Filling up on fruit generally gets the thumbs up during pregnancy, but what about grapes? Here’s what you need to know about the benefits—and considerations to weigh—of grapes during pregnancy!

Can you eat grapes during pregnancy?

Yes, you can absolutely eat grapes during pregnancy! When they’re washed well and enjoyed in reasonable portions, they can be a tasty, hydrating, and nutrient-rich part of your prenatal menu. Major pregnancy nutrition guidelines encourage a variety of fruits and veggies for their vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which support a healthy pregnancy.)

Because grapes contain natural sugars and carbohydrates, if you have or are at risk for gestational diabetes, your care team may recommend paying special attention to portion sizes and how you pair fruit with other foods. Always talk with your healthcare provider or dietitian about your specific needs, especially if you have gestational diabetes, prediabetes, or other metabolic conditions.

Are grapes safe to eat while pregnant?

For most pregnant people, fresh grapes are considered safe when:

• They’re washed well under running water.
• You stick to typical portion sizes (for example, about 1 cup or a handful).
• You’re following your provider’s guidance about total carbohydrate intake.

Grapes contain helpful nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and small amounts of fiber, all of which can support a healthy pregnancy diet.

There’s no recommendation from major medical organizations that pregnant people should avoid grapes. Concerns you may see online tend to be about:

• Natural sugar content (which could be important for those with gestational diabetes).
• Pesticide residues (which can be reduced by proper washing).
• Resveratrol in very high supplemental doses (but not the small amounts found naturally in foods like grapes).

Current research and expert reviews note that resveratrol is a natural plant compound found in grapes and grape products, but that the safety of high-dose resveratrol supplements in pregnancy is not established. But you can rest assured that normal food-level amounts of grapes have not been shown to harm pregnancy, and virtually every public health expert encourages eating fruits during pregnancy!

Benefits of Eating Grapes During Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, your body is working overtime, so nutrient-loaded foods like grapes can help!

Rich in antioxidants: Grapes contain polyphenol antioxidants, including resveratrol (mostly in the skin), as well as other phytonutrients that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Antioxidants support general health and may help counter some of the increased oxidative stress that occurs during pregnancy, though most of the data come from non-pregnancy populations or animal models.

Vitamin C and vitamin K: Grapes contribute vitamin C, which supports immune health, tissue repair, and iron absorption, and vitamin K, which plays an important role in normal blood clotting and bone health. While grapes aren’t the very highest vitamin C fruit compared to citrus, they’re one of many fruits that help you reach your daily needs in pregnancy.

Hydration help: Like many fruits, grapes have a high water content—more than 80% water—so they can contribute to your fluid intake along with water, milk, and other beverages. Staying hydrated helps support healthy blood volume, digestion, and temperature regulation during pregnancy. (Read more about the importance of hydration during pregnancy!)

Fiber for digestion: Grapes offer a little fiber, especially when you eat the skins, and every bit helps! Constipation is very common in pregnancy, and fiber from fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes is one part of prevention and treatment.

Natural energy source: Grapes are a quick source of carbohydrates, which your body turns into glucose for energy. Pregnancy nutrition guidance generally encourages getting most carbohydrates from whole or minimally processed foods—like fruits—rather than sugary drinks or sweets. Pairing grapes with protein and/or healthy fats (like cheese, nuts, or yogurt) can help keep energy more stable and may blunt blood sugar spikes.

Are there any risks or considerations?

Natural Sugar and Gestational Diabetes

Grapes contain natural sugars and carbohydrates. That’s not a problem for most pregnant people, but if you have gestational diabetes or insulin resistance, how much and how often you eat higher-sugar fruits (grapes, mango, pineapple, etc.) can matter for blood sugar control.

Gestational diabetes diet guides from diabetes and hospital programs usually recommend:

• Counting total carbohydrate grams per meal/snack
• Including fruits in measured portions (often ~15 g carb portions)
• Pairing fruit with protein and/or fat
• Spreading carbohydrates across the day

Grapes can usually still fit in a gestational diabetes meal plan, but you may be advised to keep to a small handful, avoid eating them alone as a snack, and favor lower-glycemic fruits more often (like berries). Consider these low-carb pregnancy snacks for gestational diabetes!

Pesticide Residues on Grapes

Conventional grapes, like many fruits, may carry small amounts of pesticide residues. The USDA Pesticide Data Program (PDP) monitors pesticide residues on produce each year, including grapes. Their latest summary reports that more than 99% of samples overall have residues below the safety benchmarks set by the EPA.

Consumer advocacy groups, like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), analyze this government data and publish annual lists such as the “Dirty Dozen,” which highlight fruits and vegetables with relatively higher pesticide residues. Grapes regularly appear on this list. However, the takeaway from medical and public health experts is not to avoid fruits and vegetables, but rather to wash all produce thoroughly under running water and consider buying organic for higher-residue items when it fits your budget and preferences.

Food Safety: Washing Grapes Well

During pregnancy, you’re more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses like listeriosis and salmonellosis, so produce hygiene matters:

• Always wash hands with soap and water before handling produce.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water—even if you do not plan to peel them.
• Skip soap, bleach, or commercial produce washes; they’re not recommended.

How to Safely Enjoy Grapes While Pregnant

Here’s how to keep your grape habit both satisfying and bump-friendly:

• Wash thoroughly under running water. Place grapes in a colander and gently rub or agitate them under running water. This helps remove dirt, bacteria, and some pesticide residues.
  
  
• Choose organic when it makes sense for you. If you’re concerned about pesticide exposure and your budget allows, you may choose organic grapes, especially because consumer rankings often place conventional grapes among higher-residue produce.
  
  
• Stick to moderate portions. A typical serving of grapes is about 1 cup (roughly a handful). If you have gestational diabetes or are watching carbs, your dietitian may recommend smaller portions or less frequent servings.
  
  
• Pair with protein or healthy fats. Combine grapes with foods like yogurt, nuts, or nut butter to help keep blood sugar steadier and keep you fuller longer.
  
  
• Store them properly. Keep grapes unwashed in the refrigerator and wash right before eating to reduce spoilage. Toss any that look moldy or have an off smell.

When might you limit or avoid grapes?

Check in with your healthcare provider about grapes (and fruit portions in general) if:

• You have gestational diabetes or preexisting diabetes. Your provider or dietitian may recommend limits on higher-sugar fruits, including grapes, or set specific serving sizes for fruit at each meal/snack.
  
  
• You notice digestive upset. Some people experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea if they eat large amounts of grapes or fruit in general. If that’s happening, cut back and discuss with your doc.
  
  
• You’re unable to wash grapes safely. If water safety is a concern or the grapes are from an unreliable source, it’s safest to skip them until you can wash them properly.
  
  

The Bottom Line

Grapes are generally a safe, refreshing, and nutritious fruit to chow down on during pregnancy! If you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns, talk with your healthcare team about how grapes and other fruits fit into your personalized plan. Otherwise, feel free to wash a handful, pair them with some protein, and enjoy.

More Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnancy:

• Smoothie Add-Ins for a Healthier Pregnancy
• How to Eat for a Healthy Mood in Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Nutrition Myths to Ignore
• Good-for-You Foods to Satisfy Your Pregnancy Cravings

 

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REFERENCES

• The Importance of Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation: Lifelong Impacts, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2021
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Nutrition During Pregnancy
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Nutrition During Pregnancy
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Gestational Diabetes
• Northwestern Medicine: Gestational Diabetes Nutrition Guide 
• University of Rochester Medical Center: Gestational Diabetes – Health Encyclopedia
• National Toxicology Program: TOX‑102: Trans‑resveratrol 
  Antioxidant Potential of Resveratrol, Antioxidants, 2023
• Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University: Resveratrol — Dietary Factors
• Polyphenol and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Review, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
• U.S. Department of Agriculture / FoodData Central: Food Details (2346412)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Vitamin C Fact Sheet 
• University of Michigan: Nutrition Snacks During Pregnancy
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Pesticide Data Program
• Environmental Working Group: Dirty Dozen Produce List
• UCLA Health: Dirty Dozen Produce — Clean Extra Carefully
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely
• U.S. Government: Fruit and Vegetable Safety — FoodSafety.gov

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.