10 Surprising Benefits Of Watermelon During Pregnancy Time

Pregnancy is an exciting and beautiful experience. As your body goes through incredible changes to grow a new life, being mindful of what you put into it is crucial. Eating nutritious foods packed with vitamins and minerals will help keep you and your baby healthy. One such superfood perfect for pregnancy is watermelon.

Watermelon is not only delicious and hydrating, but it also provides remarkable benefits for pregnant mothers. Here are 10 surprising ways watermelon can support you during your pregnancy journey:

1. Boosts Hydration

Drinking enough fluids is vital during pregnancy, yet this can be challenging if you’re struggling with nausea. Watermelon is over 90% water, making it an ideal way to stay hydrated and ease morning sickness. The high water content also prevents dehydration related headaches and dizziness pregnant women often experience.

Simply snacking on juicy watermelon chunks throughout the day is an easy and tasty way to sip more fluids. You can also blend watermelon into smoothies, juices, or watermelon agua fresca for refreshing hydration in seconds.

2. Eases Heartburn

The hormones of pregnancy often slow digestion, leading to gastric reflux and uncomfortable heartburn. Watermelon’s high water content helps dilute stomach acid and wash acids back down, relieving that burning sensation in your chest and throat.

Watermelon’s fiber aids digestion as well, while the fruit’s alkaline pH further neutralizes acidity. For a cooling snack to tame your heartburn, try chilling watermelon slices in the fridge then munching on them as needed.

3. Reduces Swelling

As your body retains more fluids and blood volume rises during pregnancy, swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles is common. Watermelon’s diuretic effect promotes healthy urination to flush out excess water and salt, reducing uncomfortable swelling.

Potassium in watermelon also regulates the balance of sodium, further preventing bloating and edema. Enjoy watermelon at the first sign of puffiness for natural relief.

4. Boosts Immunity

Pregnancy naturally suppresses the immune system, making you more vulnerable to colds, flu and infections. Vitamins A, C and antioxidants in watermelon provide powerful immune support to help ward off illnesses.

These nutrients also protect both you and baby from cell damage and inflammation. Stay well by mixing watermelon into a pregnancy power smoothie with yogurt, spinach, and orange juice.

5. Improves Digestion

Gas, constipation and hemorrhoids plague many pregnant women due to hormonal changes slowing digestion. Watermelon’s fiber, vitamins and minerals all support digestive health for relief from these uncomfortable issues.

Fiber sweeps waste from the GI tract to ease constipation, while potassium facilitates muscle contractions to reduce cramping. Watermelon’s liquid content also softens stools for less painful bowel movements.

6. Boosts Energy

Between growing a baby, work and family, exhaustion hits pregnant women hard. Watermelon is packed with energizing nutrients like vitamin B6, potassium and lycopene to help combat fatigue.

Magnesium and amino acids in watermelon also boost energy levels by aiding muscle function and oxygen utilization. When you need a natural pick-me-up, grab a watermelon slice for quick revitalization.

7. Eases Muscle Cramps

As your pregnant body stretches and grows, painful leg and foot cramps can strike often. Watermelon’s minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium relax tightened muscles and prevent cramps before they start.

The fruit’s electrolytes and fluid content also prevent painful spasms by optimizing nerve transmission and hydration status. Munch on watermelon at the first twinge of cramping for fast relief.

8. Improves Skin Health

Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on your skin, causing breakouts, dark spots and stretch marks. Watermelon is packed with skin nourishing vitamins A, C and lycopene to help you maintain a radiant pregnancy glow.

These antioxidants neutralize skin damaging free radicals and inflammation, while also stimulating collagen production to keep your skin supple and elastic. Boost your skin by making watermelon ice pops or a fruit salsa.

9. Strengthens Bones And Teeth

Your baby requires immense amounts of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus to build healthy bones and teeth in the womb. Eating watermelon supplies these essential minerals to nourish your developing baby.

The fruit’s vitamin C also aids nutrient absorption, ensuring your baby receives the full bone building benefits. Snack on watermelon along with other calcium rich foods like yogurt and greens.

10. Aids Baby Brain Development

The vitamins, minerals and hydration watermelon provides are essential for your baby’s brain, tissue and organ development during pregnancy. Folate in particular helps prevent neural tube defects.

Potassium, choline and vitamin B6 enhance cell division and growth, while the fruit’s lycopene protects delicate fetal tissue from damage. Eating watermelon ensures your baby’s cells multiply properly.

Conclusion

Watermelon is clearly a must-have snack for a healthy pregnancy. Its unique combination of water, key nutrients and antioxidants offers a myriad of benefits for both mom and developing baby. Its tasty sweetness also makes watermelon easy to incorporate into your diet daily.

Simply add watermelon into smoothies, salads, juices or eat as is for a profoundly healthy and hydrating treat. Let juicy watermelon nourish you and baby throughout each trimester and beyond for the best pregnancy possible.