Bananas are nutrient-dense fruit, full of carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium. While generally considered a healthy food option, there are certain myths about whether to eat bananas during pregnancy or not as they may increase the risk of certain issues such as gestational diabetes or migraines, etc.
Highlights:
- Bananas are nutritional fruit with many health benefits.
- Pregnant women should consume bananas with caution as they may lead to health issues like gestational diabetes, hyperkalemia, and tooth decay, and may trigger migraines as well.
- You should consult a gynecologist for more information on what to eat during pregnancy.
Why Banana is Not Good for Pregnancy?
So, is it safe to eat bananas in pregnancy? Here are five reasons why to avoid bananas during pregnancy:
1. Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy only. Since they are a high glycemic index food, eating banana in early pregnancy might further trigger the development of gestational diabetes.
According to CDC, there are some complications of gestational diabetes. Like an increase in blood pressure and high chances of having a big baby who requires a cesarean procedure (C-section).
Click here to consult online with a female gynecologist today via the Marham app.
2. May cause Hyperkalemia
Bananas are high in potassium, which is beneficial to pregnant women and their developing fetuses. However, if eaten in excess, potassium causes a condition known as Hyperkalaemia.
Potassium aids the operation of your neurons and muscles, having too much potassium in your blood might harm your heart and trigger a heart attack.
“High potassium level during pregnancy is associated with a significant risk for severe atherosclerotic morbidity, as it might be an indication for occult metabolic and renal dysfunction,” says research.
3. Might Cause Tooth Decay
Bananas are high in sugar and their excessive intake can compromise the dental health of a pregnant woman. Dental troubles during pregnancy are difficult to manage because it is not appropriate to take X-rays or give treatments or powerful drugs to combat tooth discomfort.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggest that changes in behavior, such as eating habits, may put pregnant women at risk for cavities. Women with many cavity-causing bacteria in their mouth during pregnancy and after birth may pass these germs to their baby’s mouth.
Also read: Is Banana Good for Weight loss
4. May Trigger Migraines
The chemical tyramine is present in bananas, which can cause and aggravate migraines. Moreover, they contain amino acids, which the body turns into tyramine, which might lead to severe headaches.
Having a migraine during pregnancy can cause difficulty for the mother to do everyday tasks and also lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Also read: 7 Foods That Trigger Migraines
5. Risk of Overripe Bananas
Over-ripe bananas may contain fruit fly eggs that can lead to infections if eaten. During pregnancy, it is critical to avoid vomiting and diarrhea, since both raise the risk of dehydration. Many pregnancy issues are caused by dehydration.
The Bottom Line
Bananas are high potassium and glycemic index food which might lead to certain complications like gestational diabetes and hyperkalemia. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid eating them in high quantities during pregnancy.
If you are looking for dietary advice during pregnancy, it is better to consult a doctor. Click here to book an appointment or online video consultation with the Best Gynecologists in Pakistan via the Marham app today!
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FAQs
1. Which fruit should be avoided during pregnancy?
Some fruits to avoid during pregnancy are papayas, grapes, and pineapples. These fruits are related to creating complications like an increased uterine contraction that may lead to a miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy.
2. Is banana good for pregnancy?
It is good to eat bananas during pregnancy as it contains many important nutrients. However, it is important to practice caution, as bananas are a food with a high glycemic index and may lead to certain health issues.
3. How many bananas can you eat a day while pregnant?
You can eat up to two or three bananas per day during pregnancy. However, it is better to consult a nutritionist for dietary recommendations since everyone has different nutritional requirements.