Is it safe for pregnant women with constipation to eat watermelon?
Disease description:
My sister is 15 weeks pregnant and has recently been suffering from constipation, which is making her very uncomfortable. She wants to know if it's okay for pregnant women with constipation to eat watermelon.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
It is acceptable for pregnant women with constipation to consume watermelon in moderation. Watermelon contains abundant water, which can increase moisture content in the stool and facilitate bowel movements. Being a cooling-type food, it can also stimulate intestinal motility, thereby promoting defecation. Watermelon is also an excellent choice for replenishing body fluids and may help reduce internal heat in pregnant women whose constipation is caused by a "hot" constitution, thus providing some relief from constipation. However, pregnant women should be cautious about portion control when eating watermelon, avoiding excessive consumption at one time to prevent discomfort. They should also maintain healthy eating habits, ensure balanced nutrition, and engage in moderate physical activity to prevent and alleviate constipation. Patients with concerns are advised to seek timely medical consultation.
