The most nutritious diet during pregnancy is one which includes a balance of fresh, wholesome, minimally-processed foods. Pregnant women need adequate dietary protein during pregnancy, as well as phytonutrients found in vegetables and fruits. Both Mayoclinic.com and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lists dried fruit as a healthy food option for nutrition during pregnancy.
Dried Fruits Can Be Nutritious
Dried fruits contain many of the same nutrients of their fresh equivalents. In most cases, the process of drying fruit results in the higher fiber content of dried fruit. Many healthy fruit varieties that are hard to find fresh in the market are more readily available dried. Figs and dates are two good examples in many parts of the United States. Dried fruits are often rich dietary sources of Vitamins, calcium, folic acid, iron, beta carotene, fiber and other nutrients. Askdrsears.com points out that the especially high fiber and sugar content of prunes often provides a laxative effect, which may relieve occasional bouts of constipation in pregnant women.
Dried Fruits Can Satisfy a Sweet Tooth
Dried fruits are often much sweeter than their fresh counterparts. The drying process not only results in higher fiber, it also results in higher calories and sugar content. Pregnant women interested in minimizing empty calories from sweets like candy and cookies can find an equally sweet and more nutritious alternative in dried fruit. A woman with diabetes or at risk for gestational diabetes should speak to her doctor or nutritionist before adding dried fruits to her diet.
Dried Fruits are Convenient
It can be a great idea to keep a variety of dried fruits in the pantry for good nutrition and also for times when you have run out of fresh fruit and might otherwise not get your daily fruit requirements. Dried fruits have a much longer shelf-life than fresh fruit and are very good to take along on-the-go, especially when bringing fresh fruit is not convenient. You may benefit from keeping a serving of nutritious dried fruit in your purse to help keep symptoms at bay in instances where morning sickness is triggered by having an empty stomach.
Considerations
Pregnant women with an allergy or sensitivity to sulfites should read nutrition labels carefully when choosing dried fruit. Dried fruits often contain sulfites or sulfur dioxide as a preservative, which helps them to maintain their attractive colors. Sulfite-free dried fruits are available in many health-food stores and may be a good choice for all pregnant women who prefer to limit ingestion of food additives.
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