Actually yaar, MSG is perfectly safe in normal food amounts. I had so many cravings for Chinese during my second trimester and my doc said it is totally fine as long as you don't overdo it. Just make sure the place is hygienic, enjoy your food!
I asked my hospital's lead nutritionist about this during our dietary planning session. She confirmed that MSG is safe and doesn't affect the baby at all. But she advised tracking my overall salt and sodium intake to avoid water retention, so we should always consult our doctors to personalize our diet charts.
Medically, MSG is just a salt of glutamate, which is also naturally present in tomatoes and cheese. It is totally safe in moderation during pregnancy. The only catch is that MSG-heavy foods are usually highly processed or salty, which can trigger bloating and high blood pressure, so limit it.
It's fine in moderation, honestly. When you are juggling work and cravings, an occasional plate of Hakka noodles or momos won't harm. Just don't make it a daily habit since restaurant food has too much sodium, which can cause swelling in your feet.
Oh, I totally understand how intense those spicy Chinese food cravings can get during these nine months! Please don't beat yourself up for having it once in a while, a little MSG is completely harmless. Treat yourself to a warm bowl of soup, dear, and enjoy this special time.
