Can pregnant women eat oranges?

Jul 05, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I'm three months pregnant, and I've been craving oranges lately. I'd like to know if it's safe for pregnant women to eat oranges.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Pregnant women can eat oranges, but in moderation. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and trace elements, providing various benefits for pregnant women. Vitamin C helps fetal brain development and promotes the delivery of nutrients to the brain through nerves and blood vessels. Meanwhile, dietary fiber in oranges can improve constipation and promote gastrointestinal function in pregnant women. In addition, oranges can enhance capillary elasticity, lower cholesterol levels, and help prevent hypertension during pregnancy. Oranges also contain relatively high levels of sugar, so excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent elevated blood glucose levels, increased risk of diabetes, or excessive fetal growth, which may lead to difficult labor or the need for cesarean section. It is recommended that pregnant women consume no more than 1 to 2 oranges per day and maintain a balanced diet by consuming a variety of different foods. Furthermore, pregnant women should choose fresh, unspoiled oranges and avoid eating them with high-protein foods such as milk to prevent digestive discomfort.