Eating Grapes During Pregnancy: Benefits, Side-Effects, and More

One of the first pieces of advice from my family, friends, relatives, and colleagues was to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables once I revealed my pregnancy. However, not all fruits and vegetables, even though highly nutritious, are safe to have during pregnancy. I had already learnt that some fruits, which when taken in larger amounts (some even smaller amounts), can be dangerous for both the mother and developing fetus or even interfere with the normal progression of pregnancy. If you are craving grapes during pregnancy, like I was years ago, you will worry about whether or not having grapes is safe during gestation. Continue reading to evaluate the nutritional benefits and side effects of grapes on pregnant women.

Is It Safe To Have Grapes During Pregnancy?

Eating grapes during pregnancy has always been a topic of debate. Many people who vouch for eating grapes claim that it is completely safe to have them in the course of pregnancy. However, there are others who disagree and claim that it is best to avoid grapes during pregnancy. Confused? Well, several factors need to be considered before having this delicious berry during pregnancy. Grapes are loaded with many essential nutrients so they are healthy for pregnant women. Be that as it may, consuming grapes excessively and carelessly can turn out to be unsafe during pregnancy.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Grapes During Pregnancy?

Eating grapes in moderation during pregnancy brings some advantages for mother and child. Some of the benefits are:

• Increase immunity: Grape is a rich source of antioxidants. Therefore, eating grapes helps to increase immunity, thereby, keeping mild infections at bay
• Good source of folic acid: Grape is a good source of folic acid. Therefore, it helps with the healthy progression of pregnancy and the fetal development
• Prevents constipation: Grape is a fibre rich fruit. Therefore, eating grapes will improve bowel movements and thereby decrease the chances of constipation
• Relieves muscle cramps: Magnesium present in the grapes helps to relieve muscle cramps, which is common in the course of pregnancy
• Prevents anemia: Anemia, which is common in the course of pregnancy, can be prevented by consuming red grapes. Iron plays an important role in hematopoiesis (production of blood) and grapes, especially the red one is rich in iron
• Maintain cholesterol level: The enzyme in grapes increases the bile formation and, thereby, checks the blood fat volume from increasing, Thereby maintaining the cholesterol level
• Control arthritis and asthma: Arthritis and asthma tend to aggravate during pregnancy. Grapes help to control this issue with their anti-inflammatory property

Nutritional Value of Grapes

Grapes are rich in the following nutrients:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Fibre
• Fructose
• Manganese
• Cobalt
• Resveratrol
• Pectin

They contain a good amount of natural acids like:

• Folic Acid
• Citric Acid
• Malic Acid
• Tartaric Acid

Grapes are also a good source of vitamins like:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Most of the Vitamin B group

What Are The Side Effects of Having Grapes During Pregnancy?

Aside from the advantages, grapes have some disadvantages if they are not properly cleaned or if more than a reasonable amount of grape is consumed. Here are some cons of over-eating grapes:

• Cause digestive issues: As already mentioned above, overconsumption of grapes can bring about diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, and nausea
• Unhealthy weight gain: Overconsumption of grapes, which are high in calories can result in overweight of mother. Putting on more weight is not welcome during pregnancy as it paves the way for several other issues
• Can cause bloating: Overconsumption of grapes make expecting mother bloated as it increases the gas formation
• Increases the chances of gestational diabetes: Overconsumption of grapes during pregnancy increases the chances of gestational diabetes, especially if you have a family history
• Big baby: Eating grapes in excess towards the last trimester of pregnancy can result in more weight gain of the fetus. This will make the labour longer and more painful or can increase the chances of a C-section

Eating Grapes During Early Pregnancy - Is It Safe?

Sour grapes are acidic. They can cause digestive issues for expecting mothers. Expecting mothers already have a tendency to experience heartburn during the early stages of pregnancy due to the surge of pregnancy hormones. This acidity caused by sour grapes can trigger nausea and vomiting or aggravate both conditions, it is experienced by most of pregnant women during the first trimester. Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration, which is quite dangerous for mother and child. Therefore, it is better to avoid sour grapes during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, a few sweet grapes are okay to have during this time.

When Should Eating Grapes During Pregnancy Be Avoided?

Even though highly nutritious, grapes are forbidden if:

• The expecting mother has a history of gestational diabetes or if diabetes runs in the family
• The expecting mother has a history of allergy (bloat, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) to grapes
• The expecting mother already experiencing any issues with digestion
• The mother is obese

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Eating Grapes During Pregnancy?

• Wash and clean grapes thoroughly before consuming
• To make grape juice, wash, blend in a blender or with a ladle and strain well for good taste
• Peel the grapes before eating because Resveratrol is prominently present in the skin of the grapes
• Don't eat grapes with milk and dairy products or on the empty stomach

All in all, I feel grapes during pregnancy should essentially be a rare affair, and indulging too much in them should be avoided. If you do have cravings for grapes, grab a handful or two, but make sure that you eat in moderation only.

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