Muskmelon in Pregnancy – Benefits, Risks & More

Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a pregnant woman’s diet, as they provide the mother with the much-needed vitamins, minerals and fibre for the growth and development of the baby. Among fruits, the melon family that grows predominantly during summer is loaded with antioxidants and anti-coagulants apart from the regular vitamins and minerals. One such melon, the muskmelon, is a superfood for expectant mothers. It is truly a delicious fruit that can be eaten as is or even added to salads or juices. Muskmelon in pregnancy is known to support hydration, improve digestion, and provide essential nutrients that benefit both the mother and the baby. If you’re wondering, is muskmelon good for pregnancy, the answer lies in its rich nutritional profile and natural cooling properties. Read on to know more about the relationship between muskmelon and pregnancy and how it plays a critical role in the health of a developing baby.

Is Eating Muskmelon (Kharbuja) During Pregnancy Safe?

Yes, muskmelon is a very safe fruit for pregnancy if taken in moderation. The fruit is low in calorie count and high in nutrients and fibre, making it a very safe and healthy snack option for the expecting mother. Sometimes, a strain of bacteria called Listeria bacteria is found on the outer peel of the fruit, which can be harmful to pregnant women (1). Some doctors may ask you to avoid it for this reason. However, the fruit itself is safe to consume if cleaned thoroughly.

Nutritional Facts of Muskmelon

Muskmelon has plenty of essential vitamins and minerals, which are vital during pregnancy. Here is the nutritional value of muskmelon (2).

Benefits of Muskmelon in Pregnancy

Consuming kharbuja during pregnancy can help you stay healthy during this time. Here are some muskmelon benefits in pregnancy.

1. Prevents Tube Defects

The neural tube of the baby, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, forms during the first trimester. Consumption of folic acid-rich muskmelon augments the daily dose of vitamin B9 required for it and helps prevent the occurrence of any neural tube defects in babies (3). This is one of the most important benefits of eating cantaloupe during pregnancy.

2. Prevents Blood Clots

One of the complications that can arise during pregnancy is the clotting of blood. Although it is very rare, consuming muskmelon helps thin the blood and prevent such clots.

3. Improves Immunity

Muskmelon contains carotenoids that act as antioxidants and prevent the formation of free radicals in the body. This greatly helps in the formation of new cells and also in improving the immunity of the mother and the baby. One of the great benefits of cantaloupe for pregnancy.

4. Aids in Digestion

Heartburn is a common problem associated with pregnancy for expecting mothers in the second and third trimesters. One of the foods that can calm your digestive system in such a case is muskmelon. The vitamin C in muskmelon aids digestion and absorption.

5. Prevents Anaemia

Anaemia during pregnancy can be dangerous for the mother and the foetus. Consumption of muskmelon can help keep a check on anaemia as it contains a good quantity of iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron into the digestive system, making it available for the body to use (4).

6. Helps With Leg Cramps

Many pregnant women experience cramps in their legs, especially at night. Leg cramps occur due to potassium deficiency, and muskmelon helps in supplementing the body with the much-needed mineral.

7. Develops Baby’s Eyesight

A baby’s eyes start developing in the first trimester of pregnancy and achieve full vascularisation towards the end of the pregnancy. During this time, consuming a good source of vitamin A, such as muskmelon, greatly reduces the risk of any ophthalmological abnormalities in the foetus (5).

8. Regulates Blood Pressure

During pregnancy, many mothers tend to develop high blood pressure, which can lead to complications. Muskmelon contains a good mix of essential mineral salts that help regulate blood pressure and keep hypertension in check (6).

9. Relieves Constipation

Consumption of muskmelon during pregnancy can go a long way in preventing constipation. Many times, expectant mothers suffer from constipation due to a lack of dietary fibre intake. The digestion-aiding vitamins and fibre in kharbuja ensure a good bowel movement during pregnancy.

10. Aids Weight Management

Muskmelon is a great binge food as it is low in calories. Mothers can consume the fruit as a daytime snack to achieve a sense of fullness in the stomach and thereby control their pregnancy cravings, which can lead to less weight gain. The fructose in the fruit is very minimal and does not contribute to weight gain.

11. Enhances Baby’s Bone Health

The baby’s bones and teeth, which formed during pregnancy, require calcium from the mother. To supplement this requirement, a pregnant mother can take a serving of a calcium-rich muskmelon every day.

12. Helps in Post-Partum Recovery

The mother’s body requires ample nutrition to recover from the process of delivery. The vitamin A present in muskmelons, when consumed during pregnancy, is stored in the liver, which greatly adds to the process of recovery of the new mother.

13. Source of Energy

Although not a high-calorie food, muskmelon is a good source of proteins and carbohydrates that are burned to convert into energy. During pregnancy, it gives the much-needed energy to fuel the activities of both the baby and the mother.

These were the kharbuja benefits in pregnancy.

How Much Muskmelon Can You Eat During Pregnancy?

Everything is healthy in moderation, even when a fruit like muskmelon is good for pregnancy. You can safely eat about 2 servings of muskmelon each day for its nutritional value and taste. Additionally, you can combine it with other fruits if needed, so your body gets its daily fill of nutrients during pregnancy.

Are There Any Adverse Effects of Having Muskmelon (Cantaloupe) During Pregnancy?

You may be wondering if there are any disadvantages of eating muskmelon during pregnancy. Cantaloupe or muskmelon is a very safe fruit for consumption during pregnancy. If you have heard from people around you to avoid the fruit, it could be because of the Listeria bacteria that are sometimes found on its surface. It can find its way into your body if the fruit is not washed well enough. The bacteria can cause listeriosis, which is associated with some complications in pregnancy (7). Also, it is not advisable for women who have a known allergy to the fruit to consume it. Other than that, muskmelon for pregnancy is a very safe and nutritious fruit for expectant mothers.

Safe Ways of Eating Cantaloupes When Pregnant

To avoid any instance of listeriosis, it is very important to wash and clean the fruit properly before consuming it (8). To clean the cantaloupe’s skin, wash it thoroughly under running water, then immerse it in diluted vinegar for a few seconds. Then again, wash it with water before cutting it open. Ensure the knife and cutting board are properly cleaned.

Consumption of a clean melon during pregnancy does not cause any harm to the body and serves as a powerhouse of nutrients for the expecting mother.

Ways to Include Muskmelon in a Pregnancy Diet

There are several different ways to include cantaloupe for pregnancy.

• Fresh Fruit Snack: You can simply cut chilled muskmelon into slices and have it.
• Fruit Salad: You can even have muskmelon with other fresh-cut fruits.
• Muskmelon Juice: Blend the fruit without any sugar and have it chilled with ice cubes.
• Fruit Smoothie: You can make a nutritious smoothie with yoghurt or milk.
• Pair with Nuts and Cheese: Make a protein-rich fruit and nut snack with nuts and cottage cheese.

FAQs

1. Can pregnant women eat muskmelon seeds?

Yes, muskmelon seeds contain folates and other essential nutrients which help you stay healthy during pregnancy. You can consume the seeds as is, or even dry and roast them for added flavour.

2. Is it safe to drink muskmelon juice in pregnancy?

If you prefer drinking juice over eating the whole fruit, you can definitely do so. However, it is always healthier to eat the whole fruit to absorb nutrients like fibre, etc., which are lost when making a juice of the fruit.

3. Does muskmelon help with morning sickness in pregnancy?

Muskmelon’s high water content and mild flavour can help alleviate nausea and keep you hydrated, making it a good option for managing morning sickness. However, if symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider.

This was all about muskmelon and pregnancy. Muskmelon is a gift from nature for all diet-conscious mothers who want to eat healthily and keep themselves hydrated throughout their pregnancy. Muskmelon (Kharbuja) in pregnancy is considered safe and beneficial when eaten in moderation, as it helps in cooling the body and supporting digestion. If you have any allergic reaction to the fruit, please talk to a trusted medical professional before consuming more.

Also Read:

Pear Fruit in Pregnancy
Ice Apple During Pregnancy
Should Pregnant Women Eat Blueberries?
Eating Plums (Aloo Bukhara) during Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. CDC – How Listeria Spread: Sprouts and Melons

2. California Cantaloupe – Nutrition Facts

3. New York State Department of Health – Folic Acid: the Vitamin That Helps Prevent Birth Defects

4. NIH – Iron

5. NIH – Vitamin A and Carotenoids

6. Oregon State University – Vitamins

7. National Library of Medicine – Outbreaks Associated with Cantaloupe, Watermelon, and Honeydew in the United States, 1973–2011

8. FDA – Fruits, Veggies and Juices (Food Safety for Moms-to-Be)