I ate black licorice!

[ItsAWonder]

I never have junk food in my house. Usually I hate it. My Dad is visiting and he brought black twizzlers which have licorice extract and I ate three strands. I completely forgot that it can be really harmful when pregnant or breastfeeding. Now I am completely freaking out!

 

[ruby83]

I had no idea you are not supposed to eat this and I thought I was all over the pregnany food rules! What makes it harmful?

 

[MrsMA]

I didn't know you weren't supposed to eat it either!

 

[charlottex]

In the UK you're allowed too? And I ate it in both pregnancies. Obviously I'm not sure of the rules in USA etc.
I'm sure it'll be fine but ring doctor/mw for advice if worried. X

 

[c beary83]

I didn't know you weren't supposed to eat it either!

 

[mac1979]

Three pieces won't hurt you. Just don't binge on it.

 

[Bevziibubble]

I didn't know you weren't supposed to eat it!

 

[magnacarta]

Please don't worry! The studies that show that black licorice isn't great for pregnant women only find negative effects for women who ate an average of 100 g of licorice daily. That is a TON of licorice...and every day. You can def. eat black licorice in moderation--don't feel bad about what you already ate, and feel free to continue eating a few pieces of licorice, even every day!

 

[LoraLoo]

I'm in the uk and there are no recommendations to avoid it

 

[Buffyx]

It's only meant to *possibly* effect baby's IQ. And its if you eat a lot like PP said. And I'm not even sure that it's an actual fact or not?! I ate some the other day

 

[ItsAWonder]

I was more concerned about the effects it has on thinning the placenta - which leads to diminished IQ, ADHD etc. You are right though, three strands is not enough and what's done is done. I will see my doctor tomorrow and hear his thoughts. Usually he is very laid back on what to eat and what not to but he was very clear that I should not eat licorice. I think it 's partly b/c my placenta was compromised last time.

 

[BunNtheOven]

I wouldn't worry about it. Relax! If it's going to effect you, it would probably take long time use of it. One time is not going to do anything.