Even just looking at a tropical fruit like a red, fresh, and juicy watermelon on a scorching hot day makes your mouth water. It’s a healthy snack for everyone, but pregnant women might be concerned about its safety. The good news is that watermelon itself does not cause miscarriage. However, improper handling or excessive consumption could lead to issues. Let’s explore the facts and clear up any myths to help you go through a healthy pregnancy.
The Connection Between Watermelon and Miscarriage
There is no scientific evidence linking watermelon to miscarriage during pregnancy. Dr. Munira Dudhbhai of Lewisville Women’s Care states, “Watermelon is considered safe and beneficial for expectant mothers due to its high water content and essential nutrients that support maternal and fetal health. “Watermelon offers several health benefits for pregnant women:
• Hydration: The high water content helps meet the body’s increased fluid needs during pregnancy. Staying hydrated is essential for good blood circulation and maintaining healthy amniotic fluid levels.
• Nutritional Value: Watermelon contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. These vitamins are vital for both the mother’s health and the baby’s development.
• Pregnancy Complications: While watermelon is not directly linked to preventing miscarriage, it contains lycopene. It is an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
The main concerns regarding watermelon during pregnancy are related to handling and storage rather than the fruit itself. Pregnant women should avoid eating watermelon that has been left at room temperature for too long, as it can become contaminated with harmful bacteria like Listeria. Proper storage and hygiene when consuming watermelon can help make a safe pregnancy happen.
Can A Pregnant Woman Eat Watermelon at Night?
Pregnant women can eat watermelon at night without any harm, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Hydration and Digestion: Watermelon has a high water content, which helps with hydration. However, eating too much before bed may lead to frequent trips to the bathroom at night.
• Blood Sugar Levels: Since watermelon contains natural sugars, eating large amounts before sleep could raise blood sugar levels. These raised sugar levels may be a concern for women with gestational diabetes.
• Sleep Quality: Watermelon has tryptophan, which can help with sleep, but drinking too much water from the fruit might disrupt sleep by increasing the need to urinate.
What Amount of Watermelon Is Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Dr. Munira Dudhbhai says, “Watermelon is a healthy choice for pregnant women, providing hydration and important nutrients. However, it should be eaten in moderation and handled properly to avoid any risks.” In 100 grams of watermelon, you get:
• Calories: About 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Around 7.6 grams
• Fiber: About 0.4 grams
• Protein: Around 0.6 grams
• Fat: About 0.2 grams
• Vitamin C: Around 8.1 mg
• Vitamin A: About 569 IU
• Potassium: Around 112 mg
• Magnesium: About 10 mg
• Calcium: Around 7 mg
Eating about 100 to 150 grams per day is a good amount. This keeps you hydrated and provides key nutrients without raising blood sugar too much, which is especially important for women with gestational diabetes.
Tips to Safely Consume Watermelon During Pregnancy
To eat watermelon safely to avoid even the slightest complication, consider doing the following:
• Wash the watermelon thoroughly before cutting to remove any bacteria.
• Use clean knives and cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination.
• Store sliced watermelon in the refrigerator and eat it within one or two days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Do not eat watermelon that looks spoiled or has been left out for too long.
• Eat in moderation, especially if you have gestational diabetes.
• Include watermelon as part of a balanced diet to make sure that you get a variety of important nutrients.
Final Verdict
Watermelon cannot cause a miscarriage. Instead, its high water content may help reduce the risk of poor fetal growth, preterm birth, and birth defects. However, the evidence for these benefits is limited and applies to fruits in general, not just watermelons. While many claims about its advantages during pregnancy lack scientific proof, watermelon is still a nutritious fruit that adds variety to a healthy diet.
Annie Edith is an experienced journalist and content creator with a strong passion for health and wellness. She takes a unique approach to her writing, exploring the latest trends in Dental, Fitness, and mental well-being, while providing readers with informative, research-based articles.