Content
Strawberries are a tasty and aromatic berry that is loved by adults and children. Its value lies in the fact that it contains many beneficial components for human health. But there is an opinion that you should not eat strawberries during pregnancy. After all, this berry can cause allergies and thereby harm the development of the child. Therefore, you should figure out whether pregnant women can eat strawberries or whether it is better to abstain from them during pregnancy. And if this product is allowed to be consumed, then in what quantity, depending on the trimester.
Strawberries are superior to citrus fruits in vitamin C content
Can pregnant women eat strawberries?
This berry can be both beneficial and harmful during pregnancy. In the first case, this is explained by its rich chemical composition, which makes it possible to compensate for the emerging deficiency of necessary components for the woman’s body and the development of the baby.
In the second case, the danger lies in the high content of oxalic acid, which interferes with the absorption of calcium by the woman’s body, which can complicate the course of pregnancy. Therefore, experts recommend consuming these fruits along with dairy products. Oxalic acid can also cause exacerbation of cholelithiasis if the expectant mother suffers from this disease.
Therefore, answering the question whether a pregnant woman can eat strawberries, gynecologists say that this is not forbidden, but everything should be in moderation. You should also take into account the duration of pregnancy so as not to harm the baby.
Can pregnant women eat strawberries in the 1st trimester?
In the early stages of pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body. And the reaction in this case to the berries may be different. The appearance of an allergy to strawberries during pregnancy in the first trimester can pose a danger to the development of the child due to the use of antihistamines and their toxic effects on the fetus.
Strawberries also promote contraction of the muscles of the uterus, which at this stage of pregnancy is already in constant tone. And excessive consumption of these fruits can cause miscarriage. Therefore, experts say that pregnant women can eat strawberries in the early stages, but you need to start eating them with 1 piece per day. And in the absence of signs of allergy, gradually increase the daily norm.
The calorie content of 100 g of strawberries is 45 kcal
Can pregnant women eat strawberries in the 2nd trimester?
At week 22, the baby’s risk of developing allergies increases.At this stage of pregnancy, the baby’s immune system is already able to respond to irritants, and this can lead to the development of diathesis after childbirth.
However, you should not completely give up strawberries in the second trimester. After all, it contains components that prevent premature aging of the placenta, and also promotes the synthesis of prolactin, which is responsible for the production of breast milk.
Can pregnant women eat strawberries in the 3rd trimester?
Strawberries are also useful for pregnant women in later stages, so they can and should be included in a woman’s diet from 27 to 40 weeks.
At this stage of gestation, berries help:
- relieve swelling;
- restore intestinal microflora;
- strengthen bone tissue;
- normalize blood pressure.
It is recommended to eat berries in the third trimester no more than twice every 7 days.
Strawberries in late pregnancy have a beneficial effect on the baby's retina
What are the benefits of strawberries for pregnant women?
Strawberries can be consumed by pregnant women in the first, second and third trimester, if the woman does not have a predisposition to allergies. After all, this product contains many vitamins and mineral components.
The main beneficial properties of berries during pregnancy:
- increases the body's resistance to bacteria and infections;
- helps fight toxicosis, eliminates nausea;
- prevents the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis;
- restores the large and small intestines;
- removes fluid and toxins from the body;
- improves the functioning of the heart muscle;
- normalizes metabolic processes.
What vitamins are in strawberries for pregnant women?
These berries contain a complex of vitamins that are necessary for the health of the mother and the full development of the fetus. Moreover, the components contained in it are almost completely absorbed by the body, unlike other products.
Useful vitamins for pregnant women:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Helps strengthen the immune system, removes toxins from the body, and reduces blood loss during childbirth. Ascorbic acid also promotes iron absorption.
- Vitamin A. Prevents the development of anemia during pregnancy, normalizes metabolic processes. This component is necessary for the formation of bone tissue, vision organs and fetal skin.
- Vitamin B9 or folic acid. It is very important in the early stages of pregnancy. It is in the first trimester that the fetal neural tube is formed, and a deficiency of this component can cause serious complications for the baby and the woman’s health.
- Vitamin E. Normalizes the hormonal balance in a woman’s body, in the early stages of pregnancy it participates in the formation of the placenta, and prevents miscarriage. Strengthens nails and hair.
- B1, B2, B7, B Participate in the process of hematopoiesis, are necessary for the development of the baby’s internal organs, and promote cell division. Normalize carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
- Vitamin PP. Activates capillary blood circulation, improves the function of the expectant mother’s digestive organs, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart muscle.
Before eating, berries must be washed thoroughly.
Rules for eating strawberries during pregnancy
Pregnant women should introduce this berry into their diet only during the period of mass ripening, which eliminates the possibility of using nitrates when growing it.Also, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the appearance of the fruit. They must be free of signs of damage, rot and evenly colored. Ripe strawberries exude a pleasant aroma, which should also be taken into account. And the tails should fit tightly to the berries and show no signs of wilting.
Recommendations for consuming fruits during pregnancy:
- Don't eat on an empty stomach. The high content of organic acids has an irritating effect on the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, it is recommended to initially eat porridge.
- In summer, berries are best consumed fresh.
- It is recommended to eat strawberries in the first half of the day as an afternoon snack instead of baked goods. It is low in calories and will prevent excess weight.
- It is recommended to combine the berries with homemade yogurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese, which will improve the digestibility of the product.
- In winter, it is better to use jams, preserves, and pastilles based on these aromatic fruits, but also in moderation.
The ideal option is berries grown in a garden near the house.
How many strawberries can pregnant women have per day?
You need to start consuming this berry in early pregnancy with 1 piece per day, monitoring the body’s reaction. If signs of allergy do not appear, then the dosage can be gradually increased. But in the first trimester it should not exceed 5 berries per day.
Starting from week 14, you can consume up to 100 g of strawberries per day. This norm should be followed throughout the second trimester. In the later stages of pregnancy, the berry should be consumed less frequently, namely no more than twice a week, 100 g each, until the ninth month.
Contraindications
The benefits of strawberries for pregnant women are obvious, but in some cases they can harm the health of the woman and baby. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with existing contraindications in advance.
You should not eat strawberries during pregnancy if:
- individual intolerance to the product;
- low blood pressure;
- chronic diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, ulcers, colitis);
- pathologies of the genitourinary system;
- osteoporosis;
- hypertonicity of the uterus;
- caries;
- thrombophlebitis.
Conclusion
Knowing that pregnant women can eat strawberries, you should still take into account the recommendations for consumption. Otherwise, this useful product can cause harm. Therefore, a woman should be attentive to her diet during pregnancy, since she is responsible not only for herself, but also for the health of the child.
