Can I eat water spinach during pregnancy, and will it affect the fetus?
Disease description:
Recently got pregnant. I've been craving water spinach lately, but I'm worried it might be harmful to the fetus. I wonder if eating water spinach will have any effect? Will it affect the baby's healthy development?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Generally, it is safe for pregnant women to eat water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), and moderate consumption typically has no significant effect on the fetus.
As a common vegetable, water spinach is nutritionally rich, containing various vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, all of which contribute to the health of both the pregnant woman and the developing fetus. Particularly, the folate found in water spinach supports the neural and brain development of the fetus. Additionally, water spinach contains abundant vitamin C and other antioxidant substances, which help strengthen the immune system of the pregnant woman.
However, water spinach also contains oxalic acid, excessive intake of which may interfere with calcium absorption. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women control their consumption and avoid eating large quantities at one time. Furthermore, thorough washing during preparation is important to reduce the risk of pesticide residues or bacterial contamination, ensuring food safety.
Pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet, diversely consuming various foods including meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, to meet the comprehensive nutritional needs during pregnancy.
