Pregnancy changes everything. From how your favorite jeans fit to the little things you think twice about (like eating sushi or deciding on that cute new piercing you’ve been eyeing). I still remember being 24 weeks along with my first baby, standing in the kitchen, staring at a jar of golden honey, wondering, “Wait… is this safe for me right now?” Funny enough, questions about honey during pregnancy and things like can you get piercings during pregnancy are way more common than people admit.
The truth? When you’re carrying a baby, every decision feels bigger. It’s not just about you anymore—it’s about the tiny human you’re growing. So, let’s unpack the real deal, with the science, the stories, and the simple answers you’ve truly been looking for.
Why This Matters (More Than You Think)
Pregnancy is a season where your body and immune system work differently. Foods that might have been no big deal before suddenly come under the microscope, and personal choices—like getting a piercing—carry new risks you didn’t have to weigh as heavily before.
When it comes to honey during pregnancy, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around. Most of us grew up hearing, “Never give honey to babies under one year old!” That’s true. But does that same risk apply to a pregnant woman? Not exactly. Understanding the nuance here can save you unnecessary stress.
And with body piercings, the question isn’t just vanity, but health and safety. During pregnancy, blood flow increases, your immune system changes, and your skin elasticity shifts. All those changes make something simple like a belly button or nose piercing carry different risks than they normally would.
Honey During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?
Let’s break down what the research says because this comes up all the time.
- The myth: Honey contains bacteria that can harm your baby during pregnancy.
- The fact: While honey can sometimes contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, your adult digestive system can handle these just fine. Your baby inside the womb is protected through the placenta and doesn’t ingest honey directly.
So yes—you can eat honey while pregnant! The key is moderation (as with everything else during this season) because:
- Honey is still sugar-rich, meaning too much can spike blood glucose levels.
- Gestational diabetes risk is higher during pregnancy, so being mindful of sweeteners is wise.
- Pasteurized honey is always safer than raw honey, especially if your immune system feels more sensitive.
A drizzle of honey in your tea? Safe. A spoonful to soothe that sore throat? Also fine. The real risk is feeding honey directly to an infant under 12 months old, not eating it while pregnant.
Can You Get Piercings During Pregnancy?
This one is trickier. Technically, yes—you can, but here’s why most experts recommend holding off.
- Slower Healing: Pregnancy hormones change your skin’s healing response. What used to heal in weeks may take months now.
- Infection Risk: Your immune system is suppressed a bit during pregnancy, which means your body might not fight off infection as efficiently.
- Stretching Skin: For belly button or nipple piercings, skin stretches and changes dramatically during pregnancy, often leaving piercings sore—or worse, scarred.
- Safety in Studios: A sterile environment matters more now than ever. Even minor infections could become complications.
If you already have piercings, don’t panic—you usually don’t need to remove them unless they cause pain or your OB/GYN advises it. For new ones? Better to wait.
My Personal Pregnancy Picks (With Pros & Cons)
When I was pregnant, two everyday comforts made all the difference: honey for soothing nausea and chamomile tea, plus sticking to safe jewelry options instead of piercings I knew could complicate things. Here’s my breakdown:
Honey:
- ✅ Natural cough/soothe option without meds
- ✅ Boosts energy in a natural way
- ❌ High sugar content, risky for gestational diabetes
- ❌ Raw honey may feel “scary” if you’re anxious
Piercings During Pregnancy:
- ✅ Keeps your style identity intact if you already have them
- ❌ Skin changes may make piercings uncomfortable
- ❌ Healing is much slower
- ❌ Higher infection risk, which can be stressful
Practical Advice: Safe Ways to Enjoy Honey During Pregnancy
Here’s a step-by-step way to keep it safe:
- Buy pasteurized honey – Less risk, same golden taste.
- Use for symptom relief – Add to ginger tea for nausea, or mix into warm water with lemon for colds.
- Watch your sugar intake – Keep honey as a “sometimes” treat, not the main sweetener.
- Discuss with your doctor – Especially if you’re tracking blood sugar.
Budget Tips & DIY Ideas
Pregnancy already comes with a million expenses (hello, baby gear aisle). So, if you’re looking for budget-friendly honey hacks:
- Mix honey with oatmeal or yogurt as a natural sweet breakfast boost.
- DIY honey masks (just don’t eat raw homemade masks—keep them topical).
- Grow your own herbal tea garden and use honey as a natural pairing.
For piercings, a budget-friendly approach might just be… patience. Sometimes the cheapest (and healthiest) choice is to hold off until postpartum.
FAQ Section
Q: Is raw honey totally off-limits?
A: Not necessarily. If you trust your source and your doctor gives the green light, it’s generally safe for mom. But pasteurized is less nerve-wracking.
Q: What happens if I already got a piercing before I knew I was pregnant?
A: Don’t stress. Monitor for infection (redness, swelling, pus). If there are no problems, you can usually keep it.
Q: Are nipple piercings safe while breastfeeding later?
A: Yes, but let them heal completely before breastfeeding. Many moms remove them during nursing to avoid choking hazards or issues with latch.
Q: Can I still use flavored honey (like cinnamon or ginger honey)?
A: Totally fine, especially if flavors are natural. Just double-check that the additives are safe during pregnancy.
Conclusion – Your Body, Your Baby, Your Choice
At the end of the day, pregnancy comes with more questions than answers sometimes. If you’re anything like me, you’ve Googled late into the night, worrying about something small like whether honey on toast is safe—or considering making a bold choice like a piercing.
Here’s the bottom line: honey during pregnancy is safe in moderation, and can you get piercings during pregnancy is possible, but rarely recommended. Listen to your body. Trust your gut. And when in doubt, ask your healthcare provider—they’ve seen it all before.
Pregnancy isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding balance while keeping yourself and your baby safe. So go ahead—sweeten that tea with honey, but maybe save the piercing for your postpartum “me again” celebration.
Warm hugs, mama—you’ve got this.