Is It Safe To Eat Watermelon During Pregnancy

Summer brings the pleasant and tempting fruit – watermelon! The fruit is known for instantly quenching your thirst and giving you a tummy-filling experience. But is it beneficial during pregnancy?

As the name implies, watermelon contains 92 percent water in it. It has a classic sweet, juicy, and crunchy flavour with an attractive granular texture that makes it one of the best summer fruits. This summer fruit is high in various nutrients such as vitamin C, B6, magnesium, and potassium, and is also high in fibre. Let us move on to learn more about the significance of eating watermelon during pregnancy and its side effects.

Nutrients Present In Watermelon

Watermelon is full of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. One cup (or 152 gms) of watermelon provides you with the following amount of nutrients:

Watermelon also contains antioxidants, such as lutein and lycopene that help protect your body from diseases like cancer.

Health Benefits of Watermelon During Pregnancy

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Watermelon has numerous benefits due to its high antioxidant properties. Let’s find out the major benefits of watermelon during pregnancy below:

• Watermelons have a high water content that help treat edema (swelling of feet and hands) by reducing blockages in your veins and muscles.
• Watermelon has nutritious and energetic properties that help reduce morning sickness during pregnancy.
• Consuming watermelon helps your body cope with muscle cramps during pregnancy.
• Watermelon eases the process of digestion and gives a glowy texture to your skin, and reduces skin pigmentation. 
• It  boosts your immunity during pregnancy.
• Constipation is one of the major issues during pregnancy. However, intake of watermelon can treat these digestive irregularities. The fibre in the fruit stimulates stool production and its 92% water content helps cleanse the pathway and provide pressure to clear your bowels.
• Boosts vision and due to the presence of calcium and potassium, it works magically in bone development of your newborn in the womb. 

Ways To Consume Watermelon During Pregnancy

Watermelon Lemonade

To make a sparkling watermelon lemonade, take a blender, and put some cold water, watermelon cubes, 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, lemon juice, ice cubes, and mix it all together. Pour the mix on a fine wine glass and top with some mint leaves to make it look more colourful.

Watermelon Popsicle 

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To make a tempting watermelon popsicle, first take a blender and add some watermelon cubes, sugar, lemon juice, and mix them all together. Take out the mixture and pour it onto ice-popsicle mould to give them a popsicle shape. Put them all in the freeze for 8-10 hours. Your refreshing watermelon popsicle is ready to serve and it’s an ideal morning treat for pregnant mums to kick out morning sickness.

Watermelon Salsa

To make a perfect watermelon salsa or salad, first take out a big bowl and add watermelon, cucumber, onion, mango, and some basil leaves. Pour some lime zest to the salad and toss it well. To make the salsa tastier, pour some lime juice, a pinch of salt, and peppers and mix the salad. And voila…your watermelon salsa is ready. Here’s a pro tip for you, eat the salsa with nachos and kill your morning hunger pang, ladies!

Side Effects of Watermelon During Pregnancy

The high water content in watermelons keeps your body hydrated and flushes out harmful toxins. But eating watermelon during pregnancy in an excessive amount can lead your baby to be exposed to these toxins which can be harmful for both mother and baby.

• Excessive intake of watermelon can increase glucose levels in your blood and can lead to gestational diabetes.
• Eating more of it sometimes flushes out the essential nutrients from your body.
• Watermelon seeds during pregnancy, if eaten, cause several digestive issues. 
• If you keep the watermelon juice outdoors for long periods of time, drinking it then can cause nausea and vomiting.

Takeaway

Watermelon consumption during pregnancy has a number of health benefits. It relieves heartburn, reduces dehydration, soothes heat rashes, lowers muscular cramps, boosts immunity, and cures constipation. However, consumption of  watermelon in excess amounts have been linked to gestational diabetes. Apart from watermelons, there are more fruits to avoid during pregnancy.

Healthy eating during pregnancy is highly crucial for your baby’s development. So, always keep in mind to eat any fruit in limit during pregnancy, not just watermelon. To enjoy watermelon in a healthy way, try the above-mentioned recipes and let us know in the comments below how you liked them!

FAQs

Can We Eat Watermelon During Pregnancy?

Watermelon is typically safe to consume during pregnancy. But, you should avoid eating sliced watermelon that has been sitting at room temperature for too long. Also, if you’re suffering from gestational diabetes, limit your watermelon intake.

Can I Have Watermelon Juice During Pregnancy Regularly? 

Watermelon is a hydrating fruit that is high in nutrients and health-promoting substances. It lowers your chance of experiencing preeclampsia, constipation, or haemorrhoids. You can safely consume it on a regular basis throughout pregnancy. But make sure to have it in a limited amount.

Why is watermelon not good during pregnancy?  

The water content of watermelons keeps your body hydrated. It also flushes out dangerous toxins from your body, but while doing so, the infant is exposed to these poisons, which is not beneficial for the newborn. Consuming large amounts of this fruit can also elevate blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes.

What does craving watermelon mean when pregnant? 

Craving for watermelon during pregnancy means your body is craving for more water. During the pregnancy phase, your body becomes dehydrated and that time the craving for water and fruits becomes more sensitive. You can also check out super fruits to eat during pregnancy to satisfy your cravings during pregnancy.

Related Search

Pregnancy Food: Check out the list of foods that are perfect to eat during pregnancy. 

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com