CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Is Unpasteurized Juice Safe During Pregnancy?

Is it safe to drink unpasteurized juice while pregnant?
save article
profile picture of Jenna McCarthy
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

You might wonder what sort of crazy person would tell a  pregnant woman she can’t have her beloved carrot, wheatgrass and apple smoothie. Unfortunately, unless you know exactly how the otherwise wholesome ingredients were prepared and if they were pasteurized, the pros say you should pass.

Pasteurization is a process that involves heating at a specific temperature for a set amount of time to help kill harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices can carry disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which can not only make you sick but can also occasionally be passed on to your baby. Even a seemingly healthy glass of fresh-squeezed juice at the farmers market or a friend’s pool party can pose a threat if the fruits or veggies weren’t washed properly. While the odds of serious complications, including meningitis after baby’s birth, are rare, why chance it? Pasteurized juices are fine, and if you’re craving the fresh stuff, make your own. The FDA recommends thoroughly rinsing raw fruits and vegetables under running water (no soap!) before preparing them, especially fruits with a thick, inedible peel (like melons — yes, even though you don’t eat the peel). Use a vegetable brush for a thorough job, and cut out any bruised or damaged areas, since bacteria like to hang out there.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

close up of cut cantaloupe fruit
CDC Urges People to Avoid Cantaloupe as Salmonella Outbreak Grows
By Wyndi Kappes
peaches and plums at the market
Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
woman cutting soft cheese on cheese board
The Ultimate Guide to Soft Cheeses in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman eating a burger and fries at restaurant
What to Do if You Experience Food Poisoning While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
kiwifruit
Why the FDA Is Telling Pregnant Women to Avoid Kiwifruit
By Wyndi Kappes
Listeriosis During Pregnancy
Listeriosis During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman pouring a cup of coffee in the morning at home
Caffeine During Pregnancy: the Real Deal
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
cooked salmon fish dinner plate
Is Seafood Safe During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of pregnant woman holding a grocery shopping basket in grocery store
Top Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
non-alcoholic beer wine spirits pregnancy-hero
Best Non-Alcoholic and Alcohol-Free Drinks for Pregnancy and Beyond
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Mocktails
16 Tasty Mocktails to Spice Up Your Holidays
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
balls of raw chocolate chip cookie dough on cookie sheet
Avoiding This Pregnancy Craving Could Save You From Food Poisoning
By Wyndi Kappes
red and black twizzler licorice
Add This Candy to the List of Foods to Avoid While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
How Your Pregnancy Junk Food Cravings Affect Baby
How Your Pregnancy Junk Food Cravings Affect Baby
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Is Sushi Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Is Sushi Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
turkey deli meat sandwich
Why the CDC Is Telling Pregnant People to Avoid Deli Meat and Cheese
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of a cappuccino in a green mug
Could Your Daily Coffee During Pregnancy Make Your Kids Shorter?
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Open jar of peanut butter on wooden cutting board.
Is It Safe to Eat Peanut Butter During Pregnancy?
By Jenna McCarthy
red raspberry leaf tea in glass
How Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Can Help You Through Pregnancy and Labor
By Yelena Moroz Alpert
10 Worst Foods for Pregnant Women
10 Worst Foods for Pregnant Women
By Joanne Van Zuidam
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List