Why should pregnant women use winter melon and pork rib soup with caution?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Pregnant women should use caution when consuming winter melon and pork rib soup, as winter melon is inherently cold in nature and may impair the spleen and stomach, excessive consumption may lead to diarrhea and bloating, the high purine content could affect metabolism, the fatty pork ribs may increase digestive burden, and those with edema-prone constitutions should control their intake. Consumption should be adjusted according to individual physical condition. If abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other discomfort occurs after eating, prompt medical attention is recommended.

Pregnant women should use caution when consuming winter melon and pork rib soup, due to several factors: the cold nature of winter melon may impair the spleen and stomach; excessive consumption may lead to diarrhea and bloating; the high purine content in pork ribs may affect metabolism; the greasiness of the ribs can increase digestive burden; and those with edema-prone constitutions should limit intake. Consumption should be adjusted according to individual constitution. If abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other discomfort occurs after eating, medical advice is recommended.

1. Cold nature of winter melon may impair spleen and stomach: Winter melon is considered a cold-natured food. Since pregnant women often have relatively sensitive digestive systems, excessive consumption may weaken spleen and stomach yang, disrupting normal digestive function and leading to dull stomach pain, reduced appetite, and other discomforts.

2. Excessive intake may cause diarrhea and bloating: Winter melon is rich in dietary fiber and has a strong cooling effect. Overconsumption by pregnant women may accelerate intestinal motility, causing diarrhea and bloating. In severe cases, this may impair nutrient absorption, negatively affecting maternal health and fetal development.

3. High purine content may affect metabolism: Pork ribs are considered a moderate-purine food. Excessive consumption may elevate uric acid levels in the body. Given that metabolic functions change during pregnancy, elevated uric acid can increase kidney strain and poses a higher risk for pregnant women with a history of gout.

4. Greasy ribs increase digestive burden: Pork ribs are high in fat. During pregnancy, reduced secretion of digestive enzymes makes it harder to digest fatty foods. Consuming overly greasy soups may加重 digestive strain, leading to nausea, indigestion, and potentially excessive weight gain.

5. Those with edema-prone constitutions should control intake: Although winter melon has diuretic properties, some pregnant women experience edema due to spleen deficiency or yang deficiency. Excessive consumption of this cold-natured vegetable may worsen yang deficiency and thereby exacerbate edema. Therefore, its use should be based on proper pattern differentiation.

During pregnancy, if consumed, the soup should be taken in small amounts and more frequently. Blanch the pork ribs to remove excess fat, and cook with ginger to neutralize the cooling effect. Prepare the soup with light seasoning, avoiding spicy or greasy additives. Pregnant women with severe edema or those with deficient-cold spleen and stomach should minimize intake and prioritize using warm-natured ingredients for soups.

View All

What does it mean when a pregnant woman has elevated non-squamous epithelial cells?

In general, elevated non-squamous epithelial cells in pregnant women may be caused by hormonal changes, urine contamination, bacterial vaginosis, urethritis, cervical polyps, or other factors. Pregnant women can improve the condition by adjusting their lifestyle or following medical advice according to their individual circumstances. It is important to pay special attention to bodily signals during pregnancy, maintain proper external genital hygiene, wear loose and breathable clothing, drink plenty of water, and avoid holding in urine.

View Full Answer

Does a heating stove emit radiation, and is it safe for pregnant women to use?

A standard-brand electric oven (such as far-infrared or convection type) emits mostly non-ionizing radiation, which is low in intensity and within safety standards, posing no risk to the fetus. Pregnant women can safely use such ovens if maintaining a distance of more than 1 meter, limiting each use to less than 1 hour, and ensuring good ventilation. Under these conditions, using the oven can help relieve discomfort from cold without health risks.

View Full Answer

Why does a pregnant woman's belly feel tight and hard when she walks around, and what should be done about it?

When a pregnant woman walks, her belly may feel tight and hard, which could be caused by false labor contractions, uterine enlargement with stretching, fatigue, intestinal spasms, or preterm labor signs. This can be improved through rest, adjusting activity levels, keeping warm, proper care, or medical treatment if necessary. If severe pain or vaginal bleeding occurs, prompt medical attention is required. During pregnancy, increased uterine sensitivity may lead to such sensations due to movement and stimulation while walking.

View Full Answer

Why does the stomach become hard after slight movement at 27 weeks of pregnancy, and what should be done?

In general, during the 27th week of pregnancy, slight physical activity causing the abdomen to feel hard may be due to false labor contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions), uterine enlargement stretching ligaments, preterm labor signs, placental abruption, or red degeneration of uterine fibroids. Depending on the specific situation, improvements can be achieved through general management, medication, or surgical treatment. Pregnant women should avoid strenuous exercise and walk within their limits. Regular prenatal checkups are essential to monitor uterine and fetal conditions.