Manuka honey and pregnancy – benefits, dosage and what to know

Q: Is Manuka honey and pregnancy a safe combination?

Yes. Manuka honey and pregnancy are considered compatible for most women when Manuka honey is consumed in normal dietary amounts. Public health guidance and published research indicate that honey is safe during pregnancy, with no evidence of foetal risk when used in moderation. Infants under 12 months should not consume honey, but this restriction does not apply during pregnancy.

Q: Can Manuka honey and pregnancy be part of a daily routine?

Manuka honey and pregnancy can be part of a daily routine for many women when intake is moderate. Small amounts, such as 1–2 teaspoons per day, may be enjoyed as part of a balanced prenatal diet unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.

Q: What MGO level is appropriate for Manuka honey and pregnancy?

For Manuka honey and pregnancy, an MGO rating of 260+ or higher is commonly recommended, as this level indicates measurable natural bioactivity while remaining suitable for gentle dietary use. Higher MGO levels reflect greater concentration but do not change general safety guidance.

Q: Are there benefits associated with Manuka honey and pregnancy?

Emerging research suggests potential benefits associated with Manuka honey and pregnancy, including support for sleep quality, digestion, and gentle energy needs. These effects are supported by laboratory findings and a 2024 clinical study on honey consumption in pregnant women, though Manuka honey is not a medical treatment.

Q: When should Manuka honey and pregnancy be avoided?

Manuka honey and pregnancy may require medical guidance if a woman has gestational diabetes, inflammatory bowel conditions, or known bee or pollen allergies. In these cases, individual health circumstances should be reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider before consumption.

by Jovana Saul, Manuka Honey Research Lead

Pregnant woman with jar of organic MGO 1200+ Manuka honey for pregnancy wellness

Quick Summary:

Manuka honey and pregnancy are considered compatible for most women when consumed in moderation, with no identified foetal risk
A 2024 clinical study reported improvements in sleep quality and constipation during the third trimester following honey consumption
Recommended intake is typically 1–2 teaspoons per day, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional
Medical guidance is recommended for women with gestational diabetes, inflammatory bowel conditions, or bee and pollen allergies

Understanding Manuka honey and pregnancy

Manuka honey and pregnancy is a common concern for expectant mothers seeking natural foods that are both nourishing and appropriate during this important stage of life.

While pregnancy calls for greater care around food choices, research and public health guidance confirm that Manuka honey is safe for most pregnant women when consumed in moderation. Emerging evidence also suggests it may offer gentle, supportive benefits for digestion, sleep quality, immune resilience, and natural energy during pregnancy.

Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the Manuka plant, a medicinal species native only to Australia and New Zealand.

Manuka trees native to Australia

Medical-grade Manuka honey contains naturally occurring compounds such as methylglyoxal (MGO), which contribute to its distinctive properties. MGO is the globally recognised measure of Manuka honey strength. The higher the MGO number, the more concentrated and potent the honey.

As with any dietary addition during pregnancy, individual health circumstances matter. Women with gastrointestinal conditions or gestational diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before introducing Manuka honey into their routine.

Is Manuka honey safe during pregnancy?

Manuka honey is considered safe for pregnant women when consumed in normal dietary amounts. (1, 2)

The primary safety concern often raised with honey is infant botulism, caused by Clostridium botulinum spores. While infants under 12 months lack the mature gut defences to neutralise these spores, adults do not share this vulnerability.

Extensive reviews of food-borne illness during pregnancy confirm that botulinum toxin is unlikely to cross the placenta, and even in the rare, documented case of maternal botulism during pregnancy, no foetal harm was observed. (1) Health authorities including the California Department of Public Health state that honey is safe during pregnancy. (2)

Key safety considerations for Manuka honey and pregnancy:

A mature adult digestive system neutralises naturally occurring bacteria harmlessly
Botulinum toxin does not readily cross the placenta
No evidence of foetal risk has been identified in published clinical or public health research.
Honey remains unsafe only for infants under 12 months of age
Women with inflammatory bowel conditions, Crohn’s disease, or gestational diabetes should seek medical advice before consumption.

Research-backed benefits of Manuka honey during pregnancy

Improved sleep quality in the third trimester

Sleep disruption is one of the most common complaints during late pregnancy, driven by hormonal changes, discomfort, nocturnal urination, and anxiety.

A 2024 quasi-experimental clinical study involving 60 third-trimester pregnant women with insomnia demonstrated notable improvements in sleep following honey consumption. (3) Participants in the intervention group consumed 5 ml of honey mixed with 100 ml of warm water twice daily for six days.

Results observed:

Average pre-intervention insomnia score: 28.96 out of 40
Post-intervention score: 12.96
Mean reduction of 16 points
Statistical significance: p < 0.001

These findings suggest honey may support sleep quality through its gentle effect on blood glucose regulation and serotonin pathways.

Practical use:

One tablespoon of Manuka honey in warm water or milk approximately 30 minutes before bedtime.

Pregnant woman sleeping

Digestive support and constipation relief

Constipation affects an estimated 38% and 20% of women in the second and third trimesters respectively due to hormonal shifts, iron supplementation, and increasing uterine pressure on the intestines. (4)

The same 2024 study mentioned above, reported significant improvements in constipation among participants using honey, while the control group experienced no change. (3)

Manuka honey acts as a natural prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut bacteria while also helping draw moisture into the bowel to soften stools. This prebiotic effect is linked to naturally occurring oligosaccharides, as supported by broader nutritional research on honey. (5)

Immune and nutritional support during pregnancy

Pregnancy naturally moderates immune function to support foetal development. Laboratory studies show that Manuka honey exhibits strong antimicrobial activity linked directly to its MGO concentration and total phenolic content. (6)

Manuka honey naturally contains:

Methylglyoxal (MGO)
Active enzymes
Small amounts of B vitamins
Trace minerals including potassium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus.

While these findings come primarily from laboratory research rather than pregnancy-specific trials, no adverse foetal effects have been identified, supporting its cautious inclusion as a whole-food source of nutrition.

Manuka honey pictured with lemon for immunity support while pregnant

Natural energy support

Fatigue is common during the first and third trimesters. Honey provides easily absorbed glucose and fructose without the sharp spikes associated with refined sugars. As a minimally processed food, Manuka honey delivers energy alongside trace nutrients rather than empty calories.

Ways to use Manuka honey during pregnancy:

Stirred into yoghurt or oats
Added to smoothies
Taken directly from the spoon
Mixed into warm water with lemon

Safe dosage during pregnancy

Based on available research and nutritional guidance:

Recommended daily intake: 1–2 teaspoons (5 – 10 ml)
Clinical study protocol: 5 ml honey in warm water, twice daily for six days (3)

Practical daily routine:

Morning: 1 teaspoon in warm water with lemon
Evening: 1 teaspoon in warm milk or herbal tea

Moderation remains essential, particularly for women monitoring blood sugar levels.

When to avoid Manuka honey during pregnancy

Manuka honey should be avoided or used only under medical guidance if you have:

Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or IBS
Gestational diabetes
Bee or pollen allergies

Important reminder: Honey must never be given to infants under 12 months of age.

Choosing quality Manuka honey during pregnancy

Not all Manuka honey is created equal. Therapeutic properties are directly linked to MGO concentration.

When selecting Manuka honey for pregnancy, quality and provenance matter. Look for a honey that meets the following criteria:

An MGO rating of 260+ or higher, which indicates a level of natural bioactivity suitable for gentle therapeutic use
Certified organic production, ensuring the honey is free from pesticides and synthetic chemicals
Raw and unpasteurised honey, so naturally occurring enzymes and beneficial compounds remain intact
Australian or New Zealand origin, as true Manuka plants grow naturally only in these regions
Independent laboratory testing, providing reassurance that the honey’s strength, purity, and authenticity have been verified

Biosota Manuka honey range from MGO260+ to 1717+ recommended for supporting pregnant women's health

Biosota’s Australian Manuka honey is independently tested for MGO strength and purity, sourced from remote Australian bushland, and produced using minimal intervention to preserve natural bioactivity. Explore the full Manuka Honey Strength Guide to better understand MGO levels and their applications.

Manuka Honey MGO Strength and Suggested Uses

MGO	Strength	Grade	Suggested Uses
MGO 30+ to 290+	Everyday Strength	Table Grade	Wellbeing, Immunity
MGO 300+ to 490+	Medicinal Strength	Therapeutic Grade	Sore throats, coughs, colds & flu, oral care
MGO 500+ to 990+	High Medicinal Strength	Therapeutic Grade+	Sore throats, coughs, colds & flu, oral care
MGO 1000+ to 1900+ (Rare)	Superior Strength	Medical Grade	Burns, wounds, ulcers, infections, gut health
MGO 2200+ (Limited Edition)	Ultimate Strength	Medical Grade+	Burns, wounds, ulcers, infections, gut health

Pre-Conception Nutrition: Supporting Reproductive Health

Preliminary nutritional data suggests that the antioxidants, minerals, and B vitamins found in Manuka honey may support reproductive health when consumed prior to pregnancy. (6) While not a treatment, it can form part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet during pre-conception.

Choosing Manuka honey during pregnancy with confidence

Current evidence confirms that Manuka honey and pregnancy are compatible for most women. Research shows honey is safe during pregnancy, with a 2024 clinical study demonstrating meaningful improvements in sleep quality and constipation during the third trimester. (3)

With its prebiotic properties, gentle energy support, and naturally occurring nutrients, Manuka honey can be a thoughtful addition to a prenatal diet when chosen carefully and used in moderation.

For those seeking premium quality, Biosota’s high-MGO Australian Manuka honey offers independently tested strength, purity, and provenance, crafted with generations of beekeeping knowledge and respect for nature.

Explore Biosota’s Manuka honey collection to find the MGO strength that suits your pregnancy journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manuka honey and pregnancy a safe combination?

Manuka honey and pregnancy are considered compatible for most women when Manuka honey is consumed in normal dietary amounts. Public health guidance and published research indicate that honey is safe during pregnancy, with no evidence of foetal risk when used in moderation. Infants under 12 months should not consume honey, but this restriction does not apply during pregnancy.

Can Manuka honey and pregnancy be part of a daily routine?