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Why Eating Fruits During Pregnancy Has a Bad Rap

Is it good to eat fruit during pregnancy?

Are fruits bad for you while pregnant?

What about raw vegetables?

Eating fruits during pregnancy has gotten a bad rep. We are advised to stay away from all raw fruits and vegetables yet they are full of nutrients? There are myths and old wives tales and rumors floating around about what is okay to eat and not. After all, it is your baby’s health on the line. At Pregistry we compiled a list of fruits that are good to eat along with why they are so beneficial.

  1. Apricots

They contain Vitamin A, C, and E along with calcium, iron, potassium, and many other nutrients. They taste amazing dried and even better when fresh! These nutrients help your baby’s development and growth as the iron contributes to bone and teeth growth.

  1. Oranges

Oranges have folate, Vitamin C, and loads of water. They are incredible at keeping you hydrated without you realizing you’re eating water! Vitamin C can help prevent cell damage and assist in iron absorption too. Folate helps prevent neural tube defects which can lead to brain development abnormalities in your baby.

  1. Mangoes

They contain loads of Vitamin A and C. Definitely one of the most delicious fruits, one cup of chopped mango has the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C.

  1. Pears

Pears have fiber, potassium, and folate.

Getting plenty of fiber in a pregnancy diet can help with discomfort and make the process a lot easier by easing constipation, a common pregnancy symptom. Potassium can benefit heart health for both the Mama and baby as well as stimulate cell regeneration.

  1. Pomegranates

Pomegranates have Vitamin K, Calcium, Folate, Iron, Protein, and Fiber.

Nutrient-dense pomegranates are a great source of energy, and their high iron content helps prevent iron deficiency. Vitamin K is essential for maintaining healthy bones as well. Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may help to decrease the risk of injury to the placenta.

  1. Avocados

They have Vitamins C, E, and K, monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, B vitamins, potassium, and copper.

Avocados contain healthy fats and oils that provide energy and help to prevent neural tube defects. They also boost the cells responsible for building the skin and brain tissues of the developing baby. The potassium in avocados can provide relief from leg cramps, another symptom that is common during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester.

A pregnant woman should eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables each day. One portion is considered a piece of fruit that is around the size of a tennis ball or one cup of chopped fruit.

Eating fruits and vegetables during pregnancy provides the mom and baby with enough nutrients to minimize risk and maximize health.

However, not all fruits are created equal! It is important to note that some fruits have high sugar content and have significantly more calories than others.

One way to maximize the benefits of fruit is by buying organic. Organic means that they have not come in contact with fertilizers and pesticides that could damage its quality.

Shoshi S.
Shoshi is a graduate from Stern College for Women in New York City. Her areas of interest include policy, non-profit organizations, and administration. During winter 2018, she was a White House intern. Shoshi has also interned at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles and at Save the Children in New York. As a millennial, Shoshi brings a young and fresh perspective to the worlds of pregnancy and lactation.

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