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Eating Cherries during Pregnancy - Benefits, Recipes & Precautions
Cherries are an excellent source of Vitamin C but are they safe to consume while pregnant? What are their benefits and side effects might often be on your mind when you are pregnant. Read on and know all about the fruit, few recipes that you can whip up with it and get answers to few of the frequently asked questions.
Is It Safe to Eat Cherries during Pregnancy?
No doubt, cherries are safe to consume while pregnant. They are loaded with Vitamin C and other nutrients that boost immunity in pregnant women. However, carefully discard the pit which can be hazardous if it enters the throat.
Benefits of Eating Cherries during Pregnancy
Cherries are a rich source of nutrients and pack a healthy punch. Listed below are some of the benefits of eating cherries during pregnancy first trimester and beyond.
It is a great fruit to be eaten while pregnant because it helps in improving the blood flow to the placenta which carries food from the mother to the baby.
Since they are loaded with healthy minerals, vitamins, enzymes, folic acid etc.
, cherries keep health ailments at bay while pregnant.
The sweet and sour taste of cherries helps in combating common nausea during pregnancy.
Cherries contain fibre which helps in preventing constipation and makes bowel movement easy.
Cherries when eaten dried help cure diarrhoea.
Cherries being a rich source of iron improve blood-related problems like anaemia during pregnancy.
The melatonin present in cherries relaxes the nerves. This prevents anxiety in pregnant women and helps in getting good sleep.
The anthocyanins in cherries are very beneficial in protecting neural cells and stimulating good brain health of the foetus. It also helps in curing migraines which are caused due to the fluctuations in estrogen level.
Most pregnant women suffer from oedema which can be prevented by including cherries in the daily diet.
The anti-oxidant and vitamin C present in cherries prevents inflammation which is common during pregnancy.
Cherries are juicy and have high water content. Therefore, they prevent dehydration, and the potassium boosts energy thereby avoiding fatigue in pregnant women.
The potassium in cherries helps in controlling blood pressure levels which can prove to be fatal to the foetus as well as the mother.
Delicious Cherry Recipes for You
Cherries can be paired and relished with various other foods. Here are a few cherry recipes that you can enjoy during pregnancy:
1. Cherry Lassi
Ingredients
Yoghurt – 2 cups
Milk – 2 cups
Cherries – 4 cups fresh cherries (deseeded)
Sugar – according to taste
Salt – a pinch
Direction
Blend all the ingredients.
Pour it in glasses and add some chopped cherries on the top.
2. Cherry Halwa
Ingredients
Cherries – 2-3 cups (deseeded)
Cornstarch – 2 tsp
Water – 3 tsp
Ghee – ½ cup
Walnuts, cashew nuts & raisins – ½ cup each (chopped)
Sugar – according to taste
Cardamom powder – a pinch
Direction
Add 1- 2 tbsp of ghee in a frying pan. Then add the chopped nuts and raisins and saute them till they roast well.
Remove the fried nuts and add the cherries. Cook them until they become soft.
Then add the sugar and stir it occasionally. Crush the cherries with the ladle in the process. Continue until the cherries are fully cooked.
Mix the cornstarch with some water and add to the pan. Continue stirring it. Once it thickens, check its consistency. If you can draw thoroughly line on the ladle with your finger, it is the right consistency.
Reduce the flame and put a tbsp of ghee. Keep stirring till it gets mixed well with the cherry paste. Then add another tbsp of ghee.
Continue with the process until the paste stops absorbing the ghee and can be seen above the mixture.
Then switch off the stove, add the cardamom powder and the fried chopped dry fruits in it.
Serve it hot or cold.
3. Cherry Chuski
Ingredients
Fresh cherries (chopped) – ½ cup
Castor sugar – 1 cup
Water – 1 cup
Edible colour (red) – ½ tsp
Ice cream sticks
Direction
Add water and castor sugar in a saucepan and keep the flame low. Stir it continuously until the sugar dissolves.
Turn off the flame and let it cool.
Cook the pitted cherries in a pressure cooker till they are soft.
Then puree the cooked cherries.
Add the sugar syrup to the puree.
Use a fine sieve to strain the puree and add some edible red colour.
Pour the sorbet into the ice cream moulds, add the ice lolly sticks and place it in the freezer.
4. Cherry Lemonade
Ingredients
Fresh cherries - 1 cup
Lemon – ½ (2 tbsp juice)
Cold water
Sugar – according to taste
Lemon wedges and mint leaves (for garnishing)
Direction
Wash the cherries and pit them.
Blend sugar, lemon juice and the cherries together.
Strain the liquid and add water to it.
Pour it into glasses and garnish it with lemon wedges and mint leaves. You can also crush the mint leaves roughly before adding it to the drink.
Side Effects of Having Cherries While Pregnant
Cherries are abundant in many nutrients and vitamins. However, there are a few problems pregnant women face after consuming cherries.
Although cherries are said to be anti-inflammatory, they may trigger an allergic reaction in some women during pregnancy like oral allergy syndrome.
Consuming too many cherries can be harmful, even if you are not allergic to cherries. It may result in anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis in rare cases, which can prove to be fatal.
Eating too many cherries may cause bloating, gas and stomach ache. Therefore, it is advised to consume cherries in moderation.
The sweeter varieties of cherries have a higher concentration of natural sugar. Therefore, too much of the fruit is likely to raise the blood sugar level. So it is advisable for women with gestational diabetes to avoid it.
Eating too many of the dried, sweetened cherries or the maraschino cherry can cause excess weight gain in pregnant women. Therefore, watch your portion and avoid eating too many of them or don’t eat them at all.
Precautions to take while Consuming Cherries
Here are some of the precautions that you need to take before eating cherries.
Remember to wash the cherries well before taking it. If not washed well, it may cause infections which could pose a problem for the mother as well as the foetus.
Always eat pitted cherries because the pit contains hydrocyanic, a poisonous chemical.
Remember to consult your doctor before including cherries in the diet during pregnancy.
Dried cherries are coated with sulphites to preserve them. Therefore, if you are allergic to sulphite, avoid them. In case you have a dried cherry craving, keep it dipped in warm water for half an hour so that the sulphites are washed off before eating them.
FAQs
Want to know more about cherry fruit in pregnancy? Here is a list of frequently asked questions that may help.
1. Can I Consume Maraschino Cherries when Pregnant?
Maraschino cherries are rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium which are essential nutrients for the growth and development of the foetus. However, consuming too many of them could result in the rise of blood sugar.
2. Is it Safe to Eat Dried Cherries during Pregnancy?
Dried cherries are laced with sulphites to preserve them. Therefore, it may trigger inflammation in pregnant women who are allergic to sulphites.
It is a known fact that eating cherries during pregnancy is beneficial for the mother as well as the unborn baby. However, remember to eat them in moderation since too many of them may do more harm than good.
Also Read: Consuming Kiwi Fruit in Pregnancy Read more
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Eating Jackfruit During Breastfeeding - Is It Safe?
Jackfruit is the newest superfood on the block. It is loved dearly by some for their sweetness and unique texture, but it is also unpopular with other people for its strong fruity smell. This is a tropical fruit bursting with Vitamin B6 and Potassium, and is also rich in anti-oxidants. But should it be consumed during the breastfeeding period? The foods that you consume during lactation do reach your baby during breastfeeding in very small quantities. Jackfruit produces a lot of heat in the body, so it is advisable to consume it in moderate quantities during lactation.
Should You Consume Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
Jackfruit is a very good source of carbohydrates and fibre. The flesh of this wonderful fruit contains simple sugars, i.e., fructose and sucrose which aid in replenishing and revitalising the body very easily. This helps in providing energy to lactating mothers. Being low in sodium content, jackfruit during breastfeeding can be an easy snack option.
Are there Any Side Effects of Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
While jackfruit is one of the best fruits you can consider eating during breastfeeding, there are some side effects on consuming it as well.
People suffering from blood disorders find their condition aggravated by consuming jackfruits as eating it may result in coagulation.
Your child can taste whatever you eat when you're breastfeeding. Consuming jackfruit can alter the flavour of the milk which your little one might not like.
It can cause gastric discomfort in babies who are breastfed.
It can cause discomfort in breastfeeding moms who are allergic to birch pollen.
Precautions to Take While Eating Jackfruit During Lactation?
Jackfruit is not known to cause any major side effects when consumed. However, it would be wise to consume it in moderate portions when you are lactating. If you consume jackfruit when you are breastfeeding, your baby will get to taste it as well, and it may give her painful colic or gas. Restrict the consumption of jackfruit if your baby shows any sign of irritation after you have consumed jackfruit and breastfed her.
Though jackfruit is one of the best foods that can provide you with the needed nutrition, remember to increase your water intake to offset any side effects that it might have. Let your body reap the benefits of this super-fruit.
Also Read: Eating Spicy Food while Breastfeeding Read more
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Back Massage During Pregnancy - Benefits and Precautions to Take
Pregnancy is touted to be the best time in a woman’s life. It is a blissful time of pampering and self-care. But pregnancy also comes with its fair share of discomforts like morning sickness, cramps, swelling, and back pain. Very often, mothers-to-be have a nagging doubt about the safety of a back massage and its implications on the foetus. Here, we discuss the attributes of a prenatal back massage, while also keeping in mind the precautions that need to be taken while having such therapy.
Is a Back Massage During Pregnancy Safe?
Pregnant women are often overwhelmed with back pain and are tempted to have a relaxing massage. But they toy with the idea, going back and forth, pondering over the question - can I get a back massage while pregnant? Although until recently, there was much ambiguity regarding prenatal back massages, recent scientific research has evidenced that massage therapies actually have benefits for pregnant women. Back massages can be performed safely at any stage of pregnancy, provided it is duly discussed with your doctor before making an appointment with a therapist. Many practitioners tend to avoid taking in mothers who are in their first trimester because of rates of miscarriage being high during that time.
Benefits of Back Massages While Pregnant
The benefits of a relaxing massage, on the body and mind of mothers-to-be, largely outweigh the concerns that it is usually called out for.
1. Hormone Regulation
Studies indicate that stress-related and relaxation hormones are altered considerably when women receive prenatal massages. Serotonin and dopamine which alleviate stress were found to increase, while cortisol and norepinephrine that elevate stress levels were found to drop after bi-weekly massages for five weeks. This, thereby, promotes cardiovascular health and regulation of moods.
2. Reduction in Swelling
A massage helps to reduce the collection of joint fluids that cause swelling, by stimulating soft tissue. Removal of toxic tissue waste through the lymph nodes is also promoted by a revitalizing back massage.
3. Eases Pain in the Nerves
The pressure of a full uterus resting on the lower back and pelvic floor causes the nerves adjacent to the area to swell up. Often termed as sciatic nerve pain, it can cause great discomfort which travels down to the thighs and legs. A therapeutic massage relieves tension in these nerves and soothes inflamed nerve endings.
4. Improved Oxygenation to Muscles and Soft Tissue
Soft tissue and muscles benefit from improved blood flow and more oxygen transported throughout the body. This improves muscular energy and lowers fatigue.
5. Other Benefits Include
Improved sleep
Reduced muscle tension and headaches
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved circulation
Self-care and ‘me’ time
How to Safely Massage Your Back at Home During Pregnancy
Although you can book an appointment with a reputed practitioner for a good back massage, a little rejuvenation and pampering can be had in the comfort of one’s own home. To get an effective full back massage, pregnant mothers can have their partners understand a few tips on correct massage positions and techniques that can be used at home. This saves precious time on booking appointments as well as spare one the expense incurred on a professional massage.
1. Things to Keep in Mind
Understanding comfortable positions, like lying on the floor or kneeling technique, are important to remember while performing a massage at home. It is essential to use two pillows on either side of the mother-to-be, supporting her stomach, while one pillow supports her head and neck. An additional pillow, to prop the leg comfortably, is essential.
2. How to Perform the Massage
The massage should always be done starting at the top, near the neck and shoulders. The entire back should be worked in soft circles with light pressure using knuckles or fingers. A soft fist will aid slight pressure for the lower back massage during pregnancy. A massage should never be performed on the spine directly. Both sides can be massaged by turning the expectant mother around once.
Precautions for Back Massage in Pregnancy
Essentials to remember before a prenatal massage are:
Ligament stretch during a massage can cause discomfort and likely be dangerous to foetus and mother.
Stay hydrated by drinking at least 250ml/ 8fl.oz of water after a massage.
The abdomen must not be under pressure of any kind.
Do not allow vigorous motion of any kind during the massage.
Seek immediate medical attention if encountered with discomfort or dizziness.
Pressure points of the wrist and ankles should not be massaged as they stimulate uterine muscles leading to contractions.
Avoid essential oils as they are highly concentrated and can have potentially adverse effects.
Be aware of your body position as even tables with extra padding or bump spots can cause discomfort allowing the abdomen to dangle.
Avoid massages if you have had premature labour previously or have been placed in the high-risk category.
Choose the appropriate therapist and make sure to get the help of a professional itself if you or your partner are unsure about getting the massage done at home.
Tips to Find and Select a Professional Massage Parlour
The right massage parlour and a good therapist are paramount during pregnancy. Understand how you can pick the exact one for your needs by calling ahead and discussing with the parlour about their techniques, tenure and qualification of their therapists.
Be sure to check-in to places that exclusively offer prenatal massages because they have specially designed tables as well as certified practitioners.
Prior to the massage, discuss with your therapist the technique, and how they plan to have you lie down during the session.
Check to see if the parlour has oils sans aroma, as it can be an irritant during pregnancy. Scent free creams are also a viable option for women who have heightened sensitivity to scents during pregnancy.
Enquire with the parlour to see that they do not use any product containing retinoids. It is a vitamin that promotes cell division and can be harmful to the foetus if used in high quantities.
A good prenatal back massage can be an ideal indulgence for any anxious, expectant mother. Scientific evidence validates the benefits received by the mother-to-be, provided all precautionary measures are followed. So, indulge and spoil yourself because you know you deserve it!
Also Read: Foot Massage during Pregnancy Read more
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How to Avoid Overspending on 5 Tempting Accessories
Do you sometimes think you splurge too much on certain luxury women's accessories? Well, you aren't the only one. Take a look at these money-eaters that are hard to resist even if you already have a big collection back home!
Whether you decide to actually buy something or just window-shop, there’s something cathartic about browsing through knick-knacks. But while occasional shopping is said to be therapeutic, there are certain things you may want to tighten up your purse strings for.
Accessories you Spend Too Much On
1. Fantastic footwear
No matter how many pairs of shoes you have, a new pair can be ever so tempting. The market’s flooded with gorgeous designs and styles right from flats and sports shoes to wedge heels, ballerinas and block heels. Hard as it sure is, make a rule: if I don’t need it, I won't get it. Think about the energy you'll save trying to find a place to put them all!
2. Scarves are my love
This fashion accessory can make even simple outfits look sassy. You can give different looks to western and ethnic ensembles by teaming them with different kinds of scarves. Since they’re cheap, some women tend to add many to their collection. Just know when to stop. You don’t need more than five or six of them at any given point in time.
3. Bling up your hair
Bands, ties, ribbons, bobby pins - they’re so gorgeous that you just can’t help yourself at times. Whether or not you get the time to try different hairstyles and use all your accessories, you’re always tempted to build your already large collection. Try to offload a few on your daughter or friends. This way, you won't end up with too many to handle!
4. More watches than you can wear
Do you have a fetish for watches and end up collecting quite a few to match different outfits? A sleek bracelet watch to match party sarees and evening gowns, a broad sporty watch to match a pair of denim shorts and jeans - timepieces can be statement accessories. Beware! They can also carry big price tags especially if branded. What you can do is get a few luxury watches and some cheaper ones.
5. Yet another bag please?
Bags and purses–is there any other accessory that’s so much fun to style? Most women love splurging on different styles of handbags, right from studded clutches, shoulder bags with tassels, sling bags with crocheted details, the works. The next time you are longing to buy another bag when you already have too many, stop yourself. They'll only get mouldy with disuse and take up precious space.
Luxury women's accessories can tempt you to shell out large amounts of money and distort your budget. If some of these accessories and even others like anklets, bracelets and earrings set your heart racing, take a deep breath. Maybe you could get them another time! Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
3 hours ago
Q. hello everyone, please suggest me, am getting pain in lower abdomen right side, anybody plz tell me why am getting pain pls
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. this needs proper examination to find out problems like appendicitis. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
59 mins ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 mins ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 mins ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
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