Q&A with Top Doctors

Can pregnant women eat longan, red dates, and eggs?

Pregnant women can consume longan, red dates, and eggs, but should do so in moderation.

Eggs are rich in high-quality protein, lecithin, vitamins, and minerals, providing sufficient nutrition for both the pregnant woman and the fetus, supporting fetal brain and physical development. They can be consumed in moderation throughout pregnancy. Red dates contain abundant iron, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which help prevent iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy, enhance immunity, and promote intestinal motility. However, due to their high sugar content, pregnant women with gestational diabetes should strictly control their intake.

Longan has a warm nature and sweet taste, with functions of nourishing the heart, calming the mind, and benefiting the spleen. However, because of its warming properties, excessive consumption during early pregnancy—when the embryo is not yet stably implanted—may lead to internal heat and blood agitation, increasing the risk of threatened miscarriage. In the middle and later stages of pregnancy, women with a naturally "hot" constitution or gestational hypertension should also avoid excessive consumption to prevent additional strain on the body. Therefore, pregnant women should consume longan, red dates, and eggs according to their individual physical condition and stage of pregnancy, under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, to avoid negatively affecting maternal and fetal health due to improper consumption.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women eat amaranth?

Generally, pregnant women can consume amaranth in moderation, but should pay attention to the cooking method.

Amaranth, a common leafy green vegetable, is rich in iron, calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients, and plays a positive role in preventing anemia and enhancing immunity. For pregnant women, moderate consumption of amaranth can help supplement the iron needed during pregnancy, prevent iron-deficiency anemia, and its rich fiber can effectively relieve common pregnancy-related constipation and promote intestinal health.

However, amaranth is a cold-natured vegetable, and excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. Pregnant women with a cold body constitution or a history of habitual miscarriage should especially control their intake. Additionally, amaranth contains a high level of oxalic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron. It is recommended to blanch the amaranth before cooking to remove some of the oxalic acid. The dietary fiber in amaranth helps promote gastrointestinal motility and prevents and improves constipation, but excessive consumption may also lead to diarrhea; therefore, pregnant women should consume it in moderation. Moreover, when consuming amaranth, it is important to ensure the freshness of the ingredient and thorough cooking to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by unclean food, thus safeguarding the health of both mother and fetus.

If there are any concerns or discomfort, timely consultation with a doctor or professional nutritionist is advised.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women use calamine lotion?

Pregnant women can use calamine lotion safely, but it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a physician.

Calamine lotion mainly contains calamine, zinc oxide, and glycerin, along with small amounts of preservatives and water. Calamine and zinc oxide have astringent and protective properties, effectively reducing skin inflammatory reactions and relieving itching; glycerin helps moisturize the skin and prevent dryness.

These ingredients do not enter the bloodstream, acting only on the skin surface and not affecting fetal development through the placenta. When pregnant women experience skin itching due to mosquito bites, prickly heat, allergic dermatitis, or other causes, applying calamine lotion can quickly relieve itching with relatively few adverse reactions. A few sensitive individuals may experience mild skin irritation, but such cases are extremely rare. It should not be applied to broken, oozing, or ulcerated skin to avoid irritation. It is recommended that pregnant women first test the lotion on a small area of skin to observe for any adverse reactions, and only use it regularly after confirming it is safe.

During the use of calamine lotion, pregnant women should keep the skin clean and dry, avoiding scratching the affected area to reduce the risk of infection.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women take ibuprofen?

Generally, pregnant women are not advised to take ibuprofen casually to avoid potential adverse effects.

Ibuprofen belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase, thereby reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins. This results in reduced inflammatory response and pain perception, providing antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

During the early stages of pregnancy, when fetal organs are undergoing differentiation and development, ibuprofen may interfere with embryonic growth and increase the risk of developmental abnormalities in the fetus's heart, kidneys, and other organs. Taking ibuprofen during late pregnancy can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, potentially causing premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, leading to pulmonary hypertension, and may also impair uterine contractions, increasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the mother. Ibuprofen should be used only in cases of severe maternal illness, following a comprehensive evaluation by a physician confirming that the therapeutic benefits outweigh the potential risks, and under strict medical supervision with short-term and low-dose administration. If fever, pain, or other symptoms occur during pregnancy, prompt medical attention is necessary to determine a safer treatment plan under a physician's guidance.

In addition, pregnant women should also focus on dietary management, adequate rest, and regular prenatal checkups during pregnancy to ensure the health of both themselves and their fetuses.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women take Smectite Powder?

In general, pregnant women can use Montmorillonite Powder cautiously under the guidance of a physician.

Montmorillonite, the main component of Montmorillonite Powder, is a natural mineral particle. After entering the body, it forms a protective layer within the intestines, covering the intestinal mucosal surface, where it binds to and inhibits viruses, bacteria, and their toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, it helps repair and enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier's defense against harmful agents, thereby exerting an antidiarrheal effect.

As Montmorillonite Powder does not enter the circulatory system and is hardly absorbed into the bloodstream, it has no significant toxic effects or adverse impacts on pregnant women or the fetus. Therefore, it is often considered a relatively safe option for treating diarrhea during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should not self-medicate; the drug must be taken strictly according to medical advice, following the prescribed dosage and duration. Overuse may cause constipation. If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain, prompt medical attention is necessary to identify other potential causes and avoid delays in treatment.

Additionally, pregnant women are advised to maintain good dietary habits and a healthy lifestyle to help prevent gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women eat cherries?

Pregnant women can eat cherries in moderation.

Cherries are rich in various nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, potassium, and more. Among these, vitamin C can enhance pregnant women's immunity and promote collagen synthesis; vitamin A is beneficial for fetal vision and skin development; iron content is particularly notable, with about 0.3-0.4 mg of iron per 100 grams of cherries, which can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women and avoid fetal growth and developmental delays caused by maternal iron deficiency; potassium is beneficial for maintaining electrolyte balance and promoting metabolism in pregnant women.

However, cherries have a relatively high sugar content, so pregnant women with gestational diabetes should strictly control their intake. It is recommended to consume small amounts between meals while closely monitoring blood glucose levels. In addition, cherries are warming in nature, and excessive consumption may easily cause heatiness; it is advisable to limit daily intake to 10-15 cherries. Also, ensure cherries are thoroughly washed before consumption to avoid any adverse effects from pesticide residues or bacteria on the health of pregnant women. If there are any concerns or discomfort, it is recommended to consult a doctor promptly.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women eat yellow peaches?

Pregnant women can consume yellow-skinned fruits in moderation, but should control the amount based on their individual physical condition.

Yellow-skinned fruit is a nutrient-rich tropical fruit, rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, organic acids, dietary fiber, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Its sour taste can stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric acid, helping to alleviate nausea and poor appetite during early pregnancy. Dietary fiber also aids intestinal motility and helps prevent constipation during pregnancy. Additionally, flavonoids present in yellow-skinned fruit have certain antioxidant properties that are beneficial to the pregnant woman's metabolism.

However, it is important to note that the sour taste of yellow-skinned fruit may stimulate excessive gastric acid secretion if consumed in large amounts, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Pregnant women with peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux should be cautious and it is recommended not to consume more than 10 fruits per serving. Moreover, yellow-skinned fruit contains a certain amount of sugar; therefore, pregnant women with elevated blood sugar levels or gestational diabetes should strictly control their intake and monitor blood sugar changes. When consuming, it is recommended to choose fresh, unspoiled yellow-skinned fruits, wash them thoroughly, and eat them with the skin. However, excessive consumption of preserved yellow-skinned fruits should be avoided.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women eat mangosteen?

Pregnant women can consume mangosteen in moderation, but should control the amount based on their individual physical condition to ensure safety and nutritional balance.

Nutritionally, mangosteen is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenolic antioxidants. Among these, dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and helps relieve common pregnancy-related constipation; potassium assists in regulating the body's electrolyte balance and alleviating leg edema; antioxidant components help reduce damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, mangosteen has a sweet and refreshing taste, and moderate consumption can provide energy and improve appetite for pregnant women.

It should be noted that mangosteen is relatively cold in nature, and excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Pregnant women with weak spleen and stomach or a cold body constitution should be cautious. It is recommended not to consume more than 3-5 segments each time. Furthermore, mangosteen contains high levels of natural sugars, so pregnant women with elevated blood sugar levels or gestational diabetes should strictly control their intake to avoid affecting blood sugar stability. Also, since the peel of mangosteen is thick, it is important to ensure the fruit is fresh when consuming it, to avoid food poisoning due to spoilage. Due to its high caloric content, pregnant women who are obese or need to control their weight should also consume mangosteen in moderation.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)?

Pregnant women can eat Zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) in moderation, but should pay attention to the method of consumption and portion control.

Zongzi, a traditional food primarily made of glutinous rice, is rich in vitamin B and has functions such as nourishing the stomach and spleen, replenishing energy, improving blood circulation, and stopping perspiration. For pregnant women, moderate consumption provides certain nutritional benefits. Common fillings such as red dates, meat, and egg yolks are also nutrient-rich foods that help pregnant women supplement essential nutrients. However, because Zongzi is mainly made from glutinous rice, which is sticky and difficult to digest, excessive consumption can burden the digestive system, leading to indigestion, stomach discomfort, or bloating. Therefore, overconsumption should be avoided.

Moreover, different types of Zongzi vary in nutritional content and calorie levels. Zongzi filled with red dates or red bean paste contains high levels of sugar, so pregnant women with gestational diabetes should consume these cautiously to avoid blood sugar fluctuations. Savory varieties filled with fatty meat or egg yolk are high in fat and sodium, making them unsuitable for pregnant women with hypertension or edema. It is recommended to choose smaller-sized Zongzi and consume them with vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber, which helps balance nutrition and aids digestion. Additionally, it is important to select fresh, hygienic Zongzi and heat them thoroughly before eating to prevent gastrointestinal issues caused by spoilage. Therefore, pregnant women should pay attention to portion size and dietary pairing when eating Zongzi in order to enjoy the flavor while maintaining good health.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025
Can pregnant women use floral water?

Flavor water (flower dew water) has a complex composition, and its use is generally not recommended for pregnant women to avoid possible discomfort.

Common ingredients in flower dew water include alcohol, fragrance, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (commonly known as IR3535), DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), and some even contain camphor. Alcohol evaporates easily and may irritate the respiratory tract of pregnant women; its excessive absorption can also be harmful to fetal development. Fragrance contains complex components that may trigger allergic reactions. Although IR3535 and DEET can repel mosquitoes, excessive use may allow absorption through the skin into the bloodstream, posing hidden risks. Camphor is even more dangerous as it can cross the placental barrier and affect the fetus, potentially causing fetal malformations or miscarriage in severe cases.

Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using flower dew water during pregnancy, especially mosquito-repellent varieties. If necessary, choose products with relatively safe and non-irritating ingredients, and strictly follow the instructions provided. Avoid excessive or frequent use. If mosquito bites occur, a mild, soothing calamine lotion may be used. For mosquito prevention, physical methods such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito nets, or selecting mosquito repellents with safe ingredients clearly labeled as suitable for pregnant women are recommended.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 13, 2025