When you get pregnant, one of the things you need to keep in mind is your diet. Your diet is very important, there are many things that you cannot eat, but it should contain fruits. What you eat and drink may affect your baby’s growth and development. Fruits give you healthy vitamins and minerals, and they are exactly what you need for a healthy baby.
We have written this article to give you details about what kind of fruits you should eat while pregnant, and why it is important to add them to your diet.
The benefits of fruits
- When you’re pregnant, you need foods rich in potassium, fiber, folic acid, vitamin A and C, and many other nutrients. We know that junk food is a no-go, but we also know you might get bored of the very same diet. You need variety, and that’s why we’re here.
- You get all the nutrients you need. Most of these fruits contain folate, and Vitamin C. Vitamin C is good for collagen and connective tissue. They can help you boost your and your baby’s immune system. They prevent anemia, and let’s not forget that folate is good for healthy spinal development.
- They’re good especially when you have sweet cravings. Both sweet and sour are very common pregnancy flavor cravings, and fruits can solve this problem. Sure, ice cream sounds good, but fruits are healthy and represent a great alternative.
- Feeling nauseous? No worries, fruits have your back. It’s a challenge to keep food down, but sweet foods are more palatable. So for a great breakfast that stays in your stomach, fruits are a great solution. They will help you normally eat throughout the day.
- They can also help you manage your blood sugar. The fiber from the fruits regulates the absorption of sugar into your blood, which will then make you tired. When you eat a candy bar, the sugar will kick in fast. But coming from a fruit, you get the energy you need, without the tiredness.
- Fruits can also relieve constipation. Your digestion will play some tricks on you, which can lead to constipation – which is quite common. Iron supplements can also cause it. And constipation can lead to hemorrhoids. Fruits contain both fiber and water, which combined are a well-known treatment for constipation.
Fruits to add to your diet
- Bananas
Bananas are considered to be the superfood of pregnancy. They have a great texture, and they can definitely cure your cravings – especially those high in fat. They contain potassium and calcium, which will help you with your cramps. This is a great alternative for sweets. The potassium in them can help you regulate the blood pressure and the fluids, which can also prevent pain during the later stages of pregnancy. They may also relieve nausea and vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy, so we see only green flags here.
- Apples
The peel is edible, so that’s definitely a plus, just make sure you rinse it with water first. Apples contain Vitamins A and C, soluble and insoluble fiber, which makes your life easier in the bathroom. They also contain pectin (a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in the gut) and potassium. You can also add them to many recipes, and they are delicious. Being very high in fiber, they can help in regulating your digestion, and they can also prevent hemorrhoids.
- Watermelons
Watermelon is like the magic fruit: high in vitamin A, C, and B6, magnesium, zinc, folate, and potassium (which helps with cramps). Magnesium will help your muscles relax, and it can prevent premature contractions during pregnancy. It’s also a good choice for morning sickness, and it can reduce heartburn and prevent dehydration. It contains 92% water, so believe us when we tell you it will keep you hydrated. It’s sweet, and it can help with your baby’s spinal development – so it’s a win-win situation.
- Oranges
Oranges can also help you stay hydrated. They contain folic acid and folate, which is basically vitamin B, and they can prevent brain and spinal cord defects. According to ACOG, you should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day before you start having a baby, then 600 mcg every day while you’re pregnant. Oranges are also full of vitamin C, an antioxidant that prevents cell damage and that will take care of your and your baby’s immune system. Your body will also absorb iron better if you eat oranges. Vitamin C is also known for being good for bones. Also a good remedy for morning sickness.
- Avocados
We know that they are not sweet, but they are incredible. Their texture will help you with your cravings for fat while still giving you fiber. The iron will help with anemia, and the potassium and magnesium will help you with your leg cramps and nausea. All signs lead to healthy fat. This fruit contains vitamins C, B, K, and choline. This last one helps with the development of your baby’s brain and nerves. You can add it to numerous recipes, and it might be the best thing for your pregnancy.
- Berries
Berries are full of antioxidants, and they come with a lot of folates, fiber, and vitamin C, great for you and your baby. They also have phytonutrients like flavonoids and anthocyanins. All berries are good for you – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, even goji, there’s room for all of them. They prevent serious diseases, and they are delicious. They give you energy, and they pass very easily through your placenta, to also give your baby what they need. Berries represent a healthy kind of carbohydrates. Smoothies are well-recommended.
- Mangoes
Mangoes are full of vitamin C and vitamin A. A deficiency of vitamin A at birth is associated with lower immunity and a high risk of complications, like respiratory infections. They can help with your baby’s immunity. Mangoes are good, but make sure you don’t excessively eat them. It is very rare, but it is possible to get too much Vitamin A.
Some fruits that you may want to leave out
- Pineapples
Pineapples contain bromelain that can cause your cervix to soften. This can lead to early labor if you eat it in large quantities. Doctors say it is safe if you only eat small portions, as it has nutrients that are beneficial for you. Just make sure you limit the intake, especially in the first trimester of the pregnancy.
- Grapes
Grapes contain resveratrol, which is a toxic compound that could cause poisoning. It can lead to many pregnancy complications. But if eaten in moderation, it should be okay. It’s generally known as a low-risk food.
- Papaya
If the papaya is ripe, it’s safe for you to eat. But an unripe one has a latex, which can cause premature contractions. Also, you need to keep in mind that the skin and the seeds are not safe to eat. Many women just don’t eat them at all while pregnant, just to be sure.
All in all, fruits are healthy, and they are definitely something you want to add to your diet while pregnant.
