Can I eat cherry while pregnant?

According to FDA and ACOG guidelines, cherries are a nutrient-dense fruit safe for consumption throughout pregnancy. They offer significant amounts of Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, which supports immune function and digestive health. However, the primary safety concerns involve pesticide residues and potential bacterial contamination from soil, such as Toxoplasma gondii or Listeria. Guidelines emphasize the necessity of thorough washing under running water before consumption. Additionally, cherry pits contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide if crushed or chewed; while swallowing a whole pit is generally not toxic, avoiding the pits is recommended. For those with gestational diabetes, monitoring portion sizes is advised due to the natural sugar content, typically around 1 cup per serving to manage glycemic load.