Watermelons are tropical fruits rich in nutrients. If your doctor has recommended that you consume watermelon during pregnancy, it is for good reason. Watermelon is known to cure the common pregnancy symptoms of morning sickness, muscle cramps, and heartburns while keeping the stomach cool. Watermelon can be consumed in fruit form or as a refreshing drink. This summer fruit is rich in minerals, vitamins, and water and may help regulate blood pressure. However, excessive consumption may result in undesirable effects. Dive into this post to know more about watermelons, how they can benefit pregnant women, and some possible side effects.
Health Benefits Of Eating Watermelon During Pregnancy
Most doctors will tell you it is good to have watermelons while you are pregnant, as it is full of nutrients. Here are some amazing health benefits of watermelon during pregnancy (1) (2):
1. Relieves Heartburn
Pregnant women commonly suffer from digestive issues like heartburn and acidity. Watermelon eases these problems by soothing the food pipe and stomach. It provides instant relief from heartburn.
2. Reduces Swelling:
Mild swelling in the hands and feet or edema is common during pregnancy. The high water content present in watermelon reduces the blockages in the blood vessels and muscles, thus treating edema.
3. Alleviates Morning Sickness:
Drinking a glass of fresh watermelon juice early in the morning is a superb idea during pregnancy. Watermelon provides a soothing and refreshing experience all through the day. The energizing and nutritional properties of watermelon also help alleviate morning sickness.
4. Treats Dehydration:
Dehydration leads to premature contractions and causes premature birth. Pregnant women should drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. Watermelon contains around 90% water and eating it is a great way to avoid dehydration (3).
5. Relieves Muscle Cramps:
A pregnant woman’s body goes through many changes. The increasing weight and fluctuating hormones can lead to pain in the muscles and bones. Including watermelon in any form helps the body to cope with and ease muscle cramps.
6. Prevents Pigmentation:
Pigmentation is a common skin problem during pregnancy. It takes away the joy of pregnancy. Watermelon plays a key role in preventing the condition. Watermelon promotes easy digestion and keeps bowel movements smooth. This may improve your skin’s texture and help maintain your glow.
7. Diuretic And Detoxifying Effects:
Watermelon has diuretic properties. It helps flush out harmful toxins from the body. It stimulates kidney function, helps the liver process ammonia, and increases the flow of urine without straining the kidneys (4).
8. Boosts Energy Levels:
Watermelon is rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium and vitamins like A, B1 and B6 (3).These nutrients are natural energy boosters, thus offering great energy for the body. They are also useful for the development of your baby’s eyesight, immune, and nervous systems.
9. Reduces Blood Pressure:
Watermelon contains high lycopene levels that may help reduce blood pressure in women with hypertension or prehypertension. However, more research is required to avail conclusive evidence.
Side Effects Of Eating Watermelon In Pregnancy
Watermelon may cause some side effects if consumed in excess These side effects are as follows:
1. Gestational Diabetes:
Excess consumption of watermelon, especially in juice form, can increase the blood glucose levels, thus increasing the risk for developing gestational diabetes. However, moderate consumption in fruit form does not cause major changes in glucose levels (5).
2. Gastric Issues:
Avoid eating watermelons or other melons that have been kept in the open for a long time as they can lead to nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues. Always choose to have fresh-cut fruit or juice (6). As with any food you eat when you are pregnant, it is important to check with your doctor first. If your doctor says it is safe for you to have watermelon when you are pregnant, go ahead and try these delicious watermelon recipes.
Easy Recipes That Include Watermelon
Here are some refreshing and easy recipes that all include watermelon:
1. Three Melon Smoothie:
You Will Need:
2 cups seedless and cubed watermelon
1 cup cubed honeydew watermelon
1 cup cubed cantaloupe melon
½ cups ice cubes
½ cup lemon juice or lemon soda
How To:
2. Avocado Watermelon And Spinach Salad:
You Will Need:
2 large peeled, pitted, and diced avocados
4 cups cubed watermelon
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 cup balsamic vinegar salad dressing – you may check with your doctor first else ask for a pregnancy-safe alternative
How To:
3. Watermelon And Tomato Salsa:
You Will Need:
1 ½ cups chopped red onions
1 cup chopped cantaloupe
1 cup chopped watermelon
1 chopped and seeded tomato
1 seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper
¼th cup fresh lime juice
¼th cup fresh cilantro
Salt and freshly ground pepper as per taste
How To:
4. Spicy Watermelon:
You Will Need:
¼th tsp ground cumin
¼th tsp ground coriander
¼th tsp chili powder
¼th tsp salt or as per taste
1/8th tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups cubed and seeded watermelon
Juice from half a lime
How To:
5. Watermelon Sherbet:
You Will Need:
4 cups diced and seedless watermelon
1 cup white sugar
3 tbsp. lime juice
Salt as per taste
¼th cup of cold water
Some unflavored gelatin – you may check with your doctor if you can use it during pregnancy
1 cup chilled heavy cream
How To:
6. Watermelon And Strawberry Lemonade:
You Will Need:
8 cups of cubed and seeded watermelon
1 cup halved and fresh strawberries
½ cup of fresh lemon juice
1 cup of white sugar
2 cups of water
How To:
7. Cucumber And Watermelon Salad:
You Will Need:
6 cups of cubed and seeded watermelon
4 cups of cubed cucumbers
1 tsp salt or as per taste
1 tbsp. white sugar
½ cup balsamic vinegar – make sure you check with your doctor whether you can have it while you are pregnant
How To:
Tips For Including Watermelon
You can easily make delicious watermelon sorbet by blending watermelon pieces, ice and keeping in the freezer for some time. It can be combined with savory foods for a great taste. For example, watermelon pieces with cheddar cheese for a perfect appetizer. You can also consume the white rind as it is used as a vegetable in some places. It can be pickled or stir-fried.
