Oatmeal During Pregnancy: Benefits and Is It Safe?

(Last Updated On: June 28, 2019)

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is naturally your priority. However, when you are pregnant, you should really choose carefully what and when to eat. This is to provide yourself and your growing baby with the ideal amount of energy and nutrients.

One of the superfoods you can prepare in various ways is oatmeal. You can eat it sweet and salty, mixed with fresh fruit or vegetables. If you wish to have a nutritionally complete meal with minimum effort invested, you can eat Saffola oats during pregnancy. You can even add your own toppings and special flavors, to meet your pregnancy cravings and prevent hunger attacks.

Oatmeal During Pregnancy

pregnant woman eat oatmeal safe

Oats are a popular wholegrain cereal that are usually grown in Europe and North America. You probably already know they are a great source of fiber. Especially during pregnancy where constipation is common. Loading up on some oatmeal can really help get things going!

Whole oats are also said to protect people from heart disease. They also have lots of antioxidants (they are called avenanthramides) and are well loved for their minerals and vitamins. They can also lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Due to its wide variety of benefits, it’s gaining popularity in pregnancy.

Is it Safe to Eat it During Pregnancy?

Is it safe to eat oatmeal during pregnancy first trimester? As everything changes during pregnancy, you should be more aware of your nutritional needs and the types of foods you should be eating. 

The answer is yes, absolutely. And it is also normal for you to be craving oatmeal during pregnancy. In fact, oats are safe to consume in every part of your pregnancy. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers and proteins and make an excellent addition to your healthy lifestyle even when you are expecting. They are also beneficial for your stomach and can easy the morning sickness.

However, as we are not all the same, some of you might react differently to the oats during pregnancy. Sometimes the chemical balance in your body changes and you might develop sensitivity to the oats.

This may manifest as diarrhea and indigestion in some women, especially if you consume it in larger quantities. Others may experience intestinal blockage or become allergic if they already have problems with gluten allergies.

That is why it is very important to consume the oats within the recommended quantities and stop eating them right away if they give you discomfort. In addition to that, don’t ever eat them raw and try to avoid varieties with processed ingredients added. Always choose fresh fruit and vegetables you can combine with your oats to boost your nutrition intake during pregnancy.

Health Benefits of Oats for Pregnancy

They Contain Complex Carbs and Proteins

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and proteins. They give you a burst of energy and promote slow digestion.

If you consume oatmeal during pregnancy first trimester, you will get a much-needed instant energy boost and your morning sickness will be under control.

The complex carbs need more time to break down, so your blood sugar levels will be in check. Combined with high protein content, oats will keep you fuller for longer, control your hunger pang and help you manage your healthy weight gain.

They are Rich in Iron

A growing baby takes all it needs from the mother’s body. Therefore, she needs to replace the nutrients, in order to stay healthy herself. That said, Iron is one of the most important elements for a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnant women are more likely to develop anemia, reflected in low hemoglobin levels. The blood oxygenation reduces, and the expecting mother feels tired and irritated.

In the most severe cases, low iron concentration in a woman’s blood may lead to depression as well.

Fortunately, oats are rich in iron. Only one serving provides 20% of the recommended 30 milligrams daily intake. Make sure you eat fruit or drink juice with your oatmeal, as the vitamin C in them is the key for a successful iron absorption.

Fibers Will Help with Digestion

Many pregnant women may have some problems with constipation from time to time. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to take enough fibers and drink a lot of fluids when you are expecting.

If you are craving oatmeal during pregnancy, you will be glad to know that it contains around 4 grams of fibers per serving. When you add a tablespoon of wheat bran or some high-fiber fruits and vegetables to the mix, you will have a nice balanced meal that will be good for your digestion as well.

Excellent Source of Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the most important elements to take during pregnancy. In fact, you should boost its intake in the period when you are trying to stay pregnant as well. It prevents neurological damage and helps your baby develop a nice and healthy brain.

You are most likely to take it through the prescribed supplements, but you should know that oatmeal is an excellent source of folic acid as well. One serving contains around 20% of your daily needs.

They are Rich in Vitamins and Minerals


Oats contain other vitamins and minerals, such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, selenium and phosphorus.

They all work together to help you maintain energy levels, boost your immune system and ensure your baby’s healthy development.

Oats as a Part of Your Healthy Pregnancy Diet

It is very easy to incorporate oats in your diet. They can be prepared in various ways and work well with many other flavors as well.

For example, you can boil them in water or milk and add salt, sugar or honey to your liking. You can also add some other flavors, to meet your unique pregnancy cravings.

You can also eat Soffola oats during pregnancy, as they are 100% natural whole grain oats. Their preparation is easy and requires minimum effort. Choose fresh ingredients to go with your oats and you will have a complete, balanced and nutritional meal.

Conclusion

Oatmeal is one of the superfoods you are able to eat throughout your whole pregnancy. You can add fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other flavors to the mix and indulge your cravings, while maintaining a healthy weight gain. Keep healthy, prevent dehydration and enjoy a smooth pregnancy!

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