Cucumber in Pregnancy – Benefits, Side-Effects and Precautions

Great for weight loss and an amazing treat during the summer, the humble cucumber has more than meets the eye, especially when it comes to pregnancy. Besides being full of nutrients and known for boosting fertility and improving conception rates in women, cucumbers are a welcome addition to healthy diets when it comes to pregnancy.

When discussing cucumber and pregnancy, it is important to understand both the benefits and the possible concerns. Cucumbers are refreshing, hydrating, and low in calories, making them a great snack for expectant mothers who want to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.

However, many pregnant women wonder if there are any side effects that could potentially spell disaster for them or their baby. Here is everything you need to know about eating cucumber in pregnancy.

Also Read: Eating Radish During Pregnancy

Is Eating Cucumber During Pregnancy Safe?

Cucumbers can cause certain reactions in women and are usually not advised during pregnancy (1). As a rule of thumb, we say no to “Can I Eat Cucumber During Pregnancy?” if you have-

• Colitis
• Chronic Nephritis
• Pyelonephritis
• Hepatitis
• Gastritis
• Gastric reflux disease

Also Read: 8 Best Vegetables to Eat During Pregnancy

Nutritional Value of Cucumber

Below is the nutritional value of a cucumber per 100 grams as per USDA (2):

Health Benefits of Cucumber for Pregnant Women

Although cucumbers have their cons when it comes to pregnancy, here’s a list of popular health benefits that may make you consider adding a small number of cucumbers in your pregnancy diet, especially if you’re craving them.

1. Low in Calories

It’s close to impossible to gain weight due to cucumbers. Cucumber is good in pregnancy as it prevents obesity and keeps you feeling full for a longer time (3). Want to know how many calories this vegetable has? Only 8 calories for a half-cup serving of these with their peels included!

Also Read: Eating Flax Seeds During Pregnancy – Is It Good?

2. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for strong and healthy bones. Cucumbers have Vitamin K, plus other heart and brain-healthy B-vitamins, iron, folic acid, and magnesium.

3. Prevents Dehydration

We’re talking about plenty of water found in cucumbers along with lots of minerals (4).  You won’t have to worry about electrolyte imbalance due to dehydration since cucumbers will take care of it.

Also Read: Eating Garlic During Pregnancy – Benefits, Risks & Recipes

4. Enhances Skin Elasticity

If you’re in your first trimester, we recommend adding a bit of cucumber to up your collagen intake and boost skin elasticity for your already-widening bump.

5. Prevents Swelling

Cucumbers are a natural diuretic and eliminate swelling in the body, too (5).

6. Improves Mood

The B vitamins found in cucumbers are known as “feel-good” vitamins that are good for the brain and boost your mood (6).

Also Read: Consuming Cinnamon in Pregnancy – Benefits and Risks

7. Foetal Development

Let’s not forget facts. Cucumbers come with Vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, folic acid, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron, all of which are essential for fetal development, thus, preventing growth abnormalities.

8. Bye-Bye Constipation

Cucumbers have a high fibre content. That means, no more constipation or bouts of haemorrhoids during your pregnancy (7).

9. Boosts Immunity

Rich in vital antioxidants, cucumbers boost your immunity and prevent infections during pregnancy.

Also Read: Is it Safe to Eat Sesame Seeds During Pregnancy?

10. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you may consider reaching out for a cucumber, as it regulates blood pressure and sugar levels in the body.

Risks and Side Effects of Eating Cucumber When Pregnant

There are downsides, too, when it comes to eating cucumber during pregnancy. Here are some of the side effects of cucumbers.

1. Intestinal Gas

This is one of the most common problems that stem from eating cucumbers during pregnancy. You may also experience indigestion and belching.

2. Frequent Urination

You may feel fullness of the bladder often, leading to frequent urination. This may cause discomfort, depending on the trimester of your pregnancy.

3. Allergies

If you’re allergic to cucumbers, you may experience swelling and itching.

4. Toxicity

Cucumbers have toxins like cucurbitacins and tetracyclic triterpenoids, which lead to their bitter taste. When consumed in large quantities, these toxins can become life-threatening.

5. May Lead to Hyperkalemia

When consumed too much, the high potassium content in cucumbers causes abdominal cramps, bloating, and even affects your kidneys.

Is It Safe to Drink Cucumber Juice During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to drink freshly made cucumber juice during pregnancy. Choose the juice made from fresh and firm cucumbers. 

How to Choose and Store Cucumbers?

Choosing and storing cucumbers the right way helps you get the most freshness, nutrition, and safety from this refreshing vegetable. This is especially important when including cucumber for pregnant woman in a daily diet, as proper handling helps reduce the risk of contamination.

• Choose cucumbers that are firm, bright green, and free from soft spots, wrinkles, or yellowing. Fresh cucumbers are ideal when consuming raw cucumber during pregnancy, as they tend to have better taste and nutritional value.
• Look for smooth skin without cuts, bruises, or mold. Damaged cucumbers may spoil faster and could harbor bacteria, which is why selecting clean, intact produce is important for a pregnant woman’s diet.
• Keep cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to maintain freshness. They usually stay fresh for about 4–7 days when stored properly.
• If cucumbers are sliced, store them in an airtight container and consume them within a day or two to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.

How to Include Cucumber in Your Pregnancy Diet?

If your doctor has given you the green light to eat cucumbers during pregnancy, it’s time to enjoy the benefits of cucumbers in pregnancy. Here are a couple of tips on prepping cucumbers for a delicious meal-

1. Wash Thoroughly

Make sure you eliminate the chemicals, dirt, and dust that come with cucumbers. Don’t eat them straight out of the box (or shop!) Wash and clean before eating.

2. Incorporate in Salads and Smoothies

Cucumbers are a wonderful addition to your salads and juices. If you drink detox smoothies or shakes, you may add them to it.

3. Eating Raw

Add a little salt and refrigerate for 30 minutes. If you’re eating the cucumbers raw, this is a cool cucumber classic!

4. Use Them in Sandwiches

Cucumber and tomato sandwiches, anyone? You can even steam cucumbers and have them alongside barbecued food and other tasty treats. Chaat and snacks work too.

5. Use a Blender

If you’re planning to juice a cucumber, get a blender and mix it with other fruits and delicious veggies to whip up tantalising smoothies. It’s good for you and works like a charm during pregnancy.

Does Craving for Cucumbers Tell About Baby’s Gender?

There’s an old wives’ saying that when you crave a cucumber, you are carrying a boy. However, there is no scientific truth to this saying.

Precautions to Take While Eating Cucumber in Pregnancy

Eating cucumber in pregnancy is safe. However, it comes with caution. There are certain precautions to consider when having cucumber during pregnancy. Let your doctor know about your diet, which includes cucumbers. Take a confirmation on the same and on the limit, as it could cause belching and indigestion. 

FAQs

1. Is it safe to eat cucumbers at night?

Yes, cucumbers can safely be eaten during the night, alongside your dinner. However, note that the high water content in them may cause your bladder to feel fuller than usual, making you feel like peeing more frequently. This may disrupt your sleep, which can lead to other issues. You can have an early dinner or avoid eating cucumbers 3-4 hours before you sleep, to prevent this from happening.

2. What is the best way to store cucumbers?

The best way to ensure your cucumbers are fresh is by storing them in the fridge. You can store it in a ziplock bag or a special veggie bag to retain the moisture for a long time and prevent the cucumber from going limp.

3. How can I pick fresh cucumbers?

Look for cucumbers that are stiff, rather than limp. The peel shouldn’t be bruised or punctured. Avoid picking cucumbers that are light in weight. Lastly, look for cucumbers with darker skin. The darker the skin, the more nutritious the cucumber will be.

4. Can I eat pickled cucumber and seeds while pregnant?

It is best not to eat too much of cucumber seeds as they contain a toxin called cucurbitacin, which is known to cause indigestion in some people. Pregnant women who have sensitive digestive systems should avoid it.

5. Does a cucumber cause miscarriage?

Cucumbers and pregnancy have a good relationship. There is no scientific study that shows miscarriage when cucumbers are eaten during pregnancy.

6. Can I drink cucumber water in pregnancy?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to drink cucumber-infused water during pregnancy. If you want to enhance the taste of water, you can also add lemon and mint leaves to it.

7. Can you eat cucumbers and vinegar (marinated cucumbers) during pregnancy?

Cucumbers marinated in vinegar (not to be confused with whole cucumber pickle) can be safely eaten during pregnancy, considering cucumbers were washed thoroughly, and the preparation is done hygienically.

This was all about cucumber for pregnancy. Although cucumbers are great, they can be bad for you if you’re pregnant, depending on your medical condition and overall health. We’re not bashing cucumbers; we’re just saying take care and exercise precaution before eating them. Talk to your doctor and find out whether or not cucumbers are safe for you if you’re pregnant.

Also Read:

Beetroot in Pregnancy
Eggplant during Pregnancy
Consuming Carrots in Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. Rush University Medical Center – Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome

2. USDA: FoodData Central – Cucumber, with peel, raw

3. NHS – Have a healthy diet in pregnancy

4. Integrated Pest Management: University of Missouri – Cucumber: A Brief History

5. National Library of Medicine – Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber

6. National Library of Medicine – The Effects of Vitamin B in Depression

7. UCSF Health – Constipation