Watermelon is not just a juicy summer treat for kids. It’s a nutritious food for everyone, with excellent reasons to eat watermelon during pregnancy. Show
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Watermelon is one of the foods that may help deliver these benefits. Getting your fluids upWe call it “watermelon” for a reason, with water making up about 90% of the fruit. People in dry parts of the world even grow it as a vital source of water. Water is essential for health in pregnancy. All that amniotic fluid and extra blood you make is mainly water. You also need water to help carry nutrients and remove waste products. Just like other water-rich fruits and vegetables, eating watermelon during pregnancy can help you stay hydrated. Eating during morning sicknessIs eating food and keeping it down more than you can bear to think about? A slice or two of watermelon could help. Many women battling morning sickness find watermelon is easier to keep down. Some say it actually soothes their nausea. When you’re not able to stomach much food, watermelon can give you some energy and hydration. Possibly preventing complications for mum and bubLycopene is a plant chemical from the carotenoid family. Watermelon contains lycopene, which gives it its red colour. Also, it acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are important for overall health because they prevent damage to your cells. Research suggests a link between lycopene and reducing the chances of some pregnancy complications. Complications it may reduce include preeclampsia, growth restriction and newborn breathing problems. Research has found that carotenoids can reduce the likelihood of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. To test the effects of lycopene in particular, in one study, pregnant women took either a lycopene supplement or a placebo (fake treatment). The researchers reported that women who took the lycopene had only half the risk of preeclampsia. However, other studies using lycopene supplements did not find the same link. We need more research to know whether or not eating watermelon might reduce preeclampsia. Another potential benefit of lycopene for pregnant women is avoiding gestational diabetes. A 2019 study analysed the diets of nearly 2,000 pregnant women. It reported that for each 1 mg increase in the lycopene they consumed, there was a 5% lower risk of developing gestational diabetes. Eating watermelon during pregnancy might also benefit the baby. Other research found that lycopene supplements reduced the chances of intrauterine growth restriction (where baby doesn’t grow to normal size). Plus, there is some evidence that when mums have more lycopene, their babies are less likely to have breathing problems or go to a neonatal nursery. As well as the benefits of lycopene, watermelon contains vitamins and minerals. For example, there’s potassium, manganese and magnesium. Your body uses these to maintain healthy bones, blood pressure, and nerve function. Watermelon during pregnancy helping you stay regularAs well as bringing joy, pregnancy can also bring constipation and haemorrhoids. Eating foods that contain water and fibre, like watermelon, can keep things moving. Keeping blood sugars more stable than you thinkWatermelon gets a bad rap as being high on the glycaemic index (GI). Higher GI foods make your blood sugar rise more quickly than lower GI foods. However, the GI doesn’t take into account how much sugar the food contains. However, the glycaemic load (GL) does account for the quantity of carbohydrates. As well as how quickly your body breaks them down. Although watermelon has a relatively high GI, it has a low GL because it is 90% water. In fact, one 2019 study even found that lycopene seemed to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by lowering blood sugars. Similarly, Chinese researchers reported that pregnant women who ate more fruit, especially low GL fruit like watermelon, had a lower likelihood of gestational diabetes. Of course, it’s still not wise to eat a whole plate of watermelon for lunch. Eat moderate portions of watermelon during pregnancy – around a cup of watermelon cubes. Include it as part of a meal containing a variety of other foods (as per the dietary guidelines). Women with particular issues, like a high risk for gestational diabetes, can ask their dietitian for advice. Making delicious snacks, drinks and side dishesSimple slices are great, but they’re not the only way to eat watermelon during pregnancy. Mix it up with these versatile options:
Eating watermelon during pregnancy in moderation can contribute to a healthy, varied diet. It might help keep you and your baby well and avoid complications. If you enjoy watermelon, it’s certainly worth putting it on your shopping list. Reference ListPBB aims to keep you informed with the latest research-based information. Check out our reference list used in the creation of this article. Published 7th July 2021 At PBB we'd love for you to share this articleAbout the Author Louise Wedgwood is a freelance health and parenting writer, working with magazines, online publications and businesses. She has a background in health science, and enjoys helping parents make evidence-based choices. Her own children have shown her making the right decisions is never black-and-white. Is watermelon good for a pregnant woman?Benefits of Watermelon During Pregnancy
Eating watermelon during pregnancy eases heartburn and reduces swelling; its high water content (92%) and fruit sugars can help alleviate morning sickness and dehydration; and the minerals it contains can help prevent third-trimester muscle cramps.
Which fruit should be avoided during pregnancy?Papaya – It tops the list for obvious reasons. Raw or semi ripe papaya contains latex which can induce premature contractions and that can be dangerous for your baby.
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