Pregnancy is an incredibly exciting and special time in a woman’s life. However, navigating all of the new information and recommendations surrounding nutrition can also be overwhelming.
While many foods are safe to consume during pregnancy, some should be avoided or limited.
One such food that often raises questions for expectant mothers is prunes.
How many prunes should you eat while pregnant? Keep reading to find out!
But first, let me ask you this: Did you know that prunes could potentially help with a common issue among pregnant women – constipation?
Yes, you read that right! Constipation affects up to 38% of pregnant women and can cause discomfort and other complications if left untreated.
Why Prunes are Great for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy brings a lot of health challenges that require extra care and nutrition. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet is important for the mother and baby’s health during pregnancy.
The prune is an excellent fruit for digestive and prenatal health.
Prunes contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other useful compounds during pregnancy and beyond.
Research shows that prunes can help promote regularity, relieve constipation, and keep digestive systems moving.
Staying hydrated and maintaining good bowel movements are important during pregnancy when hormonal changes can slow things down.
The high fiber content and sorbitol in prunes help add bulk to stools and make them easier to pass.
How Many Prunes Should You Eat During Pregnancy?
According to the American Pregnancy Association and other medical guidelines, eating 25 to 38 grams or about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of prunes daily is considered safe and beneficial for most pregnant women.
Some key benefits of eating prunes during pregnancy include:
Increased Fiber – Prunes are high in fiber, with about 4 grams per 1/2 cup. Fiber helps promote regularity and prevents constipation, which is common in pregnancy.
Extra Iron – Prunes contain iron, which prevents anemia and carries oxygen in your red blood cells. Anemia is a concern for many pregnant women.
Hydration – Prunes are mostly water and help keep you hydrated. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily, along with your prune intake.
Energy Boost – The natural sugars in prunes can provide an energy boost for the extra demands of pregnancy. But don’t overdo the sugar.
Potassium – Prunes are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and proper nerve and muscle function.
Eating 25-38 grams or about 1/2 to 3/4 cups of pitted prunes per day is considered a perfectly safe level for most pregnant women.
As always, check with your doctor for guidance specific to you and your health needs.
✨ Related: Best Time To Eat Prunes
FAQ – Related to Prunes & Pregnancy
Do prunes help with delivery?
Yes, prunes help with delivery as they are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that help in easy and fast delivery.
The presence of sorbitol and fructose in prunes makes it an effective laxative, which helps clear the bowel and regulates bowel movements.
Can prune juice cause contractions?
No, prune juice will not cause contractions during pregnancy. But, consuming moderate amounts of prune juice is unlikely to pose any harm to most pregnant women.
It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes in your diet while pregnant.
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To Cut it Short!
While prunes can be beneficial in moderation for constipation relief and nutrition, eating an excessive amount does pose some risks during pregnancy.
Consuming too many prunes, especially in juice form, can lead to diarrhea, cramps, and an imbalance in nutrients.
The high sugar content and laxative effect of prunes mean that too many can disrupt digestion and the absorption of important minerals like calcium.
✨ Read More: Are Dates And Prunes The Same? (Which Is Better)
Hi, I’m Isabella, Author at Health Magazine Lab. I specialize in general health, research, and women’s health, among other topics. I’m passionate about sharing valuable insights and empowering readers to lead healthier lives.