Strawberry During Pregnancy – Why Should This Fruit Be on Your Pregnancy Platter?

Nutritional Profile Of Strawberries

According to the United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA), the following are the nutritional profiles of one cup, or approximately 166 grams of strawberries. 

Strawberries are also rich in phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferol, and catechin – plant-based compounds that promote health and wellness. 

Benefits of Eating Strawberry In Pregnancy

Including the strawberries in your fruit platter may benefit you during pregnancy. Let’s take a look at the benefits of strawberry in pregnancy:-

1. Helps Boost Immunity

A sound immune system is essential during pregnancy. With good immunity, pregnant women can avoid infections, and allergies and sustain a healthy pregnancy. Strawberries are enriched with abundant vitamin C, which helps to boost and improve immunity.

2. Ensures Proper Digestion

Constipation is a typical episode during pregnancy, especially during the first and last trimesters. Strawberries are rich in fiber, which helps with regular bowel movements and also prevents constipation. 

3. Helps In Fetal Development

Strawberries contain foliate, vital in developing the brain and the fetus’s neural tube. Including strawberries in your diet will help your body get adequate folate, which is crucial to support fetal development and avoid neural tube defects.

4. Serves As An Antioxidant 

Strawberries are enriched with antioxidants like anthocyanins.  which protect the body from unnecessary damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can lead to unnecessary infections and inflammation in pregnant women.

5. Improves Skin Health

Most pregnant women complain of acne or pigmentation during pregnancy. Thanks to the pregnancy hormones that take a toll on their skin. Strawberries help increase collagen production and reduce inflammation. Further,Vitamin C present in strawberries also helps in maintaining healthy skin.

Side Effects Of Eating  Strawberry In Pregnancy

Strawberries offer numerous health benefits to you while you are pregnant. But it is always important to remember that every pregnancy is different. Depending on your body, there might be some side effects that can be uncomfortable. Let us discuss some of the side effects of strawberries during pregnancy.

1. Look Out For Allergic Reactions 

Some women might be allergic to strawberries even before pregnancy. If you are so, please avoid consuming them during pregnancy. You must look out for allergic symptoms like rashes, itchiness or redness if consuming for the first time during pregnancy. If you face any allergies, it is better to avoid them altogether because the intensity of the allergy may be multiplied during pregnancy.

2. Residue of Pesticides

During the strawberry harvest, they are usually treated with pesticides to avoid diseases and insects. The residue of these pesticides on the surface of the strawberries can pose a severe threat to the mother and the baby. You must wash them thoroughly with clean water to remove any traces of pesticides. Otherwise,, you can opt for organic strawberries. 

3. Risk of Gestational Diabetes

Sugar cravings are quite common during pregnancy. Strawberries can serve as a natural agent to satisfy the sugar cravings of pregnant women. While this can be advantageous, too much consumption may increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, especially if you have other underlying conditions. So, before determining the level of your strawberry intake, it is better to consult a doctor and get your sugar levels and other underlying conditions tested.

4. Acidic Nature

Strawberries are acidic to a certain extent. During pregnancy, it is widespread for women to experience heartburn and acid reflux. If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, it is better to avoid or reduce the intake of strawberries to a bare minimum, as it could worsen the acidity in your body.

5. Risk of Contamination

Though the strawberries look attractive and fresh from the outside, they are more susceptible to contamination by bacteria, especially Salmonella and Listeria. These bacteria can badly affect the mother’s and baby’s immune system. It is always essential to avoid eating the strawberries directly from the pack. You need to wash and handle them hygienically to avoid the risk of contamination.

Precautions to Follow While Eating Strawberry In Pregnancy

Now that we know the benefits and risks of consuming strawberries during pregnancy, we must be careful and follow certain precautions.

1. Wash them Thoroughly

Not just strawberries; every fruit, for that matter, needs to be washed carefully before consumption. Especially when you are pregnant and are prone to catching infections quickly, the only way to avoid contamination and bacteria is to wash the fruit thoroughly. It is a simple process that many pregnant women overlook. A simple washing process can save you from foodborne illness and keep you safe 

2. Prefer Organic And Locally Sourced Strawberries

Organic strawberries are harvested without using any kind of pesticide, which makes them the best ones to consume. If you do not find organic strawberries, you can opt for or prefer locally sourced ones, as they will be exposed to lower levels of pesticides. Nevertheless, you should always follow the first step: wash them thoroughly.

3. Eat Them In Moderation

Strawberries have a natural sweetener, which makes them an addiction. Significantly, strawberries can be beneficial during pregnancy when cravings for sugar rise. But it is always better not to overindulge and keep them in moderation. Excess consumption can lead to gestational diabetes. It is always better to consult your doctor to determine the amount of strawberriy you can consume during pregnancy.

4. Listen To Your Body

Looking at the benefits that the fruit offers, it does not mean you should necessarily consume them. Every pregnancy is different, and the benefits of consumption may not necessarily be the same for everyone. What might suit others might not suit your body. So, it is necessary to look out for the reactions in your body and decide whether you need to take it forward. If your body reacts adversely, you can avoid or reduce your consumption of strawberries.

5. Consult Your Doctor

It is essential to have a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy. So, before you choose to eat any new fruit, it is always better to consult your doctor regarding the quantity and suitability of your health condition. Raise questions regarding the consumption of strawberries and get them addressed before eating.

Strawberries are one of the few fruits, with abundant vitamin C, folate, and potassium levels. These nutrients improve the immune system and help to absorb the iron content of the food you consume. Regular consumption also ensures that you don’t become anemic during pregnancy. Well, this scenario is not true in every case. Since every pregnancy is unique it also depends on your health conditions and may affect adversely. So, it is necessary to discuss with your doctor before consuming them. If it does not suit your body, there is absolutely no harm in eliminating it  from your diet. Having a healthy pregnancy is always more important than satiating your hunger cues and cravings.Happy Pregnancy!

FAQ’s

1. What Is The Best Time To Eat Strawberry In Pregnancy ?

Strawberries are believed to help reduce blood sugar levels and inflammation when they are consumed within two hours of completing a meal. So, the best time to eat strawberries is between lunch and dinner.

2. Is Strawberry Good For Pregnant Women?

Yes. Strawberries are not only delicious but are also packed with abundant vitamins that are beneficial to pregnant women. Strawberries are predominantly rich in vitamin C, Folate, and potassium, which helps significantly in iron absorption and avoid becoming anaemic during pregnancy.

3. How Do You Wash Strawberries While Pregnant?

Usually, bacteria can be found on the surface of the strawberries. It is essential to wash them under running water. It is important not to use any soap, detergents, or bleach. A thorough wash under the running water to remove the dirt and bacteria will be the best way to wash strawberries during pregnancy.

Read Also: Is It Safe To Have Acai Berry During Pregnancy?