Mothers prioritise their health and well-being during pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome for their baby. They get more cautious in choosing their food to ensure a well-balanced nutritious diet during pregnancy. Expectant mothers are often advised to prioritise nutrient-rich vegetables in their diets. Among these, carrots may spark your curiosity regarding their consumption during pregnancy. This article will explore the benefits of carrots for pregnancy and considerations for expectant mothers.
Is it Okay to Have Carrot During Pregnancy?
So, is carrot good for pregnancy? Absolutely! Eating carrots is a safe and healthy option for mothers and their growing baby. Let's explore some of the benefits of eating this colourful vegetable:
1. Boasts a nutrient-rich profile
Carrots are a rich source of vital nutrients, including vitamins and minerals important for health. 100g of carrot contain:
- Energy: 41 calories
- Carb: 9.58 g
- Protein: 0.93 g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Vitamin A: 5mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.135g
- Vitamin K: 13.2 micrograms
- Calcium: 33mg
- Phosphorus: 35mg
- Potassium: 320mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg
2. Helps boost skin and eyesight
Pregnant women are more prone to developing vitamin A deficiency, especially during the 3rd trimester, due to the advanced rate of foetal development. Carrots, being rich in vitamin A can be used to help combat this deficiency. Studies also show that consuming carrots while pregnant has helped to improve the baby's eyesight and skin.
3. Rich in calcium and carotene
Carrots are a rich source of calcium and carotene that can help your baby develop strong bones and teeth. Additionally, beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant that may help slow down cancer cell growth and limit the risk of cancer during later development.
4. Helps ease digestive issues
Carrots contain fibre that may ease symptoms of constipation and promote better digestion to help you with a bloating problem in pregnancy.
5. Enriched with folic acid
Folate, or folic acid, is often prescribed to pregnant women to stabilise the developing embryo formation in the uterus. This is required to prevent and reduce the risk of neural tube defects or spinia bifida in the foetus's nervous system. Luckily, carrots also contain a ton of folic acid, that can help a mother-to-be meet her daily nutritional requirements.
Additionally, it is always best to consult with a doctor before incorporating anything new into your diet to ensure a safe and healthy diet.
Conclusion
Carrots are packed with plenty of nutrients that can help boost the health of an expecting mother and foetus. Just remember, these veggies should be always washed properly to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses in the mother. Moreover, consider securing a health insurance policy as a pregnant woman to help cover the costs of prenatal care, delivery, and any unexpected medical expenses that may arise.