Uncooked foods such as alfalfa sprouts should be avoided during pregnancy, according to FoodSafety.gov. The risk of bacterial contamination and food poisoning from sprouts is greater in pregnant women, and the unborn baby can be affected if the infection passes through the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream. Drugs.com warns that alfalfa also might induce the onset of labor or cause distress to an unborn baby.
About Alfalfa
Alfalfa sprouts typically are eaten raw as part of a salad, sandwich or garnish. The herb alfalfa is available as a food supplement containing vitamin K, which encourages blood clotting, and it is a source of calcium, protein and carotene. Always seek the advice of a health professional before taking any vitamin or mineral supplement during pregnancy.
Food-Borne Illnesses
Preparation and meticulous hygiene is extremely important when preparing sprouts, as they might contain salmonella or E. coli. Even after washing, traces of bacteria might remain on the sprouts. Dr. Michelle Annette Smith of the Food and Drug Administration says that pregnant women are at risk of contracting a severe food-borne illness from sprouts and recommends avoiding raw or partially cooked sprouts during pregnancy. Cooked sprouts have fewer pathogens but there still is a slight risk of contamination if they are not heated thoroughly.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and severe abdominal cramps. It is possible for an expectant mother to pass a food-borne illness to her unborn child. A baby born with salmonella or E. coli can display symptoms at birth, including fever and diarrhea, which in turn can lead to more serious health complications. See a doctor immediately if you are pregnant and suspect you have eaten contaminated sprouts.
Estrogen Interference
Estrogen is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but if the hormone becomes unstable, complications or even premature labor occurs. Alfalfa has the ability to behave in the same way as estrogen, and this interferes with the body’s natural estrogen levels, blocking the real hormone. Drugs.com says there is evidence to support the theory that alfalfa might induce labor prematurely by kick-starting contractions.
