If you've been avoiding eating peanuts, or using peanut oil in cooking while pregnant because of worries about passing on a nut allergy to your baby, new research could change your thinking.
Current guidelines advise mums-to-be to avoid peanuts if there's a history of allergies in the family.
But a recent report says this isn't preventing allergies, since the number of UK schoolchildren with nut allergies has doubled in the last decade, despite guidelines being in place.
Meanwhile, nut allergies are extremely low in countries where peanuts form part of a weaned baby's diet.
'A lot of the world's population is brought up on a diet of nuts, including peanuts, and there's no sign of peanut allergies increasing anywhere else, so this report warrants consideration,' says research dietician Fiona Ford.
Our expert Claire Friars, midwife for Tommy's, the baby charity, says: 'Telling pregnant women with a history of allergies not to eat peanuts was something of an experiment.
'The Government was hoping to see a drop in the number of children with allergies, but this was in 1988 and it hasn't happened.'
Claire adds, 'Logically speaking, you would think it would be better to have a small exposure to peanuts in the womb, rather than introducing peanuts suddenly aged 3.
'However, don't rush out and eat peanuts just yet - wait until the guidelines change so we can be sure. And continue to avoid peanuts if you have allergies, such as eczema or asthma, in the family.
'In the meantime, don't let it put you off eating other nuts, such as Brazil and cashew nuts, which are an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients.'
If you have any queries about whether it's safe for you eat nuts while pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your GP or midwife.
Visit www.netdoctor.co.uk for more information about pregnancy health issues.
