Is it possible to eat grapes during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester?

Grapes are beneficial for pregnant women due to their rich complex of vitamins and minerals. There is a separate direction based on treatment with this fruit - ampelotherapy. Fruits strengthen the expectant mother's immunity, improve the cardiovascular system, increase hemoglobin levels and promote the formation of cells in the developing child.

Is it possible to eat grapes during pregnancy?

Grapes are a storehouse of vitamins that a pregnant woman needs every day.

Berries contain:

• beta-carotene (provitamin A);
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• alpha tocopherol (E);
• niacin (PP);
• thiamine (B1);
• riboflavin (B2);
• choline (B4);
• pyridoxine (B6);
• folic acid (B9);
• phylloquinone (K);
• biotin;
• lutein and zeaxanthin.

Mineral composition:

• potassium;
• calcium;
• silicon;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• boron;
• vanadium;
• iron;
• iodine;
• cobalt;
• manganese;
• copper, etc.

Grapes contain in large quantities:

• tartaric (tartaric) acid, which protects body cells from oxidation, increases skin elasticity, dilates blood vessels, tones the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems;
• malic acid, which helps restore immune function, improves iron absorption, blood circulation, intestinal motility, increases vascular tone, and has antioxidant properties;
• phytoestrogens are plant compounds that promote the production and maintenance of estrogens (female sex hormones).

100 g of berries contain up to 6% of the daily requirement of carbohydrates. The sweet and pleasant taste of grapes is given by fructose and glucose (20% and 74%, respectively), which have a high energy value and have a positive effect on maintaining brain function. In overripe fruits, the amount of fructose increases by 2 times.

In the early stages

Can pregnant women eat grapes in the early stages? It has virtually no contraindications and has a positive effect on the woman’s body:

• promotes the body’s adaptation to hormonal changes;
• reduces the manifestations of toxicosis;
• increases resistance to stress;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• increases hemoglobin levels.

In the second trimester

Moderate consumption of berries in the 2nd trimester, in the absence of contraindications, contributes to the normal development of pregnancy:

• reduces blood viscosity, which often increases due to increasing stress on the body;
• increases the elasticity of blood vessels and skin;
• strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• prevents constipation;
• strengthens the immune system.

Rubbing your face with freshly squeezed grape juice helps remove age spots.

In the later stages

In the last trimester of pregnancy, consumption of grapes:

• relieves swelling, acting as a diuretic;
• normalizes the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system;
• reduces emotional stress.

Doctors do not recommend eating grapes to women in the last month of pregnancy. By providing a strengthening and anti-inflammatory effect, phytoestrogens reduce readiness for lactation.

Attention! For any, even minor, manifestations of allergies (for example, redness or itching), it is important to immediately stop eating grapes, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.

Studies have found that when consuming foods rich in polyphenols (grapes, oranges, some herbal teas) in the 3rd trimester, the risk of narrowing of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus increases. In this case, the condition is restored after limiting such food. Therefore, when choosing a diet, it is important to first consult with a specialist.

Benefits and harms

Grapes contain a large amount of antioxidants that destroy free radicals and prevent cell oxidation. Berries prevent the development of various diseases, increase immunity and the body's resistance to stress.

However, excessive or untimely consumption of grapes in some cases leads to undesirable consequences and causes harm:

• provokes an increase in blood glucose levels;
• promotes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, a feeling of heaviness, nausea and diarrhea;
• accelerates weight gain.

In the absence of contraindications and compliance with the norm of consumption, it is almost impossible to get harm from the berries.

For mother

Black grapes usually have a sour taste because they contain less sugar.

Safest to take during pregnancy:

• increases hemoglobin;
• strengthens connective tissue;
• strengthens the nervous system;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• prevents the development of obesity;
• puts minimal stress on the digestive organs.

Red grapes contain polyphenols that:

• improve cerebral circulation;
• normalize intestinal microflora;
• accelerate metabolism, thereby minimizing the negative manifestations of hormonal changes.

It is not recommended for women who are prone to allergies.

Green and white grape varieties:

• increase skin elasticity;
• have a diuretic effect, reduce the risk of developing urolithiasis;
• normalize the microflora of the oral cavity.

These grapes contain the highest amount of sugars, so overeating provokes excess weight gain and diarrhea.

Reference. The peel of the berries contains pectins, which cleanse the intestines of toxins and improve its performance.

Benefits of grape seeds:

• strengthen blood vessels;
• reduce the level of total cholesterol and LDL - low-density lipoproteins;
• cleanse the intestines;
• normalize the hormonal system;
• prevent tooth decay.

The seeds are consumed only as a dietary supplement in the form of powder or meal. Before use, be sure to consult your doctor.

Grapeseed oil:

• normalizes sleep;
• improves vision;
• lowers blood pressure, protects the heart;
• promotes skin cell regeneration;
• has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Contraindicated for gastrointestinal diseases, cholelithiasis, and post-cholecystectomy conditions.

Read also:

Is it possible to eat cabbage during pregnancy?

Is it possible to eat sauerkraut during pregnancy and in what quantity?

Is it possible to drink carrot juice during pregnancy?

For a child

Benefits of grapes for a baby in the womb:

• provitamin A forms the optic nerves;
• phosphorus prevents genetic disorders;
• calcium and boron strengthen bones;
• Potassium and sodium contribute to the formation of the nervous system.

It should be remembered that eating sweet berries in large quantities provokes a child’s tendency to obesity or pancreatic diseases.

Contraindications

In what cases and why should you not eat grapes throughout pregnancy? Fruits are prohibited when:

• allergies;
• obesity;
• diabetes mellitus;
• gastric ulcer in the acute stage;
• chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Rules of use

To benefit from grapes, it is important to follow certain rules:

1. Eat fresh berries with the peel. The beneficial substances contained in the skin of grapes are in concentrated form, and fiber improves the functioning of the digestive tract.
2. The best time for consumption is from 12 to 15 hours. The calories received during this period are completely spent on maintaining the energy balance of the body.
3. To avoid a sudden spike in blood sugar Don't eat berries for breakfast.
4. Eating fruits at night is not advisable, since the digestive system does not work at full capacity in the evening and night hours, which will lead to stagnation and the appearance of fermentation in the intestines.
5. Grape seeds It is undesirable to eat them in their entirety, as they irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, which leads to stomach diseases and increased gas formation. Chewing bones contributes to the destruction of tooth enamel.

It is recommended to use grapes for food only during their ripening season. Berries treated with preservatives cause intoxication, which causes irreparable harm not only to a pregnant woman, but also to her unborn child.

In what form is it available?

Eating grapes is possible in several forms:

1. Fresh fruits. In the absence of contraindications, this is an excellent way to saturate the body with vitamins.The rate of use is 200–300 g per day, divided into 2-3 doses.
2. Frozen grapes. Compared to fresh, it contains less potassium and magnesium.
3. Fresh juice. Minerals, vitamins, fructose and glucose are absorbed quickly and completely. The calorie content of 100 g of drink is 80–180 kcal. Due to the large amount of sugars, the product quickly sours and begins to ferment. The rate of use is no more than 250 ml per day.
4. Packaged juice. In addition to natural sugars, it contains additional sweeteners and antioxidants. The recommended amount is 200 ml.
5. Compote. During heat treatment, the amount of nutrients is significantly reduced, and added sugar increases the calorie content of the drink.
6. Raisins are dried berries. Contains 70–80% vitamins and 100% microelements of fresh berries, but the concentration of sugars is increased by 7–9 times. Calorie content 100 g - 280–340 kcal. It is allowed to consume no more than 80–100 g per day.
7. Grape seeds. Contains essential oils, tannins and phytoestrogens. Increase immunity and normalize hormonal levels. It is recommended to use it in powder form, mixed in water, no more than 1 tsp. per day.
8. Grapeseed oil. It is distinguished by a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially linoleic and oleic), vitamins A and E. It is used as an additive to salads in limited quantities - no more than 5–10 g per day.

How to select and store berries

When purchasing grapes, it is important to pay attention to the following features:

• the bunch must be whole;
• The berries should be even in color, without dents or damage.

It is not advisable to eat overripe fruits. Their main differences are the soft structure and the dried tip of the bunch. Eating such grapes often leads to diarrhea.

Grapes remain fresh in the refrigerator for 7 days. It is advisable to eat the bunches washed and scalded with boiling water within 24 hours. A container or cling film is suitable for freezing berries at a temperature of -18...-20°C. The shelf life in this form is 6–8 months.

Conclusion

For a pregnant woman, grapes are not only a berry with a unique taste, but also a source of many nutrients important for maintaining their own health and the development of the child’s body. Nutrients help maintain beauty and improve well-being.