Babies run the risk of developing food allergies, which can often be hard to diagnose at a young age. According to the CDC, food allergies among children have risen by 50% since the 1990s. While a doctor will advise new parents on how to handle introducing specific allergen-inducing foods, such as peanuts or strawberries, many women wonder if they can lower their babies’ risk of food allergies while pregnant.
New studies show that eating certain foods while pregnant can lower your baby’s risk of food allergies before they are born.
Here’s what you should know about lowering your baby’s food allergy risk while pregnant.
Does Avoiding Foods Mitigate Allergen Risk In Your Baby?
Many first-time expecting mothers will ask their doctor if there are specific foods they should avoid while pregnant to reduce the risk of allergies in their baby after birth.
The answer to this question is that doctors do not recommend avoiding allergen-inducing foods while pregnant. Studies conducted so far have not shown an impact on whether avoiding certain foods reduces the risk of your baby developing a food allergy after birth.
Instead, doctors will encourage you to eat healthy during your pregnancy and make sure that your baby is getting a balanced diet with vital nutrients and vitamins. This also includes consuming foods from all the different food groups, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and meat.
Note: While there are some questions surrounding breastfeeding and babies developing food allergies, there are no definitive studies on this topic as of yet.
Are There Any Foods That Could Lower My Baby’s Risk of Food Allergies?
Recently, several promising studies have been released that highlight certain foods you can eat during pregnancy that may help mitigate the risk of your baby developing specific food allergies after birth. Below are some foods that have been proven to help prevent your baby from contracting food allergies.
Avocados
A 2025 study published in Pediatric Research found that women who consumed avocados during their first or third trimester of pregnancy reduced their babies’ risk of developing food allergies by nearly 44%. This is significant, as the study found that consuming any amount of avocado can have this effect.
Avocados provide a healthy balance of fats, oils, fiber, and other essential nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy and may reduce the risk of food allergies. This study found that avocados could help shape your baby’s gut microbiome and immune system, even before birth.
Vegetables, Fruits, Protein, And Yogurt
In 2024, a study found that consuming a higher intake of nuts, vegetables, fruits, and protein during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of allergies in babies. The study hypothesized that prioritizing a healthy and high-quality diet can prevent the onset of allergies after a baby is born.
This study focused on the types of diets pregnant women are exposed to during pregnancy. It highlighted that a healthy and balanced diet yields the best results in mitigating allergies in babies. Researchers referenced another 2022 study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, which also found that consuming more vegetables and yogurt during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of any allergic diseases in offspring.
Another study, published in June 2020, developed a “maternal allergy-preventive diet index” and found that a higher intake of vegetables and yogurt during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of various allergic conditions in children, including allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and wheeze.
In general, a healthy diet is always recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor is going to have various routine tests performed during pregnancy, and you are likely to experience numerous common pregnancy cravings. Always consult with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet while pregnant.
If your child already has allergies or you’re not sure, you can check out our articles about Seasonal Allergies in Kids and our comprehensive guide to Allergy Medicine for Kids.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be a replacement for medical care or advice. This info is not intended to diagnose or replace medical treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about your dietary needs or possible dietary changes during pregnancy. If you are experiencing an emergency, contact 911 or arrange for alternative safe transportation to the nearest emergency room.
