Skip to Content

Can I eat kimchi while pregnant?

Updated May 8, 2023

If you’re pregnant and a fan of kimchi, you may be asking yourself:

Can I eat kimchi while pregnant?

 

Can I eat kimchi while pregnant?

 

The answer is yes, it is safe to eat kimchi with some safety precautions. It is important to be sure the kimchi has been properly fermented, is fresh, does not contain any raw fish or shellfish, and is either pasteurized or heated thoroughly before consumption during pregnancy.

In this article, we’ll discuss Kimchi, including what kimchi is and five ways it can safely be prepared to enjoy kimchi during your pregnancy.

 

Can I eat kimchi while pregnant?

Yes, but there are two very important factors you want to know to minimize the risk that can be associated with eating Kimchi and other Korean dishes involving fermentation and seafood:

  1. Make sure to use kimchi that has been fermented for at least a month. This will help to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
  2. Do not eat kimchi made with raw fish or shrimp since they can increase your risk of contracting a foodborne illness.

 

Some benefits of kimchi during pregnancy:

  1. Kimchi is a great source of vitamins A, B, and C, antioxidants, and fiber.
  2. Kimchi can help boost your immune system, which is important during pregnancy.
  3. Kimchi can improve digestion and prevent constipation.

Kimchi is high in sodium and too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and swelling during pregnancy.

If you have high blood pressure, be sure to talk to your doctor before eating kimchi.

To reduce the amount of sodium, make your own kimchi at home with low-sodium ingredients.

You can also look for brands that make pregnancy-safe kimchi, as they will often have lower levels of spices and sodium.

Kimchi is spicy, so eating too much kimchi can cause heartburn and indigestion.

If you’re prone to these issues, it’s best to eat kimchi in moderation.

 

Kimchi can contain dangerous pathogens that can cause illness including:

  • E.Coli,
  • Listeria 
  • Salmonella 

 

Related article: Can You Eat Sourdough While Pregnant

Is kimchi pasteurized? 

The answer to this question may surprise you, but kimchi is not typically pasteurized.

The fermentation process that kimchi goes through actually acts as a natural preservative, making it shelf-stable for months at a time.

However, this also means that kimchi can harbor harmful bacteria if it is not handled properly.

As a result, unpasteurized kimchi should only be eaten if it has been made with fresh ingredients and kept refrigerated.

Pregnant women should choose pasteurized kimchi over unpasteurized ones.

Pasteurization is a food safety process that involves heating the kimchi to a high temperature in order to kill any harmful bacteria.

While this does make the kimchi safe to eat, it also alters the flavor and texture of the dish.

For this reason, many kimchi lovers prefer to eat their kimchi unpasteurized.

But again if you are pregnant this is risky.

Pregnancy causes women to be immune-compromised which places us at greater risk of illness from foodborne pathogens

 

Is it safe to eat bibimbap during pregnancy?

Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish made of rice, vegetables, and meat.

It is often served with a spicy chili sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.

For pregnant women, however, there are some risks to consider before eating bibimbap.

The dish is often made with raw or undercooked eggs, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

In addition, the chili sauce may contain ingredients that can trigger heartburn or indigestion.

As a result, pregnant women should exercise caution when eating bibimbap.

If possible, they should make sure that the eggs are cooked thoroughly and avoid consuming too much chili sauce.

By taking these precautions, they can enjoy a delicious and safe meal.

 

Is it safe to eat kimbap while pregnant?

Kimbap is a popular Korean dish that consists of rice and vegetables wrapped in seaweed.

It is typically made with cooked rice, meats, or fish, which means that it is safe for pregnant women to eat.

Do not eat raw fish or shellfish during pregnancy.

In fact, kimbap is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential for fetal development.

However, expectant mothers should be sure to avoid kimbap that contains raw fish or shellfish, as these can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

 

Can I eat Gochujang while pregnant?

Pregnant women often have to be careful about the food they eat, as certain foods can pose a risk to their developing baby.

One food that pregnant women may be wondering about is Gochujang. Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that is often used in Korean cooking.

While it is safe for most people to eat, there are some potential risks for pregnant women.

The main concern with eating Gochujang during pregnancy is the risk of listeria infection.

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness, and it can be found in some unpasteurized fermented foods like Gochujang.

However, the risk of listeria infection from eating Gochujang is low, and the Pasteurized Gochujang is available in many supermarkets.

Overall, pregnant women can safely eat Gochujang, but they may want to avoid unpasteurized versions of the product.

 

Can I eat Korean bbq while pregnant?

Yes! you can eat Korean BBQ while pregnant as long as you take a few simple precautions.

  • Avoid eating raw fish or selfish
  • Cook all meat thoroughly
  • Drink non-alcoholic drinks only
  • Skip the Potato salad to be safe

 

korean BBQ-can i eat kimchi while pregnant

 

Can I drink kombucha while pregnant? 

Do not drink Kombucha during pregnancy.

Consumption of kombucha should be avoided while pregnant.

It can contain foodborne pathogens that could make you and your unborn baby very ill.

Though kombucha is one of many fermented food products because it is raw. Though it contains the bacteria that are considered safe during pregnancy (when fermented properly) there are also other strains of bacteria.

As a result of the preferred method of brewing, kombucha is unpasteurized. For this reason, it is not considered safe to drink during pregnancy.

This is a precaution to take seriously since there are so many brands of kombucha on the market.

 

Can I eat tofu while pregnant?

Yes, you can, but in moderation, there are some things to be aware of about tofu if you plan to make tofu part of your diet during pregnancy.

Tofu has a tremendous reputation when it comes to selecting healthy food to eat, whether you are pregnant or not. For this reason, it is very popular for those with plant-based diets.

However, there are two facts about Tofu that are important to know, especially during pregnancy:

  1. The phytase
  2. Not a source of some important building block during fetal development.

For these reasons, though tofu is safe during pregnancy, moderation is the key!

 

Is it safe to eat fermented foods during pregnancy?

It is nice to see questions about eating fermented foods during pregnancy.

Though it is safe to eat fermented foods during pregnancy, there are three very important criteria that must be met:

  1. Proper fermentation
  2. Avoiding raw fish and shellfish
  3. Pasteurized and/or foods must be heated thoroughly before eating

 

5 Kimchi recipe ideas that are pregnancy safe if prepared properly:

 

1. Spicy kimchi and tofu soup

A simple and delicious soup that is perfect for a winter meal.

2. Kimchi fried rice

A flavorful and easy fried rice that is perfect for a quick meal.

3. Kimchi and cucumber salad

A refreshing and crunchy salad that is perfect for a summer meal.

4. BBQ kimchi tofu burgers

Hearty and flavorful tofu burgers that are perfect for a summer BBQ.

5. Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchijeon)

A delicious and easy way to enjoy kimchi for breakfast. These pancakes are perfect and because of the fermentation enzymes, they are easier to digest.

 

FAQ’s

  • What is Gim?

Gim is dried sheets of edible seaweed used to wrap various Korean food items. Kim is another name for Gim (romanized spelling).

  • What is the difference between Kimbap And Sushi?

The main difference between Kimbap and sushi is the type of rice. In sushi, the rice is usually seasoned with vinegar while in a Kimbap it is mixed with sesame oil.

  • What is Gochujang?

Sweet, and spicy fermented condiments are popular in Korean cooking. It is made from gochu chili powder, fermented soybean powder, barley malt powder, and salt.

  • What is tofu?

Tofu is made from soybeans. First, the soybeans are dried, and then they are soaked, mashed, and boiled. Once this is done, the soy mild and pulp are separated. Additives are then used to separate the curd and whey in the soy milk.

  • What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has been around for centuries.

It’s made by adding a specific type of bacteria and yeast culture to black or green tea, which then ferments the tea and creates a slightly effervescent, slightly acidic beverage.

Kombucha can be enjoyed plain or flavored, and it’s often touted as a health drink because of its probiotic content.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed, and they’re thought to help improve gut health.

Kombucha can also contain harmful bacteria and should not be consumed during pregnancy.

 

Common symptoms of a severe foodborne illness from eating fermented foods and undercooked meats are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Fever

foodborne illness pregnancy

 

List of foods to not eat when 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, and runny eggs.
  • Undercooked meats- lunch 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 there is no ice or refrigeration source keeping the food cold, take a pass.
  • Caffeine- soda, chocolate. (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.)

 

List of Foods you should eat during pregnancy:

  • Avocado
  • Oatmeal
  • Pinto Beans
  • Arugula
  • Bananas
  • Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Green Beans
  • Eggs
  • Lean Meats

 

Healthy snacks during pregnancy:

  1. Whole-grain crackers with peanut butter
  2. Dry whole-grain cereal
  3. Bagel and cream cheese
  4. Pretzels with cheese
  5. Hummus and carrot sticks
  6. Granola bars
  7. Apple chips
  8. Whole apple
  9. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
  10. Chicken Salad Sandwich
  11. Greek Yogurt and berries
  12. Almonds

 

What should a pregnant woman eat daily?

A pregnant woman needs to consume a variety of nutrients every day to support both her own health and the development of her baby.

Protein is essential for building new tissue and can be found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and eggs.

Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth and is especially important during the third trimester when the baby’s skeleton is rapidly developing.

Pregnant women should aim to get 1000 mg of calcium per day from low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Iron is also important for the formation of new blood cells, and pregnant women need about 27 mg of iron per day.

Good sources of iron include lean red meat, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals.

 

Final Thoughts

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables which are usually quite spicy. Kimchi is most often made with cabbage, radishes, carrots, and other vegetables.

Kimchi is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.

Some studies have also shown that it can help to boost the immune system.

However, kimchi is also high in sodium, and pregnant women are advised to limit their intake of salty foods.

 

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.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.