Cucumbers During Pregnancy: Benefits, Risks, and Tips

Is Eating Cucumbers During Pregnancy Safe?

Cucumbers generally do not get the opportunity to be in a pregnant woman’s diet. But it should be. A measured amount of cucumber is not only safe but also beneficial in pregnancy.

Cucumber is good for your digestive system which often fails during pregnancy. It keeps your body hydrated and cool. So it is okay to eat cucumbers while pregnant, especially in summer. But you should not go too far.

An excessive intake of cucumber can cause an allergic reaction and also frequent urination as it contains water and salt. You can also suffer from indigestion and belching due to it.

Doctors also advise avoiding cucumber if you have

• Hepatitis
• Chronic Nephritis
• Gastritis
• Gastric reflux disease
• Colitis
• Pyelonephritis

Even if you are allowed to eat cucumber you should not eat pre-cut and packaged ones. Because these pre-cut fruits and salads can cause listeria contamination. Though the chances of listeriosis through open pre-cut fruits are low, you should not take a risk while pregnant.

So avoid pre-prepared outside salads and buffets and eat fresh homemade salads with organic cucumber for safety.

[Read : Eating Out During Pregnancy]

Health Benefits of Cucumbers for Pregnant Women

Cucumbers during pregnancy have a lot of benefits for the expecting mother. Here we have listed a few:

1. Hydrates Body

96% of cucumber is water. So having cucumbers in summer will refresh your body and act as a water substitute. Water is highly required to regulate each function of your body. So why not have some mineral-rich water from a cucumber?

2. Combats Constipation

Cucumber consists of both soluble and insoluble fibers. The soluble fibers of cucumber reduce the blood sugar and cholesterol level of the body which is a much-needed help during pregnancy.

On the other hand, its insoluble fibers improve bowel movement and give you relief from constipation, another common problem in pregnancy.

According to the 2010, U.S. Dietary Guidelines, women aged from 19 to 30 require 28 grams of fiber per day. And 25 grams of fiber per day in between 31 to 50 years. So both in the case of early or late pregnancy, the role of fiber is vital. And cucumber is a very good source of fiber.

3. Low-Calorie Intake

If you are frightened of obesity during pregnancy then you can try cucumber in your snack time. Cucumber is low in calories and can make you feel full for a long time. So you will not crave more food and will not get overweight by eating cucumbers.

4. Rich in B vitamins

B vitamins are also very important during pregnancy. They are known as feel-good vitamins. Cucumber has vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. B vitamins are good for your brain health. It helps to:

•   Improve your memory
•   Protect your nerve cells from age-related damage
•   Ease the feeling of anxiety and stress

Pregnancy is a stressful time for mothers. A bit of cucumber can lighten your mood for sure.

5. Cools Cleans and Increases Skin Elasticity

• Cucumber juice makes our bodies cool. Some women feel excessively hot during their pregnancy. They can try fresh cucumber for refreshment.
• Cucumber also helps to remove toxins and wastes from our cells and thus nourishes our skin. Applying cucumber on sunburn and other skin irritation also gives instant relief.
• The flexibility of the skin is again very important for a pregnant woman. As soon as you reach the second trimester, your tummy will start increasing. Adding some cucumber to your pregnancy diet will make this process smoother for you.

6. Natural Diuretic Prevents Swelling

As cucumber acts as a diuretic, it cleanses chemical toxins and reduces swelling. Hence you feel frequent urination because your body is releasing harmful toxins and wastes. Swelling in the legs is very common in pregnant women. So you can try cucumber for it.

7. Contains Essential Micronutrients for Fetal Development

Cucumber contains essential nutrients like beta carotene, antioxidants, manganese that develop immunity. Nutrients like copper, sulfur, iodine, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium are also present in cucumber. These are all needed for fetal development.

8. Electrolytes

Cucumber has sodium and potassium electrolytes in it. Electrolytes help in regulating our blood pressure levels, especially during pregnancy.

[Read : Carrots During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks]

Risks and Side Effects of Eating Cucumbers When Pregnant

Cucumber is beneficial during pregnancy. But that doesn’t mean you can eat them whenever you want. There are some risks associated with having cucumbers excessively during pregnancy. These are:

1. Allergy

Some women are allergic to cucumbers. Having cucumbers causes itching and swelling in the skin.

2. Toxicity

Some toxins like tetracyclic and cucurbitacins are present in cucumbers. It is because of these toxins some cucumbers taste bitter. These toxins are harmful and life-threatening if you take them in excess.

3. Frequent Urination

As we have said before, almost 96% of cucumber is nothing but water. So if you have them more then you will have to go to the washroom more. This can be very much irritating during pregnancy.

4. Intestinal Gas

You can suffer from belching, indigestion, and gas formation due to eating excessive cucumber.

5. Can Drive you Towards Hyperkalemia

Too much potassium can cause bloating, abdominal cramps, and kidney problems. Cucumber contains potassium in a noticeable quantity. So you should not eat it too much.

[Read : Is It Safe To Eat Raw Vegetables During Pregnancy?]

Tips for Preparing Cucumber

You must be wondering if cucumber has so many risks then how to eat it safely? Here are some tips for you;

• Choose organic ones and wash thoroughly before eating
• Cut it in thin slices and have it in your salad along with other fruits. Add a bit of lime juice for tanginess.
• You can also have a bit of cucumber with some raw tomatoes and onions and broccoli and then toss them with some salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• You can have a bit of cucumber along with watermelon juice for the refreshment on a summer day
• Cucumber is a must-needed ingredient in sandwiches. Cut thin slices and place them in between two garlic bread or butter toast pieces. You can apply some grated cheese for taste.
• Women love to eat pickles during pregnancy. If you are among them then you can make a tasty pickle out of cucumber at home.

So cucumber is safe for pregnant women but only if you consume it in moderation. If you are still confused and don’t want to take a risk then consult with your doctor and have cucumber only if he/she suggests it for you.

FAQ’s

1. Can We Eat Cucumber at Night During Pregnancy?

As you know cucumber causes frequent urination so it is not wise to eat a cucumber before bedtime. This will hamper your sleep.

2. Is Eating Cucumber Every Day Healthy?

Yes, you can eat cucumbers daily. Eating one cucumber is sufficient. Do not overdo it especially when you are pregnant.

3. What is the Best Way to Store Cucumbers?

According to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, there is no need to store cucumber in a refrigerator. They remain better at room temperature. If you keep them below 10 degrees Celsius for 3 days then they get cold and watery and decay soon.

4. How Can I Pick Fresh Cucumbers?

Cucumbers with 6 to 8 inches length and dark green color are best in quality. Don’t buy bigger than this as they become bitter and chewy.

Read Also: 8 Benefits Of Eating Cauliflower During Pregnancy