Can I Eat Raw sprouts While Pregnant?

Why

Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, bean, clover, and radish are best avoided in pregnancy because of how they are grown. The CDC notes that the warm, humid conditions sprouts need to germinate are also ideal for bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria to multiply, and these germs can live inside the sprout where rinsing cannot reach them. That is why raw or lightly cooked sprouts have caused repeated foodborne illness outbreaks.

How to enjoy it safely

Cook sprouts thoroughly until they are steaming hot, which kills the bacteria and makes them safe to eat in stir fries, soups, and cooked dishes. When ordering out, ask for sandwiches, salads, and bowls to be made without raw sprouts.

When to ask your provider

Ask your Garden OB/GYN provider if you have eaten raw sprouts and then develop fever, body aches, or stomach upset.