Can you eat too many oranges while pregnant

Naturally, if this is your first pregnancy, you will worry before consuming any food. You might be wondering if you should take citrus fruits like oranges during pregnancy?

Fresh fruits and vegetables is a good choice for the pregnancy diet. Problems arise when the mother and the baby eat unhealthy foods or make poor decisions.

The pregnancy diet should be focused more on fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating unhealthily or making the wrong choices causes problems for the mother and the baby. First pregnancies are the tougher ones and the pregnant woman needs to be extremely careful and will always think and ask before making any choice. Are oranges during pregnancy a good bet, is one of the doubts many first-time pregnant women have. Many pregnant women are not aware if citrus fruits should be consumed or not. Oranges are a good source of Vitamin C. It is also one of the healthy snacks to get rid of morning sickness.

Let us know to understand more important points related to consuming oranges during pregnancy and some benefits and side effects as well.

Nutritional Profile Of Oranges

Oranges are one of the best choices to be included in the pregnancy diet. It can be had as a whole fruit or in the form of freshly made juice. This fruit has a range of nutritional benefits and is an ideal source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, potassium, etc.

The nutritional content in one medium size orange is given in the table below.

According to a source, the nutritional value of an orange of size 2.5-8 inches in diameter is as per below:

  • Calories 62
  • Total Fat – 0.16g
  • Saturated Fat – 0.02g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat – 0.033g
  • Monounsaturated Fat – 0.03g
  • Total Carbohydrate – 15.39g
  • Dietary Fiber – 3.1g
  • Sugars – 12.25g
  • Protein – 1.23g
  • Calcium – 52mg
  • Iron – 0.13mg
  • Potassium – 237mg
  • Vitamin A – 14mcg
  • Vitamin C – 69.7mg

Related Reading: 21 Pregnancy Superfoods To Include In Your Pregnancy Diet

What Does A Craving For Oranges Mean?

Cravings are very common during pregnancy and can start at any time. Craving oranges during pregnancy first trimester is quite common. Some women start cave oranges during pregnancy second trimester. Craving oranges during pregnancy could be an indication that the body is lacking certain nutrients badly1. It could be vitamin C if the body is trying to fight an unnoticed infection. Microbes in gastro intestinal tracts also generate craving for food2.

8 Benefits Of Eating Oranges During Pregnancy

Can you eat too many oranges while pregnant

Are you craving oranges during pregnancy? Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C. They are also rich in minerals like zinc and iron. Oranges are a good source of folic acid. Having oranges regularly helps in strengthening immune function. It also enhances fetal brain development and offers excellent benefits to skin tone. Consuming mandarin oranges in pregnancy is therefore highly beneficial. 

Following are some top benefits of eating oranges during pregnancy:

1. It promotes brain development

Oranges are rich in vitamin C and folate. These nutrients ensure that the brain and the nervous system of the fetus are developed and the milestones are met well. They are a great source of vitamin B6 and help in preventing neural tube defects that can result in spinal cord abnormalities. Folate also enhances tissue growth, which helps in the development of a healthy placenta3.

2. Oranges strengthens the immune system

Oranges also contain iron and zinc, which boost the immune system. Moreover, oranges can also lower allergic reactions and support the growth of cartilage, blood vessels, and bones in babies. Their vitamin C content ensures that the immunity system is strong and the baby is safe and healthy in the mother’s womb4.

3. Oranges during pregnancy can help prevent constipation

Oranges are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Besides it contains a good amount of cellulose. Thus, eating oranges helps to regulate bowel movement and offers relief from constipation during pregnancy, one of the most common issues faced by all expectant mothers. Good fiber intake also keeps bloating, another common issue during pregnancy, at bay5.

4. It can help control blood pressure levels

Can you eat too many oranges while pregnant

Since oranges have a good amount of potassium, it helps to regulate blood pressure levels and offer relief from hypertension. High blood pressure is another common problem that paves the way for several pregnancy complications. Having oranges helps in keeping a check on the rising blood pressure6.

Related Reading: 11 Common Complications During Pregnancy And Delivery

5. A great option to prevent kidney stones

During pregnancy, if the pregnant woman has the problem of formation of kidney stones, the intake of orange helps with reducing its risk considerably. Oranges contain natural citrate that can help in dissolving kidney stones. Citrates can also change the pH composition of the urine and even minimize the painful condition7.

6. It can keep you hydrated

Apart from fighting many infections, oranges also have a good amount of potassium and sodium that help in the maintenance of fluid levels in the body. It has 88% water content (180 gm orange contains around 156 gm water) that helps with hydration in the body. Hydration is very important at this time and so is to ensure that there are correct levels of required minerals and electrolytes in the body. Having orange juice is the easiest way to stay well hydrated during pregnancy. Having a glass of chilled orange juice helps in quenching the thirst and also meets the nutritional requirements for the mother and the baby.

7. It can benefit your skin

Oranges have many powerful antioxidants and consuming oranges during pregnancy has a soothing effect on the skin and it even offers moisture to prevent acne. The hormones during pregnancy are all over the place which results in skin ailments like acne, dull and dry skin, etc. Antioxidants present in oranges help in rejuvenating the skin and help in getting back the glow, making the skin healthier. Vitamin C has anti-bacterial properties that also help in reducing acne. Having a small glass of orange juice helps in brightening the skin during pregnancy and boosting confidence as well8.

8. Supports pulmonary health

Having oranges during pregnancy many respiratory infections can be prevented due to the presence of a high number of antioxidants and vitamin C. Oranges are also rich in carotenoid content, which also offers protection to the respiratory system9.

Risks And Precautions When Eating Oranges During Pregnancy

Can you eat too many oranges while pregnant

Oranges undoubtedly are a delicious choice and have multiple benefits as well. But if taken in excess, it can result in severe complications. Eating too many oranges during pregnancy can be detrimental to health. Also, important to know the risks of eating oranges during pregnancy.

Since oranges have a high content of vitamin C, excess consumption can offer more than required fiber and sugar. Following are 5 risks associated with excessive consumption of oranges during pregnancy:

  1. Excess content of citric acid in oranges can result in eroding the teeth’ enamel and a sore throat
  2. Being highly acidic in nature having an excess of oranges can result in heartburn for the pregnant woman who is suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)10
  3. High fiber content can result in cramping and loose motion11
  4. Excessive vitamin C can lead to preterm labor as well12
  5. Women taking beta-blockers (medications used to treat hypertension) should avoid eating too many oranges when they are pregnant. Being rich in potassium content, excessive consumption of orange can be harmful13

Related Reading: Early Pregnancy Anxiety – 5 Causes And 6 Tips To Cope

Thus, oranges are an excellent choice that can be a part of the pregnancy diet. It is nutrient-rich and has a plethora of benefits for the mother and the baby. It is however to be taken in moderation and always with the consultation of the doctor. Oranges are hard to resist and a sweet delight so having a fondness for the same is natural but not never to outweigh its side effects.

FAQ’s

1. Can you eat orange seeds during pregnancy?

The seeds do not cause a problem to a pregnant woman as per research. But accidentally ingesting a large seed can result in choking.

It is thus advisable to choose tangerines or satsumas which have very small seeds and can be consumed easily.

2. What are the tips to include oranges in your diet?

In case one is fond of eating oranges, it is important to eat the fruits in the right manner. A few tips to include oranges in the diet are as below:

-Oranges can be sliced and added to a bowl of salad
-It can be added to other fruits and consumed as a fruit salad
-The fruit can be peeled, and fresh juice can be extracted
-Brown sugar can be sprinkled on orange slices and microwaved and can be relished as a desert

3. What is the best time to consume oranges during pregnancy?

Oranges or any other fruits can be taken at any time of the day. One needs to be cautious to have it in moderation and include the fruit in the diet in different ways to reap its benefits.

Is it OK to eat a lot of oranges during pregnancy?

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are chock full of vitamin C. Vitamin C is responsible for helping your baby's bones grow properly. Citrus can also help with a woman's digestion and deter morning sickness during pregnancy.

How many oranges can you eat in a day pregnant?

How Many Oranges Can You Eat While Pregnant? A daily dosage of 85 milligrams of Vitamin C is recommended for pregnant women. This requirement can be met by consuming three oranges daily or other foods rich in Vitamin C.

Is 3 oranges a day too much?

Oranges are great for you, but you should enjoy them in moderation, Thornton-Wood said. Eating in large quantities "could give you gastrointestinal symptoms if you are sensitive to the high fiber content, so [it's] best to have no more than one a day," she said.

What happens if I eat too many oranges?

“If an adult starts to consume oranges in large portions, say 4-5 oranges a day, the excess fibre in the body could trigger stomach upset, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. Similarly, the excessive intake of vitamin C can cause heartburn, headache, vomiting, and even insomnia,” says Kaul.