Contents
Strawberries are a tasty and fragrant berry that adults and children love. Its value is that it contains many useful 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 strawberries can be given to pregnant women or it is better to refrain from it during the period of gestation. And if this product is allowed to be consumed, then in what quantity, depending on the trimester.
Is it possible for pregnant women to have strawberries
This berry can be both beneficial and harmful during pregnancy. In the first case, this is due to its rich chemical composition, which makes it possible to compensate for the emerging deficiency of the 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 prevents the woman from absorbing calcium, which can complicate the course of pregnancy. Therefore, experts recommend eating these fruits along with dairy products. Oxalic acid can also cause an exacerbation of gallstone disease if the expectant mother suffers from this disease.
Therefore, when answering the question of 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.
Is it possible for pregnant women to have 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 can be different. The appearance of an allergy to strawberries during pregnancy in the first trimester can be dangerous for the development of the child due to the use of antihistamines and their toxic effects on the fetus.
Strawberries also contribute to the 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 with 1 piece per day. And in the absence of signs of allergy, gradually increase the daily rate.
Is it possible for pregnant women to have strawberries in the 2nd trimester
At week 22, the risk of developing an allergy in a baby increases. At this stage of pregnancy, the baby’s immune system is already able to respond to stimuli, and this can lead to the development of diathesis after childbirth.
However, you should not completely abandon 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.
Is it possible for pregnant women to have strawberries in the 3st trimester
Strawberries are useful for pregnant women and in the later stages, so it can and should be included in the diet of a woman from 27 to 40 weeks.
Berries at this stage of gestation help:
- remove puffiness;
- restore intestinal microflora;
- strengthen bone tissue;
- normalize blood pressure.
It is recommended to consume berries in the third trimester no more than twice in 7 days.
Benefits of strawberries for pregnant women
Strawberries can be pregnant 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 minerals.
The main beneficial properties of berries during pregnancy:
- increases the body’s resistance to bacteria and infections;
- helps to 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 work 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). It helps to strengthen the immune system, removes toxins from the body, reduces blood loss during childbirth. Ascorbic acid also promotes the absorption of iron.
- Vitamin A. Prevents the development of anemia during pregnancy, normalizes metabolic processes. This component is necessary for the formation of bone tissue, organs of vision and skin of the fetus.
- Vitamin B9 or folic acid. It is very important in early pregnancy. It is in the first trimester that the neural tube of the fetus is formed, and a deficiency of this component can cause serious complications for the baby and the health of the woman.
- Vitamin E. Normalizes the hormonal balance in a woman’s body, participates in the formation of the placenta in the early stages of pregnancy, and prevents miscarriage. Strengthens nails and hair.
- B1, B2, B7, B Participate in the process of hematopoiesis, necessary for the development of the internal organs of the baby, promote cell division. Normalize carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
- Vitamin P.P. It activates capillary circulation, improves the function of the digestive organs of the expectant mother, and has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart muscle.
Rules for eating strawberries during pregnancy
Pregnant women should introduce this berry into the diet only during the period of mass ripening, which excludes the possibility of using nitrates when growing it. Also, when buying, you should pay attention to the appearance of the fruit. They should be without signs of damage, rot and evenly colored. Ripe strawberries exude a pleasant aroma, which should also be considered. And the tails should fit snugly against the berries and show no signs of wilting.
Recommendations for eating fruits during pregnancy:
- Do not 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 the summer, berries are best consumed fresh.
- Strawberries are recommended to eat in the morning for an afternoon snack instead of muffins. It is low in calories and will help prevent weight gain.
- Berries are recommended to be combined with homemade yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, which will improve the digestibility of the product.
- In winter, it is better to use jams, preserves, marshmallows based on these fragrant fruits, but also in moderation.
How many strawberries can pregnant women a day
You need to start using this berry in early pregnancy with 1 piece per day, monitoring the reaction of the body. If signs of allergy do not appear, then gradually the dosage can be increased. But in the first trimester, it should not exceed 5 berries per day.
Starting from the 14th week, strawberries can be consumed up to 100 g per day. This rule should be followed throughout the second trimester. In late pregnancy, the berry should be consumed less frequently, namely no more than 100 g twice a week until the ninth month.
Противопоказания
The benefits of strawberries for pregnant women are obvious, but in some cases it can harm the health of a woman and a baby. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing contraindications in advance.
You can not eat strawberries during pregnancy with:
- individual intolerance to the product;
- low blood pressure;
- chronic diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, ulcer, colitis);
- pathologies of the genitourinary system;
- osteoporosis;
- uterine hypertonicity;
- caries;
- thrombophlebitis.
Conclusion
Knowing that pregnant women can take strawberries, you should still take into account recommendations for use. Otherwise, this useful product can be harmful. Therefore, a woman should be attentive to the diet during the period of gestation, since she is responsible not only for herself, but also for the health of the child.