Parsley is a bright, leafy herb rich in folate, iron, and vitamin C relative to its small serving size. It's commonly used as a garnish or flavoring in cooked dishes and salads. In typical culinary amounts, it's a nutritious addition to a pregnancy diet.
Why it's good in pregnancy
Parsley is a good source of folate, a nutrient essential for your baby's neural tube development, especially important in early pregnancy. It also provides iron and calcium, supporting blood health and bone development, along with vitamin C to aid iron absorption. Its fiber content also supports healthy digestion throughout pregnancy.
Key nutrients
FolateSupports healthy neural tube development, especially important in early pregnancy.
IronHelps support the increased blood volume needed during pregnancy.
CalciumContributes to your baby's developing bones and teeth.
Vitamin CBoosts immune function and enhances iron absorption.
FiberSupports healthy digestion and helps ease constipation.
Serving ideas
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over soups and stews
Mix into tabbouleh or grain salads
Blend into a green sauce for roasted vegetables
Add to omelets or scrambled eggs
Use as a garnish on cooked fish or chicken
Safety
While parsley is safe and beneficial in the amounts typically used in cooking and as a garnish, concentrated medicinal quantities or parsley extracts/supplements should be avoided, as very large amounts have traditionally been associated with uterine effects. Stick to culinary portions used in recipes, teas made occasionally, or as a fresh garnish. If you're considering any parsley-based supplement or extract, check with your healthcare provider first.
Culinary amounts safe; avoid large medicinal quantities.
Store fresh parsley in the refrigerator with stems in a glass of water, loosely covered with a bag, to keep it fresh for a week or more. Wash the leaves thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and any residue before use. Use parsley in normal culinary amounts as a garnish, in salads, or cooked into dishes, and avoid concentrated parsley supplements or extracts. Dried parsley should be kept sealed away from heat and light.
Common questions
Is parsley safe to eat during pregnancy?Yes, parsley used in normal culinary amounts, like as a garnish or seasoning, is safe during pregnancy.
Why should I avoid large amounts of parsley?Very large or concentrated medicinal amounts of parsley have been traditionally linked to uterine effects, so it's best to stick to normal cooking portions.
Can I drink parsley tea while pregnant?Occasional culinary-strength parsley tea is generally fine, but avoid concentrated extracts and check with your healthcare provider if unsure.
Did you know?
Parsley is one of the most nutrient-dense common herbs, packing folate and vitamin C into just a few sprigs.
There are two common types of parsley — curly and flat-leaf (Italian) — with flat-leaf typically having a stronger flavor.
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