Blueberries during pregnancy: benefits and harms

On the threshold of future motherhood, every pregnant woman tries to change her diet. Each food item she carefully evaluates, trying to select only those that are beneficial and will be absolutely safe for the baby. Since at this critical time, the diet of the future mother must be saturated with vitamins and minerals, many pregnant women pay a lot of attention to such a popular berry as blueberries.

Scientists have proved that the small fruits of a stunted shrub from the Vereskova family have a valuable composition, and therefore are very useful for the health of people of any age. It is not forbidden to eat this berry and future mothers. We will tell you about the features of the composition of blueberries, its unique healing properties, as well as about the best way for women to consume the forest delicacy during pregnancy.

Can I Eat Blueberries During Pregnancy?

Blueberries are the most valuable product for future moms. Even a small portion of fresh berries with regular use will provide the body with the necessary supply of nutrients. But in addition to the high nutritional value of the natural product, such a treat will not contribute to increasing a woman's weight, because the caloric value of 100 grams of blueberries is only 44 units. Nutritionists strongly recommend including berry treats in the diet of future mothers in pure form or as a pleasant addition to fruit desserts.

The heavenly berry or blueberry, as they call the famous forest gift, has not only an excellent taste, but also a whole set of healing properties. Therefore, this addition to the diet will help a woman to improve her health before the upcoming birth. For example, fresh blueberry juice can be used to gargle the throat if the expectant mother has a cold. It is enough to dilute 2 tbsp. of berry nectar in a glass of warm water and rinse inflamed tonsils with the resulting solution. Dried blueberries can be added to the tea with viral infections, and the leaves can be used to prepare a decoction to treat wounds. In short, blueberries will be of great benefit both to the expectant mother and to the developing fetus. Now regarding the stage of pregnancy, at which it is better to include wild berries into your diet.

In the 1st trimester

After conception, the woman's body immediately begins to work in an emergency mode. In layman's terms, all the systems are reoriented to support the new life. During the first three months, the reserves of the mother's body are used to provide the fetus with everything it needs. Therefore, during this period it is not necessary to supplement your diet with berry products. It is not desirable to introduce blueberries in the diet of a pregnant woman in the early stages of pregnancy also because due to the restructuring processes taking place in the body, forest berries may provoke a negative response to this product in the form of an upset stool or allergic reaction.

In the 2nd trimester

Approximately from the 14th week of gestation, there is a deficit of minerals and vitamin components in the body of the future mother. That is why the second trimester is considered to be the ideal period for the introduction of useful berries to the diet. The developing fetus has a particularly strong need for calcium, which is the main building material of the bone system and teeth of the future child. Compensate for the lack of this element can be achieved by daily consumption of small portions of blueberries. In the middle of pregnancy, many expectant mothers are anemic, and the berry delicacy has a high iron content. We should not forget about such a factor as the emotional mood: after all, the mood is transmitted to the developing baby in the womb. Blueberries, like many other fruits, promote the production of serotonin.

In the 3rd trimester

On the late terms of pregnancy, doctors do not advise to be fond of forest berries because of the risk of intestinal disorders. The fact is that as the fetus grows and develops towards the end of pregnancy, women have reduced intestinal peristalsis, which leads to constipation. Blueberries contain tannins, which can only make the problem worse. Dried berries or blueberry kissels are especially strong constipation. Therefore, it is better to exclude blueberry treats from the menu for a while, and replace the fruit part of the diet with an apple or other permitted fruits.

How to eat blueberries correctly

The forest berry is a seasonal gift of nature. Therefore, the maximum concentration of all the useful substances in small fruits is noted when they reach ripe maturity. It is best for expectant mothers to eat fresh berries. Blueberries have excellent taste characteristics, which allows it to be consumed between the main meals as a vitamin snack. A small handful of ripe berries will satisfy the feeling of hunger, as well as give considerable gastronomic pleasure, which is important for a woman in a delicate position. But, in addition to its use in a monovariet, the forest black berry is perfectly combined with the following dishes, which should appear daily in the menu of a pregnant woman:

• cereal porridge;
• Fruit and vegetable salads;
• yogurt;
• cottage cheese;
• kefir;
• drinks;
• kissels;
• pie filling;
• ice cream.

In some countries blueberries are added to meat dishes and sauces for dressing. For example, oven-baked white poultry meat with blueberries would be suitable for a pregnant woman's diet.

From the vitamin berry you can quickly make a fraiche with the addition of a slice of lemon or other citrus fruits. Fresh berries can be frozen and then rubbed with sugar and eaten in winter when vitamin deficiency is aggravated. Dumplings with blueberries, pies and pancakes are wonderfully delicious. No expectant mother can resist such a delicacy.

There is even a special "blueberry diet", which dietitians usually recommend to diabetics. The essence of such a diet program boils down to the fact that due to the components contained in the forest berry, it is possible to stabilize blood sugar levels. Such a diet with a doctor's approval can be used during pregnancy by women who are overweight. The low calorie content of berries and the ability to quickly saturate the body will help prevent weight gain in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Useful tip: To make a berry preparation for the winter is very simple: for this you need to wash fresh blueberries mixed with sugar in the ratio: per glass of berries 1 tbsp. sand. To replenish vitamin resources enough to eat 2-3 tbsp. of such a treat per day.

How much you can eat per day

In domestic circles, there is a widespread opinion that girls in an interesting position do not need to limit themselves in the products they like. But nutritionists refute such judgments, because even useful food can be harmful to health, if it is used in excess of any norm. As for the forest berry blueberries, a handful or 90 g of the tasty product per day is enough for the future mother. This amount is enough to meet the needs of the woman's own body and the developing fetus.

If a woman did not eat blueberries before pregnancy, a few berries will be enough for the first tasting. If successful, you can increase the portion each day until it reaches the acceptable daily allowance. These norms apply to other dishes of the diet, which can be garnished with vitamin berries. As for drinks, kissels and morsels can be drunk 200-400 ml per day, if there are no problems with stools.

Attention: Blueberries can not replace the main meal, that is, the berries can be analogous to a treat, which is best eaten after a meal.

Can I eat at night and on an empty stomach

Blueberries contain in their composition substances that have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieve stress and relax the muscles. Therefore, if late in the evening a pregnant woman is experiencing bouts of hunger, which do not allow her to sink into a sweet sleep, you can eat a handful of fresh berries. Such a fruit snack will soothe the appetite and help you fall asleep. In the cold season, a portion of frozen berries will save you from insomnia. But dietitians do not recommend eating blueberries on an empty stomach for the same reason: the forest berry dulls the sense of hunger, and the future mother needs a full meal. Therefore, the vitamin product in the diet of a pregnant woman should take the place of dessert, that is, the berries are best eaten after the main meal.

The benefits of blueberries during pregnancy

Back in the olden days of the healing properties of blueberries in the people composed legends. The forest berries also saved future moms from anemia and general malaise. Modern scientists have thoroughly studied the composition of the little fruits, and confirmed that this unique natural product has a huge nutritional and medicinal value. In fact, each berry is a miniature pantry, which has the following beneficial components for the health of future mothers:

1. Minerals - copper, calcium, phosphorus. This trio increases the strength of bone tissues, improves the condition of hair, and helps maintain healthy teeth. That is, it provides everything that the woman herself and the fetus developing in her womb need.
2. Iron. It is known that iron deficiency in the mother's body is not the best effect on the fetus. And blueberries have a high percentage of this element. Regular use of berry delicacies will help to prevent the development of gestational anemia in women.
3. B-group vitamins complex is represented in a wonderful berry in almost full composition, which will provide a reliable support to the nervous system of the future mother. Vitamins of this group take an active part in metabolic processes, and also have a positive effect on the emotional state of a pregnant woman.
4. Ascorbic acid, which in medical terminology is called vitamin C, ensures the normal functioning of the immune system. Since during pregnancy, the defenses of the female body are significantly weakened, the vitamin berry will help to increase resistance to colds and viral infections.
5. Pectin and fiber, which are abundant in the pulp of blueberries, prevent intestinal processes of putrefaction, as well as activate the course of metabolic processes.
6. Potassium increases the elasticity and strength of blood vessels and in general has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
7. Zinc stimulates wound healing and is involved in the synthesis of important hormones that support normal pregnancy.

The complex of these substances put blueberries on a par with dietary foods. Low-calorie natural product on the background of optimal vitamin and mineral balance allows including blueberries in the diet of future mothers without fear.

In addition to excellent taste characteristics and high nutritional value, blueberries have medicinal properties. The fruit treat is useful for pregnant women in the following ways:

1. Systematic consumption of small portions of berries will ensure stable blood glucose levels. Nutritionists believe that blueberries can replace special drugs to reduce sugar.
2. A clear advantage of the natural gift is its ability to maintain a normal body weight of the pregnant woman.
3. The berry has diuretic properties, so it is useful to eat it with a tendency to edema, which often accompany the second half of the gestational period.
4. Blueberries are very useful for the eyes. Even in the absence of eye problems, a delicacy will strengthen the retina, on which during childbirth falls enormous strain. On the basis of blueberries are made preparations for the treatment of eye diseases.
5. We would like to mention separately the bactericidal properties of the forest berry. The components of its composition have a detrimental effect on pathogens, eliminate gastrointestinal discomfort, and help cope with constipation.
6. Forest berries have excellent antioxidant properties, cleansing the body of the expectant mother from toxins and impurities. Scientists have proved experimentally its ability to bind free radicals, which serves as a good prevention against the development of cancer.
7. Blueberries have a positive effect on the developing fetus.
8. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the berry allow its use during pregnancy as a natural remedy for respiratory infections and flu. Therefore, in this regard, blueberries are an excellent alternative to pharmacy drugs.
9. Blueberry juice improves the function of the gallbladder.
10. The berries are especially useful for those women who suffer from gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
11. We must not forget about the property of forest berries at the cellular level to inhibit the aging process. The use of fresh fruits will help women to maintain an attractive appearance, regardless of the difficulties of the period of pregnancy.
12. The list of useful properties should definitely include the ability of berries to relieve fatigue and headaches, to get rid of bloating and nausea.

If you summarize everything, then it is not difficult to conclude that blueberries must be eaten by women in the position. But the maximum benefit of the natural product will bring only with moderate consumption.

Note: Regular consumption of blueberries at times reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Are dried blueberries useful?

Naturally dried berries have almost the same composition as the fresh fruit. But after the process of dehydration, the concentration of the main active components in dried fruits is higher. Therefore you should be very careful about the possibility of consuming dried blueberries during pregnancy, especially in the late term, when problems with regular stools are exacerbated. Even compotes and kissels of dried blueberries can have a negative effect on intestinal motility, and this threatens such an unpleasant complication as hemorrhoids. Acquiring such a delicate problem before childbirth is highly undesirable. In addition to this disadvantage, there are a number of other properties that can pose a threat during pregnancy:

1. The caloric content, which is much higher in dried blueberries than in fresh fruits, is a cause for concern.
2. During the drying process, the berries lose nearly half of their antioxidants.
3. Manufacturers often use sulfur dioxide, a toxic compound that can cause allergies, in the industrial blueberry drying process.
4. Forest blueberries adsorb radioactive elements, so berries collected in unhealthy areas pose a real threat to mother and fetus.

Given all the risks, expectant mothers should prefer fresh berries. And it is desirable to know in what place the forest delicacies were harvested. The only situation in which exactly dried fruits will be needed is diarrhea. To cope with such a problem will help kissel or decoction from dried blueberries.

Can blueberries harm the future mother?

During pregnancy, even healthy products can be potentially harmful for the health of the woman herself and the future offspring. Therefore, the choice of products for daily diet should be made responsibly. The best decision in this situation will be a consultation with a gynecologist who monitors the pregnancy. The specialist will be able to correctly assess the condition of the woman and the possible risks of including fresh blueberries in the menu. The consumption of forest fruits is contraindicated:

• If there is a tendency to allergic manifestations;
• If there is an individual intolerance to the product;
• if hypercalcemia is detected;
• If intestinal disorders are noted;
• In urolithiasis.

The list of contraindications includes pancreatitis and cholecystitis in the future mother.

It should also be taken into account that when abusing berries, side effects can develop:

• anaphylactic shock;
• Oxalaturia (oxalic acid accumulation in the kidneys);
• constipation.

All of the above factors should be taken into consideration when forming a nutritional program for the expectant mother. If you eat good quality berries and in moderation, it will be of great benefit to a woman's health. It should be remembered that vitamins accumulate in the body gradually, so to achieve the most positive result, blueberries should be consumed for a long time.

Important: During heat treatment, berries practically do not lose their useful properties. For this reason, compotes, jam and other berry dishes have equal nutritional value.

Useful tips

Blueberries are unique berries. It is nutritious and rich in content of useful substances. But there are a number of peculiarities that future mothers need to be aware of. To choose the right way to consume the valuable product, it is necessary to know about some features of the forest gift:

1. Blueberries are considered a powerful diuretic. Therefore, to prevent severe dehydration, the consumption of berries must necessarily be combined with a lot of water.
2. Although frozen fruits have the same pleasant taste, exposure to low temperatures deprives the product of part of the vitamin reserve.
3. If the future mother would like to drink blueberry juice, you can use no more than 150 grams of fresh fruit to make it.
4. Fresh berries should be collected in mid-summer. But to feed a pregnant woman the harvest collected near industrial facilities or along highways is not suitable. We must not forget that blueberries absorb radiation and other harmful elements from the environment.
5. Under no circumstances should you buy fresh blueberries in winter. Most likely, such berries are grown with the use of unsafe chemicals.
6. It is necessary to choose blueberries on the market very carefully. If there are doubts in the quality of fresh products, it is better to refuse such purchase. The sellers of such products should have a document, which confirms that the given berry batch passed the radiation control. Do not hesitate to ask the seller to show this certificate.
7. The signs of quality berries: large fruits with a dry surface and the same color. A bluish patina on the skin of blueberries indicates that the berries were picked recently, so you should not be frightened by such an external sign.

For long-term storage, it is better to freeze the berries or grind them with sugar. Such a preparation can be stored in the refrigerator, and then as needed can be used to make vitamin drinks and desserts. Frozen berries are also allowed to include in the diet of pregnant women, but it is better to refuse the use of dried blueberries for a while, so that the problem of constipation does not worsen.

If blueberries are grown in the homestead, which is not uncommon today, the leaves and stems should not be thrown away either. These parts of the plant can be dried, and then prepared from them healing decoctions or added to tea. Such raw materials during pregnancy will be a great substitute for expensive vitamin complexes, which are sold at the drugstore.

Expectant mothers can use blueberries, which are stored for no more than 4 days after harvesting. Berries stored longer can cause severe food poisoning.

What you can make with blueberries

If the future mother was lucky enough to buy forest berries of good quality, you should immediately think about how to store them. After all, the shelf life of a fresh product does not exceed four days. If there are a lot of berries, you can freeze one part and grind another part with sugar. Such a stock can later be used both for preparing home remedies, and for culinary purposes. Here are some useful recipes.

Tea for colds

At the first symptoms of a cold, you need to take a few berries and dried leaves of blueberries, and then pour them with boiling water. The drink obtained in this simple way will lower the temperature and improve your well-being.

Remedy for hemorrhoids

One of the most unpleasant problems of pregnancy is hemorrhoids. Painful sensations and significant discomfort knock the future mother out of her usual pattern, deprive her of sleep and appetite. A glass of fresh blueberry juice will help to remedy the situation. If hemorrhoids are accompanied by bleeding, you can prepare a decoction of blueberry leaves (45 g) and a glass of water. The water base should be boiled, and then pour the herbal raw materials. When the solution is infused, it should be strained and used for sprinkling.

Infusion for the treatment of skin problems

An effective medicine for the treatment of dermatitis, burns and ulcers can be prepared from fresh or dried leaves of the blueberry bush. You need to soak a cotton swab with the prepared solution, and then treat the problem areas several times a day.

If the peptic ulcer is aggravated

If a pregnant woman suffers from this disease, it is possible that against the background of childbearing, she will have a worsening of the chronic process. To relieve painful sensations, it is enough to eat 30 g of fresh blueberries before a meal.

For diabetes

If a pregnant woman has the initial stage of diabetes, it is useful to drink an infusion made from dried blueberry leaves to stabilize sugar levels. You need to take only 2 tablespoons of plant raw materials and pour them with a glass of boiling water. When the medicine is infused, filter it and drink 1/2 cup three times during the day.

Conclusion
As we see, it is not by chance that our ancestors attributed miraculous properties to the blueberries, believing that the forest berry is able to both feed and heal from many diseases. The priceless forest berry will be of great help to the health of any woman during the difficult period of pregnancy, if you observe all the precautions while eating the sweet berries. And the recommendations given here will help to use the vitamin product rationally.