Can you eat peanuts while pregnant?

A recent study by scientists at the University of Portsmouth found that the majority of pregnant women avoid peanuts, regardless of whether they have a family history of atopy (eczema, asthma or hay fever). 

But according to the study – and as we at P&b advise – peanuts are perfectly safe for women with no history of atopy. So it’s not always possible to pass on the peanut butter!

Swap it

Swap chocolate biccies for delicious homemade cookies, packed with oats (great for keeping your blood sugar stable) and iron-rich raisins. Find an easy recipe at annabelkarmel.com/recipes.

Off the menu

There’s nothing like an ice-cream to cool you down on a sweltering summer day, but steer clear of that Mr Whippy van, as soft-whip ice-cream carries a risk of salmonella and other bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Other types of shop-bought ice-cream are fine.

0 that’s the amount of units of alcohol pregnant women could soon be advised to drink, under new proposed Government guidelines. Complete abstinence is already advised in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and France.

Superfood in season: blueberries

Packed into these innocent little blue berries is a veritable cornucopia of nutritional goodies – antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and even that old pregnancy favourite, folic acid.

Like cranberries, blueberries can also help prevent urinary tract infections such as cystitis.  Add them to pancakes and smoothies or just snack on them like sweeties.

Food al fresco 

Love picnics but always end up dishing out the same old crisps and dips? How do lamb koftas with minted yoghurt or mango and coconut tray bake sound?

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