Eating watermelon during pregnancy: Benefits and disadvantages

Watermelon, a food source of carbs, vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds. Watermelon is also composed of about 91% water, making watermelon an exceptionally moisturizing fruit. In 152 grams of watermelon provides:
Calories: 46 Protein: 1 gram Fat: below 1 gram Carb: 12 grams Fiber: less than 1 gram Vitamin C: 14% Daily Value (DV) Copper: 7% DV Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): 7% DV Provitamin A: 5% DV Watermelon is also rich in lutein and lycopene, two antioxidants that help protect your body against damage and disease. These antioxidants, for example, may promote eye, brain and heart health, as well as potentially protect against certain types of cancer.

Some research suggests that these specific antioxidants may also help reduce the risk of preterm birth and other pregnancy complications. However, more research is needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.

Is eating watermelon during pregnancy good for pregnant women? Watermelon was once considered a juicy treat with a limited culinary range and nutritional value. However, watermelon is actually a versatile and very healthy fruit. With salads, watermelon adds crunch and color to the dish. Plus, watermelon makes a sweet base for smoothies and sorbets. And watermelon can also bring out the aroma of delicious barbecue sauce.

If you are pregnant, the benefits are even more. Watermelon soothes heartburn and reduces swelling; High water content (92%) and fruit sugar can help reduce morning sickness and dehydration; and the minerals it contains can help prevent muscle cramps during the second trimester of pregnancy. According to research experts, watermelon is richer in lycopene than tomatoes, an antioxidant that fights cancer and cardiovascular disease, boosts the body's immunity to infections and increases the SPF of the skin. naturally. Following are some benefits of watermelon for women during pregnancy:
2.1. Watermelon may reduce the risk of preeclampsia Watermelon is rich in lycopene, the compound that gives tomatoes and other vegetables their similar color.
A few studies done with watermelon suggest that a daily intake of 4 mg of lycopene - or about 60% of the lycopene found in 1 cup (152 grams) of watermelon - may help reduce the risk of preeclampsia. to 50%.
Preeclampsia, one of the common complications of pregnancy, is marked by high blood pressure, swelling, and loss of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia causes serious conditions for the mother as well as the fetus and is a major cause of premature birth.
Based on studies that have found that taking lycopene supplements can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, lycopene-rich watermelon is often touted to protect women from developing preeclampsia during pregnancy. However, more recent studies have found no link between the two.
These studies used high-dose lycopene supplements to deliver the lycopene, not watermelon. Therefore, there are currently no studies linking watermelon consumption during pregnancy to a reduced risk of preeclampsia.
2.2. Watermelon may reduce the risk of side effects or complications during pregnancy During pregnancy, a woman's daily fluid requirements increase dramatically to help support optimal blood circulation. , along with higher amounts of amniotic fluid and total blood volume. At the same time, the digestive process of women during pregnancy tends to slow down. So, should pregnant women eat watermelon?
The combination of these two changes can increase the risk of dehydration in women during pregnancy. On the contrary, this increases the risk of constipation or hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Suboptimal hydration during pregnancy may also be associated with poor fetal growth, as well as a higher risk of preterm birth and birth defects.
Watermelon's rich water content can help pregnant women better meet their increased fluid needs, which can reduce the risk of constipation, hemorrhoids and pregnancy complications.
However, this can be applied to all water-rich fruits or vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, zucchini and even broccoli. Thus, while technically correct, this benefit is not exclusive to watermelons.
2.3. Watermelon reduces heartburn symptoms Pregnant women often experience digestive problems such as heartburn. Watermelon helps alleviate these problems by soothing the food pipe and stomach. It will provide instant heartburn relief.

2.4. Reducing Swelling Mild swelling on the hands and feet or edema is common during pregnancy. The high water content in watermelon reduces the blockage in the veins and muscles, thus treating edema.
2.5. Relieve Morning Sickness Drinking a glass of fresh watermelon juice early in the morning is a great idea during pregnancy. Watermelon provides a soothing and refreshing experience throughout the day. The energizing and nutritional properties of watermelon also help ease morning sickness.
2.6. Reduce Muscle Cramps A pregnant woman's body goes through many changes. Increasing weight and fluctuating hormones can lead to muscle and bone pain. Including watermelon in any form helps the body deal with and ease muscle cramps.
2.7. Prevents Pigmentation Pigmentation is a common skin problem during pregnancy. It takes away the joy of being pregnant. Watermelon plays an important role in preventing skin pigmentation related conditions. Watermelon promotes easy digestion and keeps bowel movements smooth. This in turn affects the texture of the skin. It glows and looks beautiful.
2.8. Diuretic and detoxifying effects Watermelon has diuretic properties. Watermelon helps to remove harmful toxins from the body. At the same time, watermelon also helps to stimulate kidney function, purify the liver and reduce uric acid levels in the blood.

Can pregnant women eat watermelon while pregnant? Eating watermelon during pregnancy is generally considered quite safe for pregnant women. However, this fruit is moderately high in carbs and low in fiber, a combination that can cause blood sugar spikes. Therefore, women who have pre-existing diabetes or develop high blood sugar during pregnancy - known as gestational diabetes - may want to avoid eating large portions of watermelon.
As with all fruits, watermelon should be washed thoroughly before slicing and eating or immediately refrigerated. To minimize the risk of food poisoning, pregnant women should also limit eating watermelon that has been left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
Watermelon is a fruit that contains many nutrients and beneficial compounds for health. Eating it regularly during pregnancy can reduce your risk of developing preeclampsia, constipation, or hemorrhoids. Its rich water content may also contribute to a lower risk of poor fetal growth, premature birth, and birth defects. However, the evidence for some of these benefits is weak, and in many cases applies to all fruits — not just watermelon. While touted as providing a long list of additional benefits during pregnancy, none of which are currently scientifically proven. That said, watermelon is still a nutrient-dense fruit and a great way to add variety to a pregnant woman's diet.
So with the above information you already know the benefits and disadvantages of eating watermelon during pregnancy. Any issues that need to be answered, a specialist doctor will support and advise you to protect you have a healthy pregnancy

References: healthline.com, parents.com