Can pregnant women eat watermelon during the second trimester of pregnancy?
Disease description:
My wife has entered the second trimester of her pregnancy. Recently, the weather has been getting hotter, and she really wants to eat watermelon. However, we are somewhat concerned because dietary choices need to be especially careful during pregnancy. My mother-in-law says that watermelon is "cooling" in nature and may not be good for pregnant women, but my wife believes that eating a bit of watermelon can help relieve summer heat and quench thirst. We would like to ask the doctor whether it's actually safe for pregnant women to eat watermelon during the second trimester.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Pregnant women can适量 consume watermelon during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Watermelon is rich in water, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and potassium. During hot weather, eating watermelon can help pregnant women replenish fluids, relieve internal heat, and improve appetite. Vitamin C helps strengthen the pregnant woman's immune system and benefits the development of the fetus's skin and other tissues; potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance in the pregnant woman's body.
However, pregnant women should consume watermelon in moderation. Watermelon has a relatively high sugar content, and excessive consumption may cause elevated blood sugar levels in pregnant women, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes, which can affect normal fetal development and potentially lead to fetal macrosomia. It is generally recommended not to consume more than 200 grams per day.
In addition, pregnant women should choose fresh watermelon and avoid consuming chilled watermelon straight from the refrigerator, as it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, which could affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. If a pregnant woman already has elevated blood sugar levels, she should strictly control her intake of watermelon or consume it only under a doctor's guidance.
