Ghee During Pregnancy – Benefits, Risks & Myths

Ghee and pregnancy have a very nutritious relationship, but there are some fear-mongering myths and opinions that make pregnant women fear calories, fats, and weight gain. Ghee has been a staple in Indian households for centuries because of its nutritional benefits.  When a woman is pregnant, she is often told to consume ghee, especially by the elders of the family, as it is believed to assist vaginal delivery (though there is no scientific study to prove the same). But is it good to eat ghee during pregnancy? While clarified butter in pregnancy is safe, whether to consume it also depends on how the pregnancy progresses. Read on to discover all you need to know about consuming ghee in pregnancy.

Is It Safe to Eat Ghee During Pregnancy?

Yes, ghee is good for pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman also needs to consume healthy fats. Ghee is rich in saturated fat and is healthy for pregnant women as long as the portions are maintained in moderation, and the doctor agrees for consuming ghee during pregnancy. Anything in excess, be it ghee, should be avoided.

Health experts recommend limiting ghee to 1 -2 teaspoons a day during pregnancy. This may vary depending on the diet and nutritional requirements.

Nutritional Value of Ghee

Here’s the nutritional profile of 100 grams of clarified butter/ghee as noted by the USDA (6):

Consumption of Ghee in the Third Trimester

In the third trimester, some believe that eating ghee might irritate the bowels and trigger contractions, helping to start labour. It’s also thought to make delivery smoother by lubricating the vagina. However, there’s no scientific proof for these claims. Still, its rich nutrient profile, including healthy fats and vitamins, may support your baby’s growth and development.

Benefits of Ghee During Pregnancy

Ghee is rich in Omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has many health benefits, but its benefits in pregnancy are not scientifically proven. However, in Indian culture, ghee is believed to benefit a pregnant woman in the following ways.

• It may provide relief from constipation during pregnancy.
• It may help in the development of a baby’s brain.
• It helps improve a woman’s digestion (4).
• It helps nourish the baby.
• It helps ease the labour.
• It supports healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
• It aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins essential for fetal development.

Homemade ghee is a better and healthier option than ghee or clarified butter purchased from the market. You may begin consuming desi ghee in pregnancy’s first trimester (1), but if you are concerned that you will gain too much weight or if you are already overweight, it is recommended that you include desi ghee in your diet only after consulting with your doctor.

How Much Ghee Can Pregnant Women Eat?

Pregnant women can consume ghee in moderation as part of a balanced diet. One to two teaspoons per day is considered reasonable, but individual needs may vary (5). Consult a doctor or a nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount based on specific health conditions and dietary requirements during pregnancy.

Types of Ghee You Should Eat in Pregnancy

Here are some common types of ghee you may have heard about that are safe during pregnancy.

1. Cow Ghee

Cow ghee is one of the commonly consumed varieties in India. It can be used in small amounts for cooking, seasoning dal, or adding to foods such as khichdi and rotis. Claims like “A2 ghee” should not automatically be interpreted as meaning healthier or something more powerful during pregnancy, as there is no evidence that could establish any pregnancy-specific advantage.

2. Buffalo Ghee

Like other milk-based ghees, buffalo ghee is predominantly fat, so portion size remains important. Pregnant women can include it as part of their overall dietary fat intake if it suits their dietary preferences and calorie needs.

3. Cultured or Traditionally Prepared Ghee

In many traditions, ghee is prepared by first fermenting milk into curd, then separating the butter and clarifying it. Research comparing traditional and commercial preparation methods has found differences in certain fatty acids, including DHA, although this does not establish that traditionally prepared ghee provides better pregnancy outcomes (8).

4. Cream-Based Ghee

Cream-based ghee is prepared by separating cream from milk, making butter out of it, and then clarifying it. It is a legitimate form of ghee. A research study examining the variability of processing methods on fatty acid composition has found no major difference in the overall fatty-acid composition of ghee made from cream-butter and curd-butter methods (7).

5. Packaged Pure Ghee

Packaged ghee is a convenient option during pregnancy. When purchasing packaged ghee, choose a reputable product with clear labelling and check the ingredients rather than relying only on claims such as “traditional,” “premium,” or “A2.”

Is Ghee Really Necessary for Pregnant Women?

Diet plays a vital role in pregnancy. An expecting mother must eat a well-balanced diet to provide good nutrition for her growing fetus. It is believed that ghee lubricates the vagina and helps in normal delivery. It is also believed to ease labour pain and effectively stimulate contractions. However, these beliefs are not supported by any scientific evidence. A pregnant woman only requires 350 extra calories to cater to the nutritional needs of the growing fetus. These additional calories can be obtained by eating a good diet, including ghee. However, consumption of ghee in large quantities may lead to weight gain. If weight gain is a concern, you should avoid consuming ghee excessively.

Side Effects of Consuming Ghee During Pregnancy

While ghee is often regarded as a healthy addition to one’s diet, especially during pregnancy, it’s essential to understand its potential side effects and limitations. Here’s a breakdown of the side effects associated with consuming ghee during pregnancy:

• Ghee is calorie-dense, and excessive consumption during pregnancy may contribute to unhealthy weight gain, raising the risk of gestational diabetes and other health issues.
• Consuming ghee during pregnancy can lead to elevated cholesterol levels due to its high saturated fat content, increasing the risk of heart disease and related complications (2).
• Ghee is rich in vitamin A, and over-consumption during pregnancy can lead to an excessive intake of this vitamin, potentially causing congenital disabilities in the baby.
• Consuming ghee alongside prenatal supplements may interfere with absorbing certain vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy pregnancy.
• Improperly prepared or stored ghee may contain harmful bacteria or toxins, posing a risk of foodborne illness to the pregnant woman and her baby.

Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before including ghee in your diet.

How to Include Ghee in Your Pregnancy Diet?

Incorporating ghee into your pregnancy diet can provide essential nutrients and healthy fats that benefit your and your baby’s development. Here are some simple ways to include ghee in your meals during pregnancy:

• Use ghee instead of regular cooking oils or butter to add flavour and nutritional benefits to your dishes.
• Spread a small amount of ghee on whole-grain toast or crackers as a healthy snack.
• Add a teaspoon of ghee to your warm beverages, such as herbal tea or warm milk, for added richness and nutrition.
• Ghee can be used in baking recipes for added moisture and flavour. For example, it can be used to grease baking pans or incorporated into cookie or cake recipes.

These strategies can help you enjoy the benefits of ghee while maintaining a balanced and nutritious pregnancy diet.

Myths Associated With Eating Ghee While Pregnant

There are several myths associated with eating desi ghee in pregnancy. It is tasty and healthy, but many people believe that drinking milk with ghee added to it can provide extra nutrition and calories to the pregnant woman and her unborn child. It is also believed that it aids the birthing process by lubricating the vagina. Many people think that including ghee in the pregnancy diet in the ninth month helps in normal delivery (3). However, these are just myths, so don’t add ghee to your diet because you like the taste. If you wish to eat ghee during pregnancy, you can, but only after consulting with your doctor.

Homemade vs Packaged Ghee – Which One Is Good?

Wondering whether packaged ghee is better or a homemade one? Well, it’s not a one-factor-based answer; the choice depends on accessibility, convenience, and budget. Let’s see.

Recipes Using Ghee in Pregnancy

These recipes involving ghee for pregnant women provide a health boost and accentuate the flavour profile of any food 10 times more. here are some recipes you may try.

1. Moong Dal Khichdi With Ghee

Ingredients:

• Half cup rice
• Half cup yellow moong dal
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• Half cup chopped vegetables of your choice
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• Half teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of turmeric
• 3-4 cups water
• Salt, to taste

How to Make:

1. Wash the rice and moong dal thoroughly. Pressure cook together with thoroughly washed vegetables, a little turmeric, and water.
2. Once the rice and dal become well-cooked and soft, keep them aside.
3. Make a tempering by heating ghee in a small pan and adding cumin seeds, kadi patta, minced garlic (optional).
4. Once the cumin is lightly toasted, pour the tempering over the khichdi.
5. Mix well and serve warm.

2. Ghee-Roasted Oats and Banana Porridge

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk or fortified milk alternative
• 1 small ripe banana, sliced
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or almonds
• A pinch of cinnamon

How to Make:

1. Heat ghee in a small saucepan and add oats. Roast them nicely on low flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Pour in the milk and cook until the oats are soft and creamy.
3. Add the sliced banana and a pinch of cinnamon.
4. Cook for another minute and turn off the heat.
5. Top with chopped nuts and serve warm.

3. Vegetable Dalia With Ghee

Ingredients:

• ½ cup broken wheat (dalia)
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup peas
• ¼ cup chopped beans
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of turmeric
• 2–2½ cups water
• Salt, to taste

How to Make:

1. In a pressure cooker, heat ghee and add cumin seeds and sliced green chilli (optional). Let them crackle on a low flame.
2. Now add the dalia and roast everything for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the washed and chopped vegetables, turmeric, salt to taste, and water.
4. Pressure-cook until the dalia and vegetables are tender.

FAQs

1. Can consuming ghee during pregnancy affect the baby’s development?

Yes, consuming desi ghee in pregnancy can positively affect the baby’s development. Ghee is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and healthy fatty acids, which support fetal growth and development, including brain development.

2. Can ghee cause weight gain during pregnancy?

Since ghee is a calorie-dense fat, it can cause weight gain. Thus, consuming it in moderate amounts is recommended during pregnancy.

3. Can I have ghee in my first trimester if I have nausea and morning sickness?

You can try consuming ghee in your first trimester if you have complaints of nausea and morning. You can start by taking a small amount, like ½–1 teaspoon mixed into bland food. If the smell or taste triggers vomiting, it is best to hit pause for a while and retry again some days later.

4. Which is better during pregnancy: ghee or butter?

5. How does the quality of ghee impact its suitability during pregnancy?

The quality of ghee can significantly impact its suitability during pregnancy. Homemade or ghee from trusted sources should be preferred due to better control over ingredients and processing methods. High-quality ghee is less likely to contain additives or contaminants, ensuring a safer option for pregnant women.

Ghee for pregnant ladies is often considered a valuable addition to their diets, providing essential nutrients and healthy fats that support maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. You should seek expert medical advice whenever you plan to make any dietary changes during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend the best food options for you. 

Also Read:

Eating Cheese in Pregnancy
Eating Paneer during Pregnancy
Consuming Jaggery while Pregnant
Consuming Peanut Butter in Pregnancy
Is It Safe to Consume Butter when Pregnant?

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Sources References

1. Art of Living Retreat Center – Simplify Your Pregnancy with Ayurveda

2. National Library of Medicine – The effect of ghee (clarified butter) on serum lipid levels and microsomal lipid peroxidation

3. Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research – 5 Pregnancy Precautions and the Truth Behind Them

4. National Library of Medicine – Health benefits of ghee: Review of Ayurveda and modern science perspectives

5. Art of Living retreat Center – Ghee: Your lifelong companion to good health

6. USDA – Butter, Clarified butter (ghee)

7. National Library of Medicine – Effect of processing methods on fatty acid composition and flavour profile of clarified butter (ghee) obtained from Deoni and Holstein Friesian cow breeds

8. National Library of Medicine – Docosahexaenoic acid content is significantly higher in ghrita prepared by traditional Ayurvedic method