Nutrition during pregnancy is crucial to the health of both mother and child. Choosing healthy foods can help you feel your best and provide nutrients crucial for the development of the fetus. Dates and fruit are good food choices for anyone, but incorporating these foods into your diet during pregnancy can help make your pregnancy the healthiest it can be. Talk with your obstetrician about changing your diet and fruits that might be especially beneficial to you.
Constipation Relief
Constipation involves difficulty passing stool, infrequent bowel movements and abdominal pain, and can affect up to half of all women during pregnancy, says the American Pregnancy Association. While anxiety, worry and lack of fiber can cause constipation in general, constipation during pregnancy also can be due to hormones that relax the intestines, slowing down the passage of food through the intestines, as well as the pressure of the uterus on the intestines. Dates and fruits are good sources of fiber, which can aid in promoting regular bowel movements and relieve constipation.
Weight Management
While some women think pregnancy is a time to be "eating for two," the March of Dimes states that most women need only approximately 300 extra calories a day during pregnancy. A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is typically between 25 and 35 lbs., explains the March of Dimes. According to California Dates, each date contains approximately 24 calories and they are high in fiber and low in fat. Many other fruits are also low-calorie and contain fiber and other nutrients. Fiber helps create feelings of fullness, which can help prevent overeating and curb hunger. Incorporating plenty of fruit into your pregnancy diet can help you manage your weight and prevent you from gaining an unhealthy amount of weight.
Necessary Nutrients
Dates contain potassium, which is necessary for muscle contraction and helping to maintain the body's metabolism and keep the nervous system healthy. This fruit also contains numerous B vitamins, which help produce red and white blood cells; and magnesium and iron. Iron is important during pregnancy to help muscle development in the fetus and to reduce the risk of anemia in both the mother and fetus. Various kinds of fruit also contain calcium, folate and vitamins A and C, all of which are necessary for health and are important for healthy fetal development.
Considerations
While fruits can provide necessary nutrients, it also is important during pregnancy to take precautions against infections. The Colorado State University Extension Program states that hormonal changes in pregnancy can impair a woman's immune system and hamper the body's ability to fight infections. Before eating any fresh fruits, wash them thoroughly to remove bacteria; the Extension Program adds that perishable foods should be kept at or below 40 degrees F to prevent any spoilage.
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