Pomegranate during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Often, expectant mothers have taste preferences - sometimes you want chocolates, then outlandish fruits, then fried meat. Thus, the body signals a lack of any vitamin or trace element, urging the woman to make up the deficit as soon as possible.

Pregnant women are very fond of pomegranate, and they are often attracted to this fruit because of the high content of iron and B vitamins. But before using any product, you need to know what benefits and harms it carries, how to choose it and for how long you can afford it.

What pomegranate seeds contain

In this valuable tropical fruit, absolutely everything is useful - both the peel that can be added to teas or decoctions, and the juicy pulp containing tannins and, most importantly, bones. Doctors do not recommend abusing pomegranate seeds, as they can clog the intestines and cause prolonged constipation, which so often accompany a woman “in position”. However, in reasonable doses, even pomegranate seeds are very useful due to the chemical composition:

• proteins - 1% of the daily norm (100 g of the product);
• lipids - 1%;
• complex carbohydrates - up to 7%;
• fiber and dietary fiber - up to 5% of the norm;
• B vitamins (B6, B5, B9), E, ​​ascorbic acid;
• ethers;
• macro- and microelements (magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and others);
• tanning components;
• antioxidants;
• organic acids;
• flavonoids, etc.

Calorie sweet pomegranate is moderate - about 70 kcal per 100 g. At the same time, 20% of the fruit is well-digestible sugar.

Vitamins and minerals in the composition of pomegranate are involved in the process of hematopoiesis, the production of red (red blood cells) and white (white blood cells) blood cells. They also favor the development of the neural tube of the embryo, the laying of its cardiovascular system. The use of pomegranate seeds several times a week reduces the likelihood of fetal malformations in the first trimester.

Magnesium and iron in the composition of the berries are necessary for the formation of all systems of the child. Gynecologists and nutritionists recommend that pregnant women consume grains and fresh ones to prevent iron deficiency anemia (anemia).

The benefits of pomegranate for a future mother

Due to the significant content of ascorbic acid, pomegranate helps to strengthen immunity and confront the body with environmental factors. The fruit must be eaten during the “winter” pregnancy, as it prophylaxis of seasonal vitamin deficiency and replenishes the body's need for dietary fiber, energy components.

Antioxidants in the composition of grains bind and neutralize radionuclides, kill pathogenic microflora, protecting mother and child from possible diseases.

White partitions between berries are not recommended for pregnant women, however, they can be used to prepare a healthy decoction for gargling. Astringent and tanning components relieve inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes, facilitate sputum discharge without the need for synthetic drugs.

Pomegranate grains are most useful for a pregnant woman and a baby:

1. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is involved in redox reactions, normalizes balance, inhibiting the development of acidosis. Also, this vitamin promotes the secretion of liver hormones.
2. B6 (pyridoxine) stimulates the production of pleasure hormones, is responsible for the absorption of iron and the transfer of genetic information. Vitamin deficiency affects regenerative processes, as a result of which allergic reactions, dermatitis and other pathologies can occur.
3. Potassium (the daily norm in pomegranate is up to 6%) is responsible for maintaining the body’s water-salt balance.It strengthens the heart muscles of the mother and baby, safely regulates internal pressure, and normalizes kidney function. Potassium is also involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, thereby reducing the effects of neurosis during hormonal surges in a pregnant woman.
4. Iron normally 5.6% maintains the level of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen and provides cellular respiration. It is thanks to the iron that the child receives oxygen through the mother's body. Also, this microelement strengthens the immune system, is responsible for the central nervous system and regulates wakefulness and sleep patterns.

Also, the substances in pomegranate stimulate intestinal motility, improve digestion, and prevent parasitic infestations.

Regarding the timing, pomegranate is useful in all trimesters.

The first 3 months it reduces the symptoms of toxicosis, makes it easier to tolerate morning sickness, and normalizes stool. Also, thanks to potassium and magnesium, the nervous system calms down, excitability, moodiness and tearfulness decrease.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, pomegranate berries help remove excess fluid from the body (a light diuretic effect), cleanse the kidneys and reduce swelling.

How to choose pomegranate

The expectant mother should especially carefully approach the choice of the fetus so that it brings only benefits to the body.

Sometimes a ripe fruit is difficult to distinguish from green or rotten, but there are several significant signs.

1. The color of the peel. In a ripe pomegranate, it is glossy bright red or burgundy. A dull or yellowish peel is a sign of an unfit fetus. Also, the skin should be thin and even without traces of cracks, dents or brown spots.
2. Ponytails. Normally, in a mature pomegranate, the tail is dry and elastic, if you pull it, do not tear it off.
3. The weight of the fetus. Poured ripe grains become heavy.

When choosing juice, it is necessary to evaluate the cost of the product, the brand of the manufacturer and composition. Remember that natural squeezed juice will cost "a pretty penny." And budget brands can offer a drink made from a mixture of pomegranate juice with elderberry or blackcurrant. Such a product will be deprived of sugary astringency, and the aftertaste will be slightly watery. Unfortunately, this juice will not bring enough benefit to a pregnant woman, and may also contain unwanted dyes, sweeteners and flavor enhancers.

Contraindications and harm

Women "in position" must carefully study the properties of certain products before use. What was useful before can harm the baby and even cause individual intolerance already in the womb.

The nuances of using pomegranate during pregnancy are as follows:

1. Expectant mothers often suffer from constipation, and some develop hemorrhoids. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to consume grains with seeds, otherwise the stool becomes very hard and brings great discomfort during the act of defecation. But this is not dangerous - in order to empty the stomach, a woman will have to strain hard, and this is fraught with the first (threatened miscarriage) and last (premature birth) trimesters.
2. Some people use in the diet not only berries, but also white membranes - partitions. In pregnant women, they are strictly prohibited - components can increase the tone of the uterus. Partitions also contain natural antibacterial enzymes that can harm a fragile baby.
3. In expectant mothers, the acidity of the stomach can sharply increase, heartburn can occur. In these conditions, it is forbidden to eat any berries and sweet and sour fruits, such as pomegranate, as they can provoke the development of gastritis, enterocolitis and even ulcers.
4. It is known that in women “in position” teeth often deteriorate due to a lack of calcium, and enamel becomes sensitive to chemical irritants.The use of sugary and concentrated fresh pomegranate can exacerbate problems and lead to acute pain, the growth of bacteria in the microcracks that have appeared. Doctors recommend diluting the juice with others (for example, with beetroot or carrot), as well as drinking it through a tube.
5. Weakening of the immune system for bearing a baby leads to an exacerbation of allergic reactions. And pomegranate, by the way, is a rather strong allergen, since it contains extractive components, ascorbic acid and esters. If itching, redness or swelling of the mucous membranes, as well as general malaise after a pomegranate snack, you need to see a doctor and exclude various fruits and berries from the diet.
6. As the fetus grows, the pressure of the uterus on the internal organs increases. As a result, violations of the kidneys, problems with urination are often observed. Pomegranate has a diuretic effect, which can heavily load weakened kidneys and lead to aching lower back pain.

In the absence of contraindications, doctors are allowed to use a glass of non-concentrated pomegranate juice in the morning (1 grain of fruit).

If the expectant mother has a clear desire to eat pomegranate, then the body asks to make up for the missing components (for example, vitamins, iron, amino acids or antioxidants). But remember that eating fruit does not replace examination and treatment with a doctor who will prescribe complex vitamin preparations to maintain the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Video: the benefits and harms of pomegranate