Pregnant During Chinese New Year: What to Eat & What to Politely Skip

Introduction: A Different Kind of Festive Season

Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of family, delicious food, and meaningful traditions. But as an expectant mom, you might find yourself wondering if you can enjoy those reunion dinners and festive snacks the way you used to — or whether some dishes could pose risks to your baby.

The good news? You don’t have to sit out the celebrations entirely. You just need to know which festive foods are safe, which ones to skip, and how to make mindful choices that keep you and your baby healthy throughout the celebrations.

Why Food Safety Matters More During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally less able to fight off certain bacteria and infections. Some foodborne pathogens and contaminants — like Listeria, Salmonella, and mercury — carry risks not just for you, but also for your baby’s development and health.

So while occasional indulgence in small amounts is usually fine, certain festive foods deserve caution or avoidance altogether.

Festive Foods to Be Careful with During CNY

1. Yee Sang (Raw Fish Salad)

Yee Sang is beloved in many Malaysian and Singaporean CNY traditions. However, it often contains raw fish — and raw fish is known to carry bacteria like Listeria, which spread more easily when food has been left out or handled by several people.

Safer approach: enjoy the tossing ritual (for good luck) but avoid eating the raw fish, or ask if the fish can be replaced with a fully cooked alternative.

2. Shark Fin Soup

Shark fin soup is a traditional dish served at many Chinese banquets, but shark and similar large predatory fish can contain high levels of mercury, a toxin that can affect a baby’s developing nervous system. Experts recommend avoiding high mercury fish during pregnancy.

Consider politely skipping this dish, even if it’s part of the festivities. (and saving you some money too!) 

3.  Alcohol Infused Dishes

Some celebratory recipes — like drunken chicken or wine marinated prawns — contain alcohol.

There’s no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and even cooking with wine can leave trace amounts.

If possible, ask for a non alcoholic version or enjoy other dishes instead.

4. Hotpot

Hotpot is a common CNY gathering activity, but pregnant moms need to be mindful:

•  Fully cook all meats, seafood, and eggs before eating. Partially cooked ingredients can carry bacteria such as Listeria or Salmonella.

•  Avoid raw or half-cooked eggs and seafood often used for dipping sauces or toppings.

•  Keep your portion small and pace yourself to avoid overeating — hotpot meals can be very rich and filling.

5. Herbal Soups with Unfamiliar Ingredients

CNY reinvigorates many family recipes, including herbal soups. While many herbs are nutritious, some may not be recommended during pregnancy — especially if you can’t confirm what’s in them.

If you’re unsure, choose clear broths or familiar soups, or check with your healthcare provider.

Festive Snacks & Common Myths

6. Pineapple and Pineapple Tarts

Many expectant moms are told that pineapple should be avoided during pregnancy because it may cause miscarriage. 

This belief comes from the fact that pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that in very large amounts can soften connective tissue.

However, the small amounts of bromelain in the edible flesh of pineapple are not likely to affect pregnancy when eaten in normal portions.

That means:
✔ Eating pineapple or pineapple tarts in moderation is generally safe.
❗ If you have sensitive digestion or heartburn, enjoy smaller portions.

7. Other CNY Snacks

•  Love letters and peanut cookies are typically safe in small amounts, though high in sugar and fats — so moderation is key.

•  Bak kwa (sweet BBQ meat) is another popular treat; it’s safe but best enjoyed in limited portions due to high salt and sugar content.

Always choose snacks that are freshly made or packaged and stored properly — food left out for long periods (especially in warm weather) can harbour bacteria.

How to Eat Mindfully at Family Gatherings

Here are simple, respectful ways to protect your health without causing fuss:

•  Take small portions of unfamiliar dishes.

•  Explain your dietary needs gently: “I’m focusing on well cooked dishes for my pregnancy.”

•  Focus on soups, cooked vegetables, and plain rice or noodles — comforting and low risk options.

•  Hydrate well and enjoy the company more than the quantity of food.

Conclusion: Celebrate Without Compromise

Chinese New Year is about togetherness, joy, and cultural pride. With a little food awareness, you can enjoy the spirit of the season while still prioritizing safety for you and your baby.

Choose the festive foods you love mindfully, skip those that pose risks, and savour the moments that matter most — the laughter, the traditions, and the shared memories.

References

1. Healthline Editorial Team. Food Safety During Pregnancy — overview of foodborne risks and mercury in fish. Healthline
2. Healthline. Pineapple and Pregnancy: Is It Safe to Eat? — explains bromelain myth and pineapple safety. Healthline
3. Healthline. 15 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy — guidance on mercury fish and raw foods risk. Healthline
4. HealthWorks Malaysia. Pregnancy Diet Tips — general dietary cautions during pregnancy including alcohol. healthworks.my