While at one time organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics discouraged pregnant women from eating nuts to prevent their baby from developing food allergies, the organization no longer supports that decision. The March of Dimes explains that studies show no evidence linking nut allergies in children with nut consumption during pregnancy. Nuts are a healthy food for pregnancy women, containing protein and folate. Protein promotes your baby's growth and is especially important during the second and third trimesters. Folate, a form of folic acid, can prevent serious brain and spine birth defects.
Step 1
Eat snack-size meals that include nuts throughout the day to combat nausea, heartburn or indigestion.
Step 2
Consume about 71 grams of protein each day from a few different food sources advises the Mayo Clinic, including nuts and nut products. For example, 2 tbsp. of peanut butter contains about 8.2 grams of protein.
Step 3
Limit your intake of salted nuts if you have high blood pressure. Otherwise there is probably little need to worry about your sodium intake during pregnancy. It's no longer thought to contribute to water retention or bloating.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep snack size amounts of nuts ready in containers for convenience.
- Consult your physician about limiting your sodium intake if you have high blood pressure.
