Fruits During Pregnancy , Best Fruits to Eat During Pregnancy

Let’s know about Fruits During Pregnancy. Women need special care during pregnancy. Therefore, they are advised to consume vegetables and fruits rich in nutrients, but this does not mean that they can consume all fruits. Most of the women do not know which fruits should be consumed after conception and which need to be avoided. We are going to discuss about which fruit should be eaten during pregnancy and which fruit should not be eaten during pregnancy.

Let us first know about the benefits of eating fruits during pregnancy.

Table of Contents

Benefits of fruits during pregnancy

There are many benefits of consuming fruits by pregnant women during pregnancy. Below we are giving information about how fruits are beneficial in pregnancy.

1. Iron and folate- In the guidelines related to the diet of pregnant and lactating women issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), it has been clearly stated that fruits are considered a good source of folate and iron along with many other minerals. , which may play an important role in reducing the risk of anemia during pregnancy.

2. Supply of Vitamin-C- Vitamin-C is needed by both the mother and the unborn child. It can provide protection against many diseases to both the pregnant woman and the fetus ( 2 ). Whereas, Vitamin-C cannot be stored in the body. In such a situation, pregnant women are advised to consume fruits containing vitamin-C daily ( 1 ).

3. Relief from constipation- 11 to 33 percent of women face the problem of constipation during pregnancy ( 3 ). In such a situation, it is advisable to consume fiber-rich foods to keep the digestive system healthy. Therefore, consumption of fruits is considered beneficial to prevent the problem of constipation ( 4 ).

Prevention of preeclampsia- After the 20th week of pregnancy, the risk of preeclampsia ie high blood pressure is high for pregnant women ( 5 ). To prevent this, it is also advised to consume a fiber-rich diet, in which fruits are also included ( 4 ).

Come, let us know which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy further in the article.

Which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy

Fruits should be consumed during pregnancy, but it does not mean that you should consume any fruit. Below we are giving information related to which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy.

1. Kiwi

Kiwi can be a name in which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy. It is rich in folate i.e. folic acid, which is considered essential during pregnancy. In fact, folate deficiency during pregnancy can cause neural tube disorders in the child.

Cherries

Cherries are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber ( 7 ). All these qualities are considered essential for the development of the pregnant woman and the baby. In addition, consuming cherries can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar levels in pregnancy ( 8Trusted Source ). On this basis, cherry can also be included in the list of fruits to be eaten during pregnancy.

Guava

Guava can also be an answer to which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy. Actually, guava is a good source of iron, which can reduce the risk of anemia in pregnancy to a great extent. In addition, it contains a good amount of vitamin-C, which can boost immunity ( 9 ). In such a situation , consumption of guava in limited quantity during pregnancy can be beneficial.

Mango

Consuming mangoes can be very beneficial for a pregnant woman. Research conducted on rats confirms that mangoes contain phytoestrogens, polyphenols, calcium, iron and potassium, which may be beneficial in the development of bones, tissues and teeth of the fetus ( 10 ) . Apart from this, vitamin-C is also found in it, which can relieve constipation along with strengthening the digestive system.

5. Pears

Dietary guidelines for pregnant women issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) state that the vitamins, minerals and folate present in pears can play an important role in reducing the risk of anemia during pregnancy. Along with this, vitamin-C is also found in it, which is important for the health of the unborn baby.

Apple

According to a research published on the NCBI website, consuming apples during pregnancy can be considered extremely beneficial for the pregnant woman as well as the unborn child. It has been believed in research that the consumption of apple by pregnant can prevent the complaints of childhood allergies and asthma in children ( 12 ). Apart from this, nutrients such as vitamin-C, vitamin-A, fiber, iron, calcium, folate, potassium and pectin are found in apples ( 13 ). All of these nutrients are considered essential during pregnancy.

Cheeku

Research suggests that including chikoo in the diet during pregnancy can have a positive effect on the health of both the pregnant woman and the child ( 15 ) . At the same time, the carbohydrates and essential nutrients present in it can benefit the pregnant woman in some way. Along with this, its consumption can also provide relief from the problem of weakness, vomiting and nausea in pregnancy ( 16 ). In such a situation, it can be said that the use of Chikoo in pregnancy can be beneficial.

Strawberries

Strawberry can also be a name in which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy. According to a research available on the NCBI website, to increase the absorption of iron in the body of a pregnant woman, it can be considered beneficial to include a vitamin-C rich diet like strawberries.

Watermelon

The benefits of including watermelon in the diet can be seen during pregnancy . In fact, it contains important nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin A ( 13 ). These nutrients are considered beneficial for the development of the fetus along with the pregnant woman ( 18 ). In addition, another research states that watermelon contains a chemical compound called lycopene, which can significantly reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction, that is, the child’s normal weight gain during pregnancy.

Sharifa

Including custard apple in the diet can be beneficial during pregnancy . According to a research, consumption of custard apple during pregnancy can be helpful in the development of the brain, nervous system and immune system of the fetus. Also, it can reduce the risk of miscarriage and pain during childbirth ( 20 ).

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidant properties, which can nourish the fetus during pregnancy and have a safe effect on the placenta. In addition, the folate found in it can protect the fetus as well as prevent birth defects. In addition, it may help boost immunity by preventing inflammation ( 21 ).

Banana

According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, bananas should be included in the diet of pregnant women ( 22 ). On the other hand, according to a research, bananas contain nutrients like potassium, fiber, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron, folate, etc., which can play an important role in keeping a pregnant woman healthy. Apart from this, the consumption of banana has also been considered beneficial to overcome the complaint of morning sickness in pregnant women ( 23 ).

Orange

Oranges are rich in vitamin C ( 24 ). This can be helpful in improving the immunity of both the mother and the child ( 25 ). In addition, folate is found in oranges ( 26 ). As mentioned above in the article, folate is one of the important elements for the development of the fetus. In this way, making oranges a part of the diet during pregnancy can prove to be beneficial.

Melon

Many types of nutritious elements are found in melon. Apart from magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, amounts of vitamins A, C, E are found in it ( 13 ). At the same time, all these nutrients found in cantaloupe are considered important in pregnancy ( 27 ). In addition, to supplement vitamin C during pregnancy, doctors may recommend making cantaloupe a part of the diet during pregnancy ( 28 ).

Grapefruit

Consuming grapefruit during pregnancy can be considered beneficial ( 7 ). Actually, during pregnancy, a pregnant woman is likely to have gestational diabetes. At the same time, it has been advised to include grapefruit in the diet to control the problem of gestational diabetes ( 29 ).

In addition, consumption of vitamin-C-rich fruits is believed to be good for fetal development during pregnancy ( 30 ). Let me tell you, a good amount of vitamin-C is present in grapefruit ( 13 ).

Note: Before consuming all the fruits mentioned above, do consult a doctor or specialist, because everyone’s pregnancy is not the same. In this case, more caution should be taken.

After knowing which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy, let us discuss which fruits should not be eaten during pregnancy.

Which fruit should not be eaten during pregnancy

In the article, we have gone above which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy. Now let us know which fruits should not be eaten during pregnancy, which are as follows:

1. Raw Papaya

One answer to which fruit should not be eaten during pregnancy can be unripe papaya ( 31 ). Consuming unripe papaya during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage. In this context, a research conducted on rats clearly states that the consumption of raw papaya can trigger pregnancy contractions, which can lead to abortion ( 32 ) .

Pineapple

Consuming pineapple should also be avoided during pregnancy. In a research available on NCBI, it is found that consumption of pineapple in pregnancy can cause pelvic pain, premature delivery ie premature delivery and miscarriage ( 33 ). This is the reason why doctors advise pregnant women to keep distance from pineapple.

Grapes

According to a research available on NCBI, pregnant women should avoid consuming grapes in the third trimester. A compound called resveratrol present in it has been said to be responsible for this. Research clearly shows that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effects, which can obstruct fetal ductus arteriosus flow, which is the flow of blood from the mother to the fetus.

Which fruit should not be eaten during pregnancy, after that let us know how many fruits can be eaten during pregnancy.

How many fruits can be eaten during pregnancy?

Consuming the right amount of fruits on a regular basis during pregnancy can be considered beneficial. Doctors recommend consuming fruits 3-4 times a day. At the same time, one research has recommended taking three servings of fruits per day ( 35 ). For example, one medium sized fruit can be taken in 1 serve. Keep in mind that if a woman has diabetes or any other problem during pregnancy, then consume fruits only after consulting the doctor.

Further in the article, we will talk about some precautions related to the consumption of fruits during pregnancy.

Precautions to be taken while eating fruits during Pregnancy

Consuming fruits during pregnancy is beneficial, but some precautions should be taken care of while consuming them, which are given below.

During pregnancy, eat only organic fruits to avoid chemicals and pesticides.
Consume fruits only after washing them with clean water.
A scrub can be used to remove bruised fruits. Such fruits can also be infected.
When you want to eat fruits, cut them and eat them at the same time. Avoid consuming pre-cut fruits.
Eat ripe fruits. Unripe fruits can cause stomach ache and any other problem.
Never eat overripe or old fruits. Always eat fresh fruits.

You must have understood very well through the article about which fruit should be eaten during pregnancy and which fruit should not be eaten during pregnancy. Now without worrying, you can include the above mentioned fruits in your diet. However, consume fruits in a balanced quantity only, as well as take advice from the doctor in this context. We hope that this article has answered all your queries regarding the consumption of fruits during pregnancy.