Is eating mushrooms during pregnancy safe for the mother and fetus?

Pregnant can make women crave all kinds of food. Maybe you or a close relative who is currently pregnant have cravings for mushroom dishes. Either fried mushrooms are usually sold in big malls or as simple as homemade mushroom pepes. The next question is, is it okay to eat mushrooms while pregnant? Are there any benefits? Find out the answer in this article.

Can pregnant women eat mushrooms?

Pregnant women are required to be more observant in choosing food; which can and should not be consumed during pregnancy. The reason is, choosing good food sources is the key to a healthy pregnancy.

So for those of you who like mushroom dishes who are pregnant, be happy. Reporting from the Mom Junction page, you may eat mushrooms while pregnant.

The nutrients contained in mushrooms are not only beneficial for yourself, but also good for the growth and development of your future baby in the womb.

What are the nutrients obtained from eating mushrooms during pregnancy?

Mushrooms are a nutrient dense food that can help meet the nutritional needs of you and your future baby. Some of the benefits that you can get if you eat mushrooms while pregnant are:

1. Intake of vitamin B complex for the development of the baby's brain, nerves, muscles and bones

Mushrooms are rich in B complex vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5). All of these B vitamins have a function that is good for the health of the mother while supporting the development of the baby during pregnancy.

For mothers, intake of vitamin B complex has long been known to help treat or prevent certain health problems, including depression, fatigue, heart disease, reducing stress, and stimulating the immune system. Vitamin B complex also helps increase stamina and protects you against the risk of long-term damage from air pollution.

Meanwhile, niacin and thiamine help the baby's brain development; riboflavin maintains healthy skin, vision, and the development of strong baby's nerves, muscles and bones; and pantothenic acid which regulates various metabolic activities of the body.

2. Vitamin D helps the growth of strong baby teeth and bones

Apart from the B vitamins, vitamin D is another important nutrient needed during pregnancy. Vitamin D can help you to fight infection. This vitamin can also help prevent diabetes and some types of cancer.

Lack of vitamin D during pregnancy can cause fatigue, back pain, weak bones, and depression. Lack of vitamin D while you are pregnant can prevent your baby from getting enough calcium and phosphate. This results in weak development of teeth and bones, and in some cases can also increase the risk of rickets (soft bone disease) in your baby.

Maintaining strong and healthy bones is essential for growing children, but the foundation must be established in the womb.

3. Iron to prevent pregnant women from anemia

It is very important to maintain your iron levels during pregnancy. If you don't get enough daily iron intake, then you will feel tired easily, have a high risk of developing anemia, and easily fall sick.

Iron deficiency anemia in the first two trimesters is associated with a twofold and threefold risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Fortunately, iron deficiency is easy to prevent and treat. One way is to eat mushrooms while pregnant.

4. Protein and fiber to build baby muscle mass

Like other vegetable sources, mushrooms are also equipped with abundant amounts of protein and fiber. Protein is necessary for the development of the fetus as a whole because it contributes to the formation of muscle mass.

On the other hand, fiber can improve digestion while preventing constipation that often occurs during pregnancy.

5. Antioxidants to maintain the mother's immune system

Another benefit of eating mushrooms during pregnancy is their antioxidant effect, namely selenium and ergothioneine. Both types of antioxidants are able to boost the immune system and protect body cells from damage caused by free radical attacks.

Not only that, in addition to the various important nutrients above, mushrooms also contain zinc, potassium, and selenium. All of these minerals certainly play an important role in helping the growth and development of the fetus.

Rules that must be considered if you want to eat mushrooms while pregnant

After knowing the various good benefits, you may become interested in trying to eat mushrooms while pregnant. But before trying it, check out the following tips that can be your guide:

• Choose and buy fresh mushrooms
• If you want to buy processed mushrooms, check the expiration ladder listed first
• Wash and cook the mushrooms until they are fully cooked
• If you are afraid of the side effects of mushrooms, it's best to eat small amounts of mushrooms first and see how they react. Avoid immediately if an allergic reaction occurs.

Although eating mushrooms while pregnant is considered safe and beneficial, you should avoid eating raw mushrooms that have not been processed. It is also important to distinguish what mushrooms can and should not be consumed, because not all types of mushrooms are edible.

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