese crumbles.

It is safe to eat ranch dressing at IHOP.

They use a commercially prepared dressing that is pasteurized.

  • If you choose a burger or fried chicken watch the portion size

If you must have a burger or fried chicken then limit it to once in a while.

Go for the grilled option as much as possible and watch the portion size.

  • If you order an appetizer share it with the table and only eat a small portion.

IHOP appetizers are high in calories, fat, and sodium.

Your best option is going to be to order a house salad.

If you do go for one of the deep-fried high-calorie appetizers watch your portion size.

Enjoy a small serving.

 

What can I eat for breakfast at IHOP while pregnant?

Breakfast at IHOP is served all day and can be an excellent choice during pregnancy.

These are some pregnancy-safe options for breakfast:

  • Original Buttermilk Pancakes: A short stack of these fluffy pancakes is a great pregnancy meal any time of day. They may even help your morning sickness symptoms..
  • French Toast: This dish is made with thick-sliced Texas toast, lightly coated in cinnamon, and topped with fresh strawberries and bananas if you’d like.
  • Belgian Waffles: Fresh-made Belgian waffles served with butter and syrup.
  • Omelets: Omelets are an excellent breakfast option to eat during pregnancy. Eggs are a good source of protein and are low in fat and calories. Your best option is to order the build-your-own omelet. That way you can control what is in your omelet. Load it with veggies and a little cheese for a complete meal.
  • Avocado toast: Avocado toast is a healthful breakfast option. Fresh avocado provides healthy fats and fiber while whole-grain toast provides some carbohydrates and fiber.
  • Quick 2-egg breakfast: This option is an excellent and filling breakfast. Two eggs are cooked the way you want, served with bacon or sausage, and a choice of toast, biscuits, or pancakes.

The breakfasts at IHOP are available as combos which include eggs, bacon, or sausage links.

IHOP also offers a side of ham.

Skip the sausage and the ham.

Cured and smoked meats pose a serious potential foodborne illness risk to pregnant women.

Processed meats like sausage and ham can carry listeria, which can be fatal to you and your unborn baby.

Our OB/GYN believes the risk of contracting listeria outweighs any benefits of eating smoked, cured, or processed meats.

Well-done bacon is generally considered safe to eat, but because it is high in calories, fat and sodium should only be enjoyed in small portions.

 

can i eat at IHOP while pregnant?

What can pregnant women eat at IHOP?

Here are a few of IHOP’s pregnancy-friendly menu options:

  • Salmon: This is made with wild-caught rainbow trout, seasoned with lemon pepper, and grilled to perfection.
  • Roasted Turkey: This dish is served with steamed vegetables and a side of mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
  • Sirloin Steak Tips: This plate comes with roasted red potatoes, green beans, carrots, crispy onions, and your choice of
  • Chicken Quesadilla: Made with grilled chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cheese.
  • Chicken and Veggie Salad: This salad is made with grilled chicken, mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, and onions.
  • Southwest Burrito bowl: This dish is made with grilled chicken, scrambled eggs, bacon pieces, green peppers, tomatoes, queso sauce, jack and cheddar cheese, avocado, and hashbrowns.

 

What are some menu items that I should avoid while pregnant?

You should avoid the following menu items while pregnant:

  • Fried Foods – Fried chicken and Chicken strips and fries.

Having said that sharing a deep-fried mozzarella sticks appetizer with other people and having a small portion is fine.

As long as eating fried foods does not make you feel sick.

Some women find that during pregnancy eating fried foods causes them to have heartburn or makes their morning sickness symptoms much worse.

 

IHOP Nutritional information for pregnancy-friendly menu options:

Salmon:

330 calories

14g fat

43g protein

 

Roasted Turkey:

140 calories

30 fat

24g protein

 

Sirloin Steak Tips::

850 calories

43g fat

82g protein

 

Chicken Quesadilla

690 calories

44g fat

40g protein

 

Chicken and Veggie Salad

580 calories

27g fat

42g protein

 

Southwest Burrito bowl:

480 calories

29g fat

45g protein

 

Original Buttermilk Pancakes

470 calories

21g fat

46g protein

 

Build Your Own Omelet

Varies depending on your selection

 

French Toast

740 calories

29g fat

9g protein

 

Belgian Waffle

760 calories

29g fat

9g protein

 

Avocado Toast

990 calories

55g fat

25g protein

 

Quick 2-egg breakfast:

470 calories

26g fat

20g protein

 

How can I ensure I am eating safely at IHOP while pregnant?

  • Order a grilled or baked dish
  • Have a salad
  • Make sure your meal is completely cooked.
  • Avoid any unpasteurized dairy products
  • Do not eat any raw or undercooked meats or seafood.
  • Skip the cured ham and sausage.

 

Can I eat frozen waffles while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat frozen waffles while pregnant.

Frozen waffles need to be thoroughly heated before eating.

You can make the waffles healthier by adding a scrambled egg and fruit on the side.

It is safe to eat pancake syrup while pregnant.

 

Craving pancakes during pregnancy boy or girl?

Our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta, MD says that there have been no studies that have shown any link between food cravings and a baby’s gender.

And cravings can begin before you are aware that you are pregnant, but most commonly occur towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Food cravings are often not related to being hungry.

Many pregnant women describe their cravings as being directed towards specific foods and being accompanied by a sense of urgency. (Source)

While some believe that a craving for pancakes during pregnancy means you’re having a boy, others are convinced that it means you’re having a girl.

We feel confident saying it doesn’t mean a boy

 

Helpful hints for eating at IHOP during pregnancy:

1. Try to go at less busy times during the day.

IHOP does not take reservations and they do not have call-ahead seating.

They do have a fast turnover for tables though and you shouldn’t have too long of a wait if you go at the less busy times of the day.

Try early morning, right after lunchtime, or after the dinner rush.

They are usually busy on the weekend mornings, so it is best to go to during the week if you can.

 

2. Plan to start with a salad

Start with a salad if you go for lunch or dinner.

It will help you to not overeat if you choose a higher-calorie entree for your main meal.

 

3. Make smart meal choices

When ordering your meal, consider how you are feeling.

If you’re feeling tired or nauseous, for example, you might want to avoid heavy meals or foods that are high in fat and grease.

Instead, opt for lighter fare such as salad or grilled chicken

Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your meal to stay hydrated.

 

4. Ask your server for any modifications to your meal

If you have any special requests or needs, don’t hesitate to ask the waitstaff for assistance.

For example, if you want your chicken or fish cooked a little longer don’t hesitate to ask.

 

5. Ask for a take-out box

If you are getting full ask for a take-out box

That way you can enjoy the rest of your meal the next day.

If you want a dessert get one to go and enjoy with your partner or friends later on at home.

 

What foods should I not eat while pregnant?

  • Foods that are not pasteurized– certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
  • Certain types of fish– shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
  • Raw eggs including egg nog, hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise, homemade eggnog, and runny eggs.
  • Undercooked meats– lunch meats. Deli meats.
  • Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If no ice or refrigeration source is keeping the food cold, take a pass.
  • Caffeine– soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
  • Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to avoid them simply. Green tea is OK.)
  • Alcohol: There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Avoid sauces made with alcohol, desserts made with alcohol, and all alcoholic beverages.

 

Eating out during pregnancy’s first trimester:

When eating out during the first trimester of pregnancy, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure that you and your baby are safe and healthy.

Here are some tips:

  1. Do not eat raw or undercooked items, especially meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs,  you are at an increased risk of foodborne illness during pregnancy, especially from Listeria.
  2. Be cautious with foods that are high in mercury, such as swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel, as these can be harmful to your developing baby and may cause birth defects.
  3. Choose foods that are rich in folic acids, such as leafy greens to help support the healthy development of your baby’s neural tube.
  4. If you suffer from morning or all-day sickness, avoid fried or greasy foods.
  5. Eating small meals can help you keep your energy up and morning sickness symptoms reduced.
  6. Do not drink alcohol. There is no known safe amount of alcohol you can consume during pregnancy.
  7.  Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets during the first trimester of pregnancy. You can never be sure of how fresh the food is, the preparation method, or the temperature at which it has been kept.
  8. Yes, you can eat chili during early pregnancy if you feel up to it.
  9. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. These can all lead to unhealthy weight gain and other problems during pregnancy.
  10. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for both your health and the baby’s health.
  11. Don’t skip meals. Eating small, frequent meals will help to keep your energy up and prevent you from overeating later

 

This should help answer the question can you eat IHOP while pregnant?

Authors

  • Doug Penta MD OB/GYN

    Dr. Doug Penta, MD - Co-Founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions Dr. Doug Penta, is a seasoned Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 38 years of practice, co-founded Maternity Comfort Solutions to provide evidence-based pregnancy and parenting information. A Boston University alum and former Clinical Professor at Harvard, his articles on Maternity Comfort Solutions offer expectant mothers invaluable nutritional insights.

  • Sue Winters RN

    Sue Winters, RN - Co-Founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions Sue combines 20 years of nursing with a rich background in early childhood education. Co-founder of Maternity Comfort Solutions, her articles provide creative toddler activities and practical tips on pregnancy nutrition and baby shower planning, embodying her commitment to supporting families through early parenthood.

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