Pregnancy is a time when many women become extra cautious about what they eat and use, and for good reason. Every choice—from the food on your plate to the remedies in your medicine cabinet—can affect both you and your baby. One natural product that often comes up in wellness conversations is manuka honey. Rich in health benefits and famous for its antibacterial properties, it’s widely used as a natural remedy for everything from sore throats to skin care.
But what about during pregnancy? You may be wondering: Is manuka honey safe when you’re pregnant? What benefits might it offer, and are there any risks?
This article answers all your questions about manuka honey and pregnancy, so you can make informed, safe choices during this special time.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a special type of honey that comes from the nectar of the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to Australia and New Zealand. It’s not your everyday table honey. What makes manuka honey stand out is its unique compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
Manuka honey is commonly used for:
- Soothing sore throats
- Healing wounds and burns
- Supporting digestion
- Boosting immunity
- Skin care and acne treatment
Thanks to its rich profile of enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients, manuka honey is often seen as a natural health booster. But does that mean it’s good—or safe—for pregnant women?
Is Manuka Honey Safe During Pregnancy?
✅ Yes, manuka honey is generally safe to consume during pregnancy—as long as it’s pasteurized and used in moderation.
Unlike infants under 12 months of age (who should not consume any honey due to the risk of botulism), healthy pregnant women with normal immune function can safely eat pasteurized honey. Manuka honey is no different in this regard.
However, here are a few key points to keep in mind:
1. Choose Pasteurized Honey
Unpasteurized or raw honey might contain bacteria or spores that, while harmless to most people, could pose a risk in rare cases. Most commercial manuka honey is pasteurized, but it’s a good idea to double-check the label.
2. Check the Quality
Manuka honey comes in different strengths, based on its MGO or UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating. For daily wellness, a lower rating (like UMF 5+ to 10+) is sufficient and gentler for regular use during pregnancy.
3. Moderation Is Key
Like any sweetener, manuka honey is high in natural sugars and calories. Overconsumption could lead to excess weight gain or affect blood sugar levels, especially if you’re dealing with gestational diabetes.
Potential Benefits of Manuka Honey During Pregnancy
Manuka honey in Pregnancy can offer several benefits that may help support your body during pregnancy—both inside and out. Here’s how:
1. Natural Immune Support
Pregnancy can lower your immune response, making you more vulnerable to colds and sore throats. Manuka honey’s antibacterial and antiviral properties may help soothe symptoms and fight off mild infections without the need for medications.
2. Soothing Sore Throats and Coughs
Many over-the-counter cough medicines are not recommended during pregnancy. Manuka honey is a gentle, natural alternative. A spoonful of honey with warm lemon water can ease throat discomfort and help with sleep.
3. Digestive Health
Hormonal changes in pregnancy often lead to indigestion, bloating, or constipation. Manuka honey can support gut health by promoting good bacteria and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
4. Wound and Skin Healing
Stretch marks, skin irritation, and acne are common concerns during pregnancy. Manuka honey can be applied topically to promote healing, reduce redness, and moisturize the skin naturally.
5. Energy Booster
Manuka honey provides quick, natural energy—something every pregnant woman could use. A teaspoon before a walk or as part of a light snack can give a helpful energy lift without resorting to caffeine or processed sugar.
Things to Be Cautious About
While manuka honey is generally safe, here are a few situations where caution is advised:
⚠️ 1. Gestational Diabetes
Manuka honey, like all honeys, contains sugar. If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or are at risk, consult your doctor before adding honey to your diet. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy.
⚠️ 2. Allergies
If you have a known allergy to bee products or pollen, it’s best to avoid manuka honey. Reactions are rare but can occur, especially in individuals with seasonal allergies or asthma.
⚠️ 3. Raw Honey
Avoid unpasteurized or raw honey during pregnancy unless your doctor says otherwise. While most manuka honey on the market is safe, always check the label or ask the seller.
How to Safely Use Manuka Honey During Pregnancy
Here are some simple, safe ways to incorporate manuka honey into your pregnancy routine:
🍯 Morning Tea Remedy
Add a teaspoon of manuka honey to a cup of warm water with lemon for a calming morning drink. This can soothe your throat, aid digestion, and start the day on a sweet note.
🍯 Natural Cough Syrup
Mix manuka honey with ginger or cinnamon to create a homemade cough remedy that’s safe and effective during pregnancy.
🍯 Topical Skin Treatment
Apply a thin layer of manuka honey to dry, irritated skin or stretch marks. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes and rinse gently with warm water.
🍯 Light Snack or Spread
Use manuka honey as a spread on whole grain toast, in smoothies, or as a natural sweetener in yogurt or oats. Just stick to small amounts.
Recommended Dosage
For pregnant women, a general safe intake is:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons per day for general wellness and immune support.
- If using for a sore throat or cough, up to 1 tablespoon per day, split across several servings.
Always start small and see how your body reacts.
What Do Health Experts Say?
Most dietitians and doctors agree that honey is safe during pregnancy as long as it’s pasteurized and not consumed in excessive amounts. Manuka honey, being a higher-quality and more medicinal type of honey, is treated the same—safe, but best in moderation.
Pregnancy is not the time to try extreme diets or overdo any single health food. Instead, it’s best to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, and use manuka honey as a natural addition—not a primary supplement.
Final Thoughts: Manuka Pregnancy Takeaways
So, let’s bring it all together. If you’re wondering about manuka pregnancy concerns, here’s the short version:
✅ Yes, manuka honey is safe to consume during pregnancy, as long as it’s pasteurized and used in small amounts.
💡 It can help with immunity, digestion, sore throats, and even skin care—all without harmful side effects.
🚫 Avoid raw honey and check labels for quality and MGO/UMF ratings.
⚖️ Like any sweetener, it should be used in moderation—especially for women watching their weight or blood sugar levels.
Manuka honey can be a sweet and natural support during pregnancy, offering comfort and care when your body needs it most. Just remember: nature’s remedies are best when used wisely.
