As a general rule, a serving of fruit is:
one piece of fruit, for fruits that are larger than the size of a tennis ball
one cup of chopped fruit
Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables during pregnancy provides pregnant women with adequate nutrition to support their developing baby. It should also minimize the risk of certain diseases and defects and help to nourish the woman’s body.
There is no particular fruit that pregnant women should avoid. However, it is essential for women to be aware of portion size. Some fruits have a high sugar content, and certain forms of fruit, such as juices and dried fruits, are often significantly higher in sugar and calories than their fresh counterparts.
Buying organic fruit will ensure that it has not come into contact with fertilizers and pesticides that could damage its quality. However, if organic fruit is not an option, non-organic fruit is still better than eliminating fruit from the diet altogether.
It is important to remove any pesticides and bacteria that might be present on fruit by washing it thoroughly before eating it.
People should take other safety precautions by:
- removing areas of bruised fruit, which are more likely to contain bacteria.
- storing fruit in a separate area of the fridge to any raw meat products.
- avoiding precut melons.
- only drinking pasteurized or boiled fruit juice
Takeaway.
Fruit is an excellent source of nutrients that are essential during pregnancy. Fruits can provide vitamins, folate, fiber, and more, which all help to keep the woman and baby healthy. These nutrients can also help to relieve some of the common symptoms of pregnancy.
Pregnant women should aim to consume at least five different portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
Pregnant women should also limit their intake of dried fruits and fruit juices as these can be high in sugar and calories than fresh types.
- removing areas of bruised fruit, which are more likely to contain bacteria.
- storing fruit in a separate area of the fridge to any raw meat products.
- avoiding precut melons.
- only drinking pasteurized or boiled fruit juice
Takeaway.
Fruit is an excellent source of nutrients that are essential during pregnancy. Fruits can provide vitamins, folate, fiber, and more, which all help to keep the woman and baby healthy. These nutrients can also help to relieve some of the common symptoms of pregnancy.
Pregnant women should aim to consume at least five different portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
Pregnant women should also limit their intake of dried fruits and fruit juices as these can be high in sugar and calories than fresh types.