Grapes During Pregnancy: Is it Safe to eat?

Grapes are known for their health benefits and their applications in the preparation for many products. Grapes are mostly grown in temperate climatic conditions. They are widely produced in Europe, Africa, Australia, North and South America.

Overview

They are available in different forms and colours. They are available in red, green, yellow, purple, black colours with seeds and without seeds. They are used in the manufacturing of jams, jelly, juice, raisins, currants and mostly in preparation of wines.

Grapes are widely a source of nutrients and antioxidants. Grapes are packed with vitamins like A, C, K and B group. 

They are filled with high antioxidants, beneficial plant compounds like resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin and nutrients like copper, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, cobalt, pectin, fructose and fibre. They are also rich in acids like folic acid, citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid.

Grapes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is more crucial to know what to eat as it involves the health of your baby and yours. It is most important to know about the diet and the ingredients that include in the meal whether they are safe or not.

So let us know about grapes whether they are safe during pregnancy and their benefits. Grapes are beneficial to a pregnant woman as they contain a high amount of nutrients and antioxidants which help to improve the health and fight against diseases.

Benefits of grapes during pregnancy

• Grapes, as they are rich in fibre, helps to reduce constipation.
• The muscle cramps are minimized by eating grapes due to the presence of magnesium.
• Grapes help to prevent the formation of clots as it acts as a natural blood thinner.
• The polyphenols present in grapes help to avoid heart diseases during pregnancy.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of grapes help to fight against arthritis and asthma.
• The antioxidants present in grapes help to build a strong immune system. 
• The iron present in grapes helps to avoid anemia.
• The cavities can be controlled by the organic acids present in grapes.
• The sodium present in the grapes helps in the development of baby's nervous system.
• The resveratrol is one of the plant compound to ensure a healthy heart for the baby.
• The levels of cholesterol are also stabilized in the mother by a mineral called resveratrol.
• Grapes are a good source of vitamin B compounds which are needed for both baby and mother as well. Maternal metabolism is also maintained by vitamin B nutrients.
• They include antioxidants such as flavonol, tannin, linalool, anthocyanins, and geraniol, which also help to prevent infections.
•  The vitamin A present in grapes helps to enhance the eyesight of the baby during pregnancy. 
• The folate present in grapes helps in preventing any defects in the nerve tube. 

Side effects of grapes during pregnancy

• Grapes cannot be consumed on an empty stomach as they cause acid reflux.
• During pregnancy as the digestive system will be weak so the skin of the grapes becomes indigestible by pregnant women and is difficult for absorption.
• Eating too many grapes may lead to loose motions or diarrhoea during pregnancy.
• Grapes contain a high amount of resveratrol; by consuming them in excess may cause toxicity to pregnant women.
• Grapes are acidic in nature so excess intake may lead to nausea, vomiting, headache and heartburn.
• The natural sugars present in grapes may hike the blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
• It may lead to weight gain when they are taken in large quantities.

Avoid in Certain Conditions

• When you have gestational diabetes.
• When you are allergic to grapes.
• When you have a problem of weak digestion. 
• When you are suffering from obesity.
• When you have any ulcers in the digestive tract until it is cured.

How much grapes should be consumed?

Eating around ½ cup of grapes which equals to 70-75 grams or 15-16 grapes per day is considered safe and healthy during pregnancy unless you are suffering from conditions where you need to avoid it completely.

Tips on Consuming

• Eating grapes in moderation will support the biological changes during pregnancy as they contain vital nutrients, antioxidants, organic acids, fiber and vitamins. They offer many health benefits when taken in limited version or otherwise they may have many side effects.
• Consuming grapes during last trimester must be avoided because of its heat-producing property.
• They must not be consumed mostly in the form of juice because they may cause an imbalance in blood sugar levels and also the fiber will be lost.
• The black grapes must be avoided because of their thick skin becomes difficult for digestion as the digestive system will be weak during pregnancy.
• Intake of sour grapes must be avoided when you are susceptible to acidity and allergic reactions.