Prunes During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks

Most expecting women wonder can I eat prunes while pregnant or not to learn more about prunes during pregnancy, their advantages, hazards,can pregnant women drink prune juice and side effects as well as the nutritional benefits they provide, read this article.

What are prunes?

Essentially, a prune is a dried plum and is among the world's healthiest foods. Prunes are beneficial to your general health and provide several health advantages. Experts recommend eating prunes in pregnancy since they are excellent for both the mother's and the unborn child's health.

Also read: Healthy Pregnancy Food

Prunes nutritive value

Can I eat prunes while pregnant, the answer is yes because of their high nutrient content. Along with iron, potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, natural sugars, vitamin A, and vitamin E, prunes are exceptionally high in dietary fiber. This has a significant positive impact on both the developing fetus's growth and the mother's health. They aid in uterine sturdiness, which facilitates labor and delivery. So eating prunes during pregnancy is a great way to boost your health as well as your fetus's health.

Can Pregnant Women Drink Prune Juice?

Prunes for pregnancy are an ideal snack since they are often quite effective at rapidly reducing hunger and contain a variety of nutritional fibers and vitamins. As a result, they strengthen and build muscles in return. This significantly improves the efficiency of delivery.

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Benefits of eating prunes during pregnancy

The benefits of prunes in pregnancy are listed below.

1. Cures constipation

During pregnancy, the body makes extra estrogen to support the healthy growth and development of your unborn child. Prunes cause the muscles that make up the bowel's outer walls to relax during pregnancy. Prune juice during pregnancy can help in treating constipation.

2. Prevents anemia

The mother's body requires much more iron during pregnancy. It might not be sufficient to eat your regular meals. To combat the iron shortage, it's crucial to consume additional foods like prunes in pregnancy, which are strong in iron.

3. Lowers blood pressure

Prunes contain a significant amount of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure. Drinking prune juice during pregnancy significantly lowers blood pressure.

4. Fights Depression

Prunes for pregnancy help in managing anxiety and depression. potassium content also aids in the management of anxiety and depression.

5. Controls Nausea

Prunes pregnancy might be a healthy and natural method to stop feeling sick. It has important vitamins and minerals that can prevent motion sickness and keep you feeling well.

Must read: Pomegranate During Pregnancy: All You Need To Know

Risks of prunes in pregnancy

Side effects of prune juice in pregnancy include bloating, gas, and even diarrhea. If you encounter any of the side effects, do see a doctor. On daily dosage of prunes for pregnancy, take the recommendations of experts. Drinking prune juice during pregnancy is not advisable for those who have gas and bloating to ingest.

The recommended amount of prunes a pregnant woman can eat per day is about 3-4 prunes. It is important to note that prunes should be consumed in moderation and in combination with a balanced diet. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on individual needs and health conditions.

Read: Benefits of Millet During Pregnancy

Recipe for eating prunes during pregnancy

Here are two recipes that include prunes and are suitable for pregnancy:

1. Prune Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk (or any other milk of your choice)

• 1 ripe banana
• 6-8 pitted prunes
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

• Soak the prunes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.
• In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth.
• Serve chilled and enjoy as a nutritious snack or breakfast.

2. Prune and Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup thinly sliced chicken breast
• 6-8 pitted prunes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• Cooked brown rice (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened.
• Add the chicken breast and cook until no longer pink.
• Stir in the prunes, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Serve the stir-fry over cooked brown rice if desired.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for any specific dietary recommendations during pregnancy. Enjoy these recipes in moderation and adjust them to your taste preferences.

FAQs

1. Can prunes benefit my unborn baby in pregnancy?

Prunes include beta-carotene and vitamin A, which aid in the growing fetus's eye development. Additionally, it is crucial for the baby's healthy development while in the womb. Additionally, it helps pregnant women who are depressed or anxious.

2. Can prunes cause tooth decay during pregnancy?

Since prunes can stick to teeth, it is better to brush your teeth twice and floss regularly to maintain your dental health.
Prunes undoubtedly offer a variety of health advantages to pregnant women. Like any other food, it must be consumed in moderation. Before you begin consuming them, make sure you speak with your doctor and are aware of the daily intake that is appropriate for you. You need to be aware of the specific risks linked with eating prunes throughout your pregnancy because every pregnancy is different. To be safe, only consume a small amount of prunes during pregnancy to prevent unnecessary difficulties.

Conclusion

Incorporating prunes during pregnancy can offer numerous benefits. Prunes are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can support digestive health, help alleviate constipation, and provide essential nutrients for both the mother and baby. Additionally, prunes contain natural sugars and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being. However, it's important to consume prunes in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they fit well within your pregnancy dietary plan.

References

1. Malihezaman Monsefi, Parvin, F., & Farzaneh, M. (2013). Effects of Plum Extract on Skeletal System of Fetal and Newborn Mice. 22(4), 351–356. https://doi.org/10.1159/000346625

2. Wallace, T. (2017). Dried Plums, Prunes and Bone Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 9(4), 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9040401