Pickles are high in vitamin K and vitamin C, both of which are needed in pregnancy (via Healthline). On the other hand, pickles are also super salty. The high sodium content is where pregnant women need to exercise caution when perusing the snack aisle at the grocery store.
The sodium content of an average-sized pickle is 325 milligrams. So, eat one of these and you're already at 16% of the ideal daily sodium intake. Too much salt during pregnancy can cause gestational hypertension, which you definitely want to avoid as it can lead to health emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes down the line, according to the National Institute of Health. While pregnancy does account for a loss of certain vital nutrients — primarily iron, which needs to be upped during pregnancy — sodium doesn't appear to be one of them. Unfortunately, this means salty snack intake does indeed need to be monitored. Sorry, pickle lovers.
If your pregnancy craving just cannot be curbed and you must have a few pickles, try looking for a brand that offers a low-sodium option. And as always, make sure you're eating a nutritious diet overall, as well as getting lots of rest and healthy physical movement during pregnancy. Understanding the reason behind pregnancy cravings may also help you when creating your shopping list.
