Can pregnant women eat hawthorn slices?
In general, pregnant women can eat hawthorn slices, but they should not consume too many at one time. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Hawthorn slices are mainly made from processed hawthorn fruit and contain nutrients such as protein, vitamins, carotene, calcium, and iron. They have effects of promoting digestion, invigorating the stomach, regulating qi, and dissipating blood stasis. Hawthorn slices can be used to treat symptoms such as indigestion of meat, stomach fullness, diarrhea with abdominal pain, amenorrhea due to blood stasis, and postpartum blood stagnation. Pregnant women who consume hawthorn slices in moderation can not only supplement essential nutrients but also alleviate morning sickness and improve appetite.
However, it should be noted that hawthorn slices also have blood-activating and stasis-resolving properties and may stimulate and excite the uterus. If a pregnant woman consumes excessive amounts of hawthorn slices at once, it could potentially trigger uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage; therefore, intake should be carefully controlled.
After becoming pregnant, overeating should be avoided. It's recommended to eat more easily digestible foods such as bananas, potatoes, and pumpkin. Adequate rest should be taken to avoid excessive fatigue. Regular prenatal checkups at the hospital are important, along with appropriate folic acid supplementation and maintaining an optimistic mindset, all of which contribute positively to fetal growth and development.