The sweet and alluring scent of watermelon fills summer! This fruit is known to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. If you are pregnant, the benefits are even more delicious. This article provides you with ten excellent reasons to eat watermelon during pregnancy. It also details certain side effects of eating this fruit that you should not overlook during pregnancy.
As the name suggests, 92% of this summer fruit is water. Watermelon is an excellent source of vital nutrients, including vitamin A, C, B6, magnesium, and potassium. Watermelon seeds are crunchy and equally beneficial and can be consumed whole. If you are craving watermelon during pregnancy and not sure of its benefits, nutritional values present in it, benefits of watermelon seeds, and side effects, then keep reading this for more details.
In This Article
- Video of Watermelon During Pregnancy
- 10 Amazing Benefits of Watermelon During Pregnancy
- Nutritional Values Present in Watermelon
- Is it Safe to Have Watermelon Juice During Pregnancy?
- What are the Benefits of Watermelon Seeds During Pregnancy?
- Side Effects of Consuming Watermelon During Pregnancy
- Does Craving Watermelon Determine the Gender of Your Baby?
- FAQ’s
Video of Watermelon During Pregnancy
10 Amazing Benefits of Watermelon During Pregnancy
Eating watermelon is highly beneficial in the course of pregnancy. Most doctors would suggest having watermelon when you are expecting, as it is full of nutrients. Some amazing benefits of watermelon are:
1. Alleviates Morning Sickness
The effect of morning sickness can be reduced by consuming watermelon regularly. Watermelon gives a refreshing, soothing, and light start to the day. Drinking a glass of fresh watermelon juice early in the morning or having a few freshly cut watermelon cubes are the best way to start a day. Having watermelon in these ways prevents the occurrence of morning sickness.
2. Reduces Chances of Preeclampsia
The red color of watermelon is due to an antioxidant called lycopene. Among all the fruits and vegetables, watermelon is the richest source of lycopene. It helps to reduce the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. It can be a dangerous condition for both you and your baby.
3. Relieves Heartburn
Pregnant women commonly have digestive issues like heartburn and acidity. Watermelon reduces these difficulties by soothing the food pipe and stomach. Its cooling property will provide instant relief from heartburn.
4. Helps to Prevent Edema
Edema, the swelling of the feet and hands, is very common during pregnancy. The high water content of watermelon reduces any obstructions in the veins and the muscles and helps prevent edema during pregnancy.
5. Prevents Muscle Cramps
Apart from morning sickness, muscle cramps are another problem that bothers most pregnant women. Muscle cramps are the pain in the muscles due to changes in the body that occur as pregnancy progresses.
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that reduces muscle soreness by helping the muscles to get oxygen faster. This amino acid is found abundantly in watermelon. Consuming watermelon is found to ease muscle cramps during pregnancy.
6. Supports the Development of Fetus
Watermelon is highly nutritious. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. It is highly beneficial in the development of the eyes, brain, nervous, and skeletal system of the unborn baby. The potassium and calcium content helps with the bone formation of the fetus.
[Read : Fetal Development – Know Everything About Your Baby’s Brain and Nervous System]
7. Prevents Pigmentation
Pigmentation is another issue that many women face during pregnancy. Regularly eating watermelon helps prevent pigmentation. Watermelon flushes the toxin out of the body and supports healthy bowel movement. This will help to maintain the healthy glow of the skin and keep pigmentation at bay.
8. Boosts Immunity
The lycopene that reduces the chances of preeclampsia, as mentioned above, will also help in boosting immunity. Also, it is a rich source of vitamin C, which keeps away any illness.
9. Prevents Dehydration
As already mentioned, 92 % of watermelon is water. Therefore, regularly consuming watermelon will prevent dehydration in pregnant women.
10. Diuretic and Detoxifying Property
It is diuretic and detoxifying property helps to maintain the health of internal organs like the kidney and decreases the chance of UTI (urinary tract infection) which is common among pregnant women.
Nutritional Values Present in Watermelon
Scientific studies suggest that a cup of watermelon for pregnant women offers 43 grams of calories, 2 mg sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrate, and 1 gm of fiber. Watermelon is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, along with iron and calcium.
This fruit contains riboflavin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, niacin, folate, potassium, zinc, and copper. At the same time, this fruit is completely fat-free. So have a happy pregnancy diet with a watermelon during pregnancy, without worrying about putting on weight.
Is it Safe to Have Watermelon Juice During Pregnancy?
Yes. As long as freshly cut watermelon is used for juicing. Watermelon juice is equally beneficial as watermelon slices. To make watermelon juice at home, add 3 cups of cubed seedless watermelon to a blender and purée until smooth.
Sieve this juice and discard the pulp. Consume the juice immediately. Don’t add water or sugar while making juice. You can even add a few sprigs of mint and a one-inch piece of ginger. This will help to keep nausea at the baby during pregnancy.
[Read : Eating Guava During Pregnancy]
What are the Benefits of Watermelon Seeds During Pregnancy?
You may be accustomed to spitting out the seeds while consuming watermelon. But the nutritional value of the seeds may make you regret it. Watermelon seeds are low in calories and nutrient-dense. When roasted, they become crispy and can be a healthy snack option during pregnancy.
Some benefits of consuming watermelon seeds during pregnancy include:
- Watermelon seeds are rich in vitamin C, which is highly beneficial for the immune system of the growing fetus.
- Watermelon seeds contain nutrients such as vitamin B, potassium, iron, magnesium, folate, and zinc.
- They are also a good source of healthy fats and protein. All of these are beneficial for the healthy development of the fetus.
So, go ahead and consume a handful of roasted, seasoned, or raw watermelon seeds (according to your wish) daily for a healthier pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Side Effects of Consuming Watermelon During Pregnancy
Despite its numerous benefits, when eaten in excess, watermelon can cause problems in the course of pregnancy. Here are some of the side effects that can cause too much amount of consuming watermelon during pregnancy time.
- Overconsumption of watermelon can increase blood sugar levels, thereby increasing the chances of gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
- Consuming watermelon that is kept in the open for some time can cause gastric issues. Therefore, always eat freshly cut watermelon or freshly prepared watermelon juice, especially, during the pregnancy period.
- Watermelon has detoxifying properties. It helps to maintain the health of internal organs. However, overconsumption of watermelon can result in flushing out essential nutrients from the body along with toxins.
Like other foods, do check with your doctor before consuming watermelon during pregnancy. Like always, moderation is key here.
Does Craving Watermelon Determine the Gender of Your Baby?
There is no scientific proof that food cravings and the gender of your baby are connected. However, it is said that craving for fruits indicates that the baby is a girl. It is based on the theory that a lot of pregnant women who craved fruits like melon, orange, and berries ended up delivering a baby girl.
But there is no truth to this. While this old wives’ tale may have questionable accuracy, it is definitely fun and wacky to try. So did you crave watermelon during pregnancy? In what ways did you consume watermelon during pregnancy? Do share your experience in the comments section below.
[Read : Pear During Pregnancy]
FAQ’s
1. Can I Eat Watermelon During Pregnancy?
Yes, of course! Watermelon is rich in many nutrients that can help in the baby’s development. It can reduce muscle aches in the mother too.
2. Will I Catch a Cold if I Eat Watermelon While Pregnant?
Watermelon has cooling effects. It can cool down your body to an extent. Avoid having watermelon juice with ice or when you are sweating badly.
3. Can I Have Watermelon Juice Regularly, When Pregnant?
Yes, you can. In fact, it can help with your morning sickness. It can be a refreshing drink during pregnancy.
4. Will Watermelon Juice Increase my Sugar Levels While Pregnant?
Yes, it can. Overconsumption of this fruit can increase your sugar levels. If you are suffering from gestational diabetes, do control your intake.
Read Also: Is It Safe To Have Pineapple During Pregnancy?
