This article explains the benefits and harms of consuming dates during pregnancy. Because of health benefits, consumption of dates is common during pregnancy but it is important to get the suggestion of the healthcare provider to avoid any complication.Selima is keeping fast as part of her religious schedule and she has to consume lots of fruits in a day. She takes dates to maintain her energy level as she is aware of the nutritional benefits of dates. Selima is keen to know if consumption of dates on daily basis could harm her baby as she has conceived 2 months ago. Some doctors do not recommend consuming dates during pregnancy in
first trimester as it is considered to be a heat inducing foods. So, it is always better to consult a doctor before including it in the diet during pregnancy.
Harmful Effects of Eating Dates during Pregnancy
As such dates do not have harmful effects when eaten during
pregnancy. Only concern for the pregnant women is the high sugar content of dates. Whether soft or dry dates are consumed, it hardly makes any difference because nutritional value remains same in both types of dates. Overeating of dates may lead to excessive weight gain of would-be mothers. Excess weight gain means becoming more vulnerable to gestational diabetes or other complications. Excess eating of dates may increase the sugar level of blood and chances of having gestational diabetes is increased too. So, would-be mothers should consume dates with little care.
Is it Healthy to Eat Dates during Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, women get cravings for different kinds of fruits. Some like to consume fruits to get extra calories needed during pregnancy while others like to consume fruits as they get cravings for them. Dates can be consumed directly or can be consumed as an ingredient of some other food items. Whether dates are soft or semi-soft, it is absolutely healthy to eat dates during pregnancy because of their high nutritional values.
Can I Eat Dates during Pregnancy?
Yes, pregnant women can keep dates in their daily diet. Having dates will not only make their dishes taste delicious but they will also be able to get the extra calories needed for them and their unborn babies. Sugar, fibre, minerals, vitamins are some of the essential nutrients dates have. So, consumption of dates during pregnancy will help would-be mothers to keep healthy.
Is it Harmful to Eat Dates during Pregnancy?
As such, studies have not revealed any concrete relationship between consumption of dates and
preterm labour so consumption of dates during pregnancy is considered as safe. As dates are good source of sugar, pregnant women who are overweight or have history of gestational diabetes should consume moderate or little amount of date.
Is it Good to Eat Dates during Pregnancy?
Yes, it is good to eat dates during pregnancy as dates are instant source of energy. Fibre content of dates helps in regularising bowel movements in pregnant women. A pregnant woman needs about 300 calories more as compared to non-pregnant adult woman. Dates are food items full of nutrients and they are also able to fulfil the need of extra calories in pregnant women so it is advisable that would-be mothers eat dates on daily basis.
Benefits of Eating Dates during Pregnancy
Dates contain fructose sugar which can be absorbed by the body instantly so eating dates will help pregnant women to get extra energy they need to keep fit. About 5% of
iron required by a pregnant woman daily can be obtained by consuming 1/2 cup of dates. Deficiency of iron in the body causes anaemia which may lead to other complications before and after delivery. Deficiency of iron in mother’s body would also hamper the brain development of foetus.
Consumption of 1/2 cup of dates will provide about 20% of daily potassium needed in a pregnant woman. Deficiency of potassium causes cramps in muscles and may cause abnormality in body metabolism and working of nerves. Some constituents of Vitamin B Complex such as Niacin, Folate and Pantothenic Acid are present in dates. Dates also have Magnesium, Zinc and Manganese. Presence of these minerals and vitamins in dates ensure that foetus has healthy
