OP - yes it's safe. I have 3 kids to prove it.

I actually read that pickled and fermented foods are good for pregnant women because they provide probiotics

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Millions of Koreans can't be wrong...

They aren't eating kimchi in America.

Follow the advice you've gotten here about what kind to buy and how to store it.

I'm Korean, and almost 2 million Koreans and Korean Americans (as well as many non-Koreans) are indeed eating it in America. I can't see how it could pose a risk, whether refrigerated or not (although, as a PP mentioned, I'd probably stay away from mail order kimchi). The most common types are usually too salty and spicy to go bad, and it's been eaten for thousands of years by people whose only means of temperature control was to bury the pots in the ground so it doesn't get too cold or hot. Yes, it has bacteria, but as with yogurt, cheese, etc., it's not the "good" bacteria that compromises the health, even for the immune-compromised. Koreans are actually quite proud of the health benefits (and even cite kimchi for the relatively low rates of various infections, including HIV and SARS, in the country).

You're actually supposed to leave it at room temperature for several or more days after it's made to get it to the right fermentation stage. And when it gets really old and stinky, that's when you make kimchi stew. Throw in some tofu and tuna (some add pork), pair it with some rice, and OMG, it's so delicious. . .

I love kimchi and ate some during my pregnancy. It is prepared with salt and is probably high in sodium. That is the only health issue that comes to mind. Those with hypertension might want to abstain.

Koreans eat kimchi 365 days a year... Pregnant or non-pregnant. I ate it throughout all my pregnancies! Enjoy!

Anonymous wrote:Really craving for some kimchi but can't find online anywhere if it is safe to eat. Anyone knows? Thx.

My guess is kimchi is a lot better for you than hot dog and coke. Go for it. The entire nation of Korea can't be wrong.

I am not Korean but DH and I love to eat Korean food, especially kimchi. Ate it throughout my pregnancy without any problems, though in the last couple of weeks it gave me heartburn.

If you are in the DC area, head to HMart for a great selection of cucumber, radish, and cabbage kimchi. Yum!

I think it's that Kimcji and other fermented foods have a higher amount of bacteria that some people might react badly too. I think it's probably fine and that the bacteria in kimchi (and yogurt etc...) are healthy, "good" bacteria but I can imagine that it could potentially pose a problem for someone with a compromised or "suppressed" immune system, as in pregnancy. I think this is a legitimate gray area.

Anonymous wrote:Millions of Koreans can't be wrong...

They aren't eating kimchi in America.

Follow the advice you've gotten here about what kind to buy and how to store it.

Millions of Koreans can't be wrong...

Ate kimchi all the time. Koreans would not be around if it was not safe! Enjoy!

I'm a native Korean and I've been reading Korean pregnancy books. Kimchi is totally fine, nowhere are there precautions. I ate it during my entire pregnancy and baby was born healthy. The only thing is that it's not recommended you eat it while breastfeeding for at least the first 100 days. That goes for all spicy foods, not just kimchi.

Fermented foods are fine. Non-pasteurized are bad (e.g. I knew a pregnant woman who continued having raw eggs in her pregnancy).

i think the fact that there are, actually, Koreans answers the question.

OP: Eat and enjoy...buy and keep refrigerated.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Really craving for some kimchi but can't find online anywhere if it is safe to eat. Anyone knows? Thx.

I worked with a Korean woman who ate in every day for both pregnancies. You are ridiculous.

23:06, who said she was Korean, gave some good advice that OP might not have known otherwise. I'm not surprised that a Korean woman knew what to eat but kimchi comes in different forms and is made with different stuff. I would like to hear more Koreans weigh in with advice.