Melon in pregnancy

Melon during pregnancy - a natural and healthy dessert for the expectant mother, or a dangerous product, the use of which is better to temporarily refuse? This question is becoming increasingly relevant on the eve of the summer season, and is especially interesting for lovers of sweet berries who are in an "interesting" position. Let's consider it in more detail.

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Can you eat melon during pregnancy?

"Everything is possible, just be careful" - a phrase that has become a catchphrase, is the best answer to this question. Melon is a tasty and healthy seasonal product, which contains many substances necessary for the harmonious formation of the fruit, namely: folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin C, A, B1, B2 and PP; trace elements - potassium, sodium, calcium and others.

However, in order for melon to be beneficial and not harmful during pregnancy, you should remember and follow several simple rules for its use:

1. Only ripe fruits can be eaten. Melon usually ripens by the end of August. You shouldn't buy and eat it earlier, because there is a risk that along with the sweet piece, you will swallow a "portion of nitrates". Don't forget to thoroughly wash the fruit before eating, using boiling water and special detergents! You should also avoid buying damaged or cut fruits, as they may contain pathogenic bacteria.
2. Melon should not be mixed with other products, especially fermented milk products, or with cold drinking water.
3. Melon slices are a great snack or lunch, but never breakfast: you shouldn’t eat this product on an empty stomach.
4. Keep to your limits. I know from my own experience how difficult it can be to resist eating a whole melon or at least half of it. But if you are "in position", one or two slices will help to bring down the craving, you shouldn't eat more.

How is melon useful during pregnancy?

When talking about the beneficial properties of melon during pregnancy, first of all, we should take a closer look at its composition.

Melon is almost 90 percent water, which means it is an excellent natural diuretic. A few small pieces of melon will help to cope with swelling, which often causes a lot of inconvenience to pregnant women.

The plant fibers of melon pulp help to normalize the functions of the intestinal tract and eliminate constipation, another delicate problem for pregnant women.

Melon contains a complex of vitamins necessary to maintain the health of the expectant mother and the harmonious development of the child, namely:

1. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is required for the creation of new cells, which is especially important at the stage of early intrauterine development, in early childhood.
2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is necessary for the normal functioning of connective and bone tissue, collagen formation. In addition, it strengthens blood vessels.
3. Retinol (vitamin A) – affects metabolism in the retina. It is also necessary for bone growth, embryonic development, growth regulation, and tissue differentiation.
4. Thiamine (vitamin B1) – plays an important role in human energy metabolism.
5. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) – acts as a component of tissue respiration coenzymes.
6. Niacin (vitamin B3 or vitamin PP) – actively participates in energy metabolism together with vitamins B1 and B2. It is important for the formation of connective tissue.
7. Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a component of cell membranes. Affects the maturation of fetal lung tissue.

The fruit is low in calories (100 g of pulp contains an average of 36 kcal). The sugar in the melon is a simple carbohydrate, which means it is easily digestible.

In addition, a couple of slices of melon can improve a pregnant woman’s mood: firstly, it’s always nice to treat yourself to something tasty, and secondly, melon promotes the production of serotonin, the “happiness hormone.”

Thus, melon during pregnancy is a tasty and healthy addition to the daily diet of the expectant mother.

Contraindications to eating melon during pregnancy

The warnings and correct use of melon have already been discussed above, but now we will dwell in more detail on the contraindications.

For a healthy person, melon is a source of vitamins and microelements. But it also contains simple carbohydrates, including fructose, which makes it a prohibited product for people with diabetes.

People with gastritis or peptic ulcers should also avoid eating it, because with these ailments, melon is too heavy a product, it is poorly digested and causes strong fermentation. For the same reason, it is better to refrain from melon in case of gastrointestinal disorders caused by infections. A pregnant woman should take note for the future that melon is also extremely contraindicated during lactation - the baby may have a severe stomach disorder.

To sum it up, let's remember another popular expression: "forewarned is forearmed." Melon during pregnancy will bring benefits, not harm, to the expectant mother who follows the rules of its use, remembering the warnings and that good things come in moderation.

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