Barberries in pregnancy

[Ana098]

Is there anyone who’s eaten barberries (especially in the first trimester) and baby been ok?
Had some in a Persian meal recently only to be told afterwards that pregnant women should avoid it (Google states can cause miscarriage/ brain damage to the fetus!).
I know it‘s a common Persian food so wondered if anyone else has eaten it during pregnancy and been ok?

Never heard of them but lots of websites (after a quick Google) say avoid.

Ana, don’t worry. The poison is usually in the dose. I imagine if you ate heaps of barberries all day long, at every meal, it would be dangerous; but one meal, fine. If it were super dangerous to eat a single portion, we would all know about it.

There are various things in this “danger” category, e.g. liquorice. basically avoid, but don’t stress if the deed is done. In fact, stress can be damaging. Perhaps a barberry expert will come along to correct me, but that’s my inkling, and wishing you all the best with your pregnancy. And keep avoiding wine, too much caffeine, artificial sugar. Eat lots of fresh fruit, veg, listen to your body.

I wouldn't be worried about eating it for one meal. It looks like they're worried about barberry herbal supplementation in the guidance - it's used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a high amount of berberine which can cause these issues. The fruit itself shouldn't have too much.

Thank you all for your replies- really appreciate the reassurance!

Hi Ana,
was everything alright in the end for you?
I ate 100g or bit more of barberries few handfuls into the mouth (more than what is needed when cooking meals). I was crying after reading about it just 2 hrs after and tried to vomit them out. I am just so worried because I ate a lot. Only thought of googling it after I had a cramp at the lower abdomen for the first time since 15 weeks).

On the same boat had a meal
with dried barberries and saffron rich only 5 months pregnant freaking out!! Any guidance is appreciated

Trust me, you can really scare yourself with googling "can I eat..." during pregnancy. If it's not on the nhs list of things to eat/avoid then maybe avoid eating it again in the future but try not to worry if it was just a little bit in a meal. You will be fine.