The Benefits of Eating Grapes During Pregnancy

Did you know that grapes are full of nutritional benefits? They are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, fibre, fructose, cobalt, pectin and resveratrol. Grapes also contain important acids like citric, folic, tartaric and malic acids. Plus grapes come with vitamins like Vitamins E, K and most of the B group.

Therefore, grapes are extremely healthy and safe for pregnancy, however, in limited consumption. Here are the benefits of grapes in pregnancy and other related things to know.

Benefits for the Mother

You may be excited to include grapes in the 1st-month pregnancy diet chart. Before that, learn the benefits of grapes for expectant mothers below:

• Their magnesium content helps women fight muscle cramps.
• The iron content in grapes helps prevent anaemia during pregnancy by regulating haemoglobin levels.
• Pregnancy weakens your immunity but grapes have antioxidants to help strengthen your immune system.
• The anti-inflammatory properties and water content of grapes help fight both asthma and arthritis that may get pronounced during pregnancy.
• The hydration provided by grapes makes sure that the lungs retain adequate moisture.
• The abundance of fibre helps combat constipation during pregnancy.
• The risk of heart conditions goes up during pregnancy. Grapes contain polyphenol that helps prevent heart risks.

Benefits for the Baby

Grapes in pregnancy can benefit the baby as well in the following ways:

• The natural sodium content helps develop the baby's nervous system.
• Vitamin A and flavanol in grapes can help develop the baby's eyesight.
• The foetus receives plenty of nutrients because grapes contain Vitamin B compounds. This helps improve maternal metabolism.
• Grapes contain a mineral known as resveratrol that regulates the mother's cholesterol levels. This helps make sure that the foetal heart stays healthy 

In Which Cases Should You Avoid Grapes?

Before you start adding grapes to your 1st-month pregnancy diet, learn the conditions below in which you must avoid them completely despite their nutritional content:

• You have an allergy to grapes.
• You have gestational diabetes.
• You suffer from ulcers or other conditions of the digestive tract.
• You have conditions associated with high blood sugar.

Side-Effects of Eating Grapes During Pregnancy

Make sure to avoid overconsumption of grapes in pregnancy to minimise the possibility of the following side effects:

• Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Weight gain
• An imbalance of blood sugar levels

What Should You Consider While Eating Grapes During Pregnancy?

If you wish to eat grapes regularly in pregnancy, remember these points:

• Keep in mind that grapes are abundant in sugar. Avoid overconsuming grape juice so that it doesn't disturb your blood sugar levels.
• If you consume grapes on an empty stomach, it can lead to ingestion because of their acidic capacity.
• Eating black grapes during pregnancy can contribute to digestive problems if you already have a weak stomach.
• In case you have GERD already, avoid grapes altogether unless your condition is treated.

If you are tested pregnant, ensure to consult a reputed dietician regarding whether you can add grapes to your 1st-month pregnancy chart. You can also discuss healthy grape recipes that you may try.

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