Best Fruits to Eat During Pregnancy for a Healthy Baby

Which fruits to eat during pregnancy? Know the top 15 fruits, harmful fruits, and month-wise diet plan for a healthy pregnancy

Best Fruits to Eat During Pregnancy for a Healthy Baby

Pregnancy is the most important time in a woman's life, when nutritional needs double. Diet for pregnant women has special importance in Indian culture, and fruits are natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants during this time.

But do you know which fruits should be eaten during pregnancy and which should not? In this blog, we will answer this question and give you a list of safe fruits for every month of pregnancy.

1. Importance of fruits in pregnancy

Eating fruits during pregnancy has these benefits:

- Getting iron and folate, which help in the development of the baby's brain.

- Relief from constipation, which is a common problem in pregnancy.

- Helpful in maintaining hydration.

Fruits like mango, banana, and sapota are already popular in the Indian diet, but the way and quantity of their consumption is also important.

2. Top 15 Best Fruits to Eat During Pregnancy

Here is a list of fruits that are safe and beneficial during pregnancy:

Apple

- Benefits: Rich in fibre and vitamin C.

- Tip: Always eat with the peel on or wash thoroughly.

Banana

- Benefits: Rich in potassium, reduces mood swings.

- Tip: If you have gestational diabetes, control the portion.

Orange

- Benefits: Immunity booster, rich in vitamin C.

- Tip: Drink a glass of orange juice on an empty stomach in the morning.

Cherry

- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, improves blood circulation.

Ripe Papaya

- Benefits: Source of vitamin A and C.

- Warning: Raw papaya is strictly prohibited (risk of miscarriage).

Grapes

- Benefits: Rich in iron and folate.

- Tip: Always eat after washing or boil it.

Strawberry

- Benefits: Rich in folic acid, beneficial for the skin.

Peach

- Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and potassium.

Pear

- Benefits: Good source of fiber, helpful in digestion.

Indian Gooseberry/Amla

- Benefits: Storehouse of iron and vitamin C, beneficial for hair.

Guava

- Benefits: Rich in potassium and vitamin K.

Lychee

- Benefits: Good for hydration, but eat in moderate quantities.

Pomegranate

- Benefits: Rich in iron, prevents anemia.

- Tip: Eat a small pomegranate daily.

Watermelon

- Benefits: Maintains hydration, reduces the risk of premature delivery.

Custard Apple

- Benefits: Rich in folate and vitamin B6, beneficial for the baby's brain.

3. Which fruits should not be eaten during pregnancy?

Some fruits can be harmful during pregnancy:

- Raw papaya: An enzyme called latex can cause miscarriage.

- Pineapple: Uterine contractions due to bromelain enzyme.

- Mango in large quantities: Considered to be heat producing.

- African Chickpea (Acacia): Digestive problems.

4. Dry fruits in pregnancy: Which are safe?

- Safe: Almonds, cashews, pistachios, dates (moderate quantities).

- Avoid: Turnips, raisins (due to being too sweet).

5. Month-wise Fruit List

1st Month

- Eat: Apples, Pears, Coconut Water.

- Don't Eat: Pineapple, Raw Papaya.

2nd Month

- Eat: Banana, Oranges, Plums.

- Don't Eat: Fried Fruits.

3rd Month

- Eat: Pomegranate, Watermelon, Custard Apple.

4th Month

- Eat: Mango (in moderate quantity), Peaches, Litchi.

5th Month

- Eat: Cherries, Grapes, Strawberries.

6th Month

- Eat: Apples, Pears, Coconut.

7th Month

- Eat: Watermelon, Pears, Almonds.

8th Month

- Eat: Custard Apple, Peaches, Dates.

9th Month

- Eat: Apples, Bananas, Coconut Water.

6. Tips for Safe Eating of Fruits

- Always wash the fruits thoroughly.

- Don't eat raw or underripe fruits.

- Do not eat too much of a single fruit.

- Consult a doctor if you have diabetes.

7. Inclusion of fruits in Indian diet

Indian pregnant women should include these along with fruits:

- Green leafy vegetables: spinach, fenugreek.

- Pulses and sprouts: For protein.

- Milk and yogurt: For calcium.

Conclusion

By eating the right fruits during pregnancy, you can boost your and your baby's health. Always remember that every woman's needs are different, so consult a doctor.