Oranges in pregnancy

"Can I eat oranges during pregnancy?" This question is asked by many expectant mothers, because there is an opinion that eating oranges in the future can cause allergies in the child. In fact, there is no clear opinion regarding the fact that oranges can provoke allergic reactions.

Basically, doctors recommend not to eat too much brightly colored fruits during pregnancy, since the color itself indicates a high vitamin content in such fruits. And hypervitaminosis has a negative effect not only on the health of the pregnant woman, but also on the health of the fetus.

Despite this, you should not completely give up eating oranges during pregnancy. Oranges contain a lot of useful vitamins - A, B, C, P. Vitamin C is simply irreplaceable during the cold season, but you need to remember that artificial vitamin C is almost not absorbed. Orange seeds also contain a lot of useful things - potassium, calcium, magnesium.

Oranges contain a lot of folic acid, and it is very important especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the nervous system is being formed. But you need to know the measure in everything. It is better to eat oranges 1-2 a day, and if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer), then it is better to completely refuse to eat them.

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Orange oil during pregnancy

Orange oil during pregnancy can and should be used both in pure form and in combination with other essential oils. In general, aromatherapy, especially during pregnancy, should be treated with great caution. It is better to consult with the doctor who is monitoring the pregnancy before starting to use it.

Oils that can be used during pregnancy: eucalyptus, petitgrain, rosewood, chamomile, lavender, orange, sandalwood, lemon, tea tree, neroli.

It is strictly forbidden to use cedar, nutmeg, patchouli, rosemary, basil, juniper, lemon balm, fennel, cinnamon, thyme, and clove oils during pregnancy.

Here are some tips for using orange oil during pregnancy:

• You can make an oil for breast care during pregnancy. You will need three drops of geranium and orange oils, added to one tablespoon of sweet almond oil. The resulting mixture perfectly heals cracked nipples that occur during breastfeeding.
• Baths with orange, lemongrass, and lemon oils will help relieve swelling. Just 2 drops per bath volume is enough.
• For constipation and abdominal pain, you can rub a mixture of orange and calendula oil into the skin; 1 drop of orange oil and a teaspoon of calendula oil is enough.
• Massage with orange, liman, and patchouli oils will help with stretch marks (recommended up to the 8th month of pregnancy).

Orange Essential Oil During Pregnancy

Orange essential oil can be used during pregnancy both in pure form and in oil mixtures. Orange oil is useful for cracked nipples, abdominal pain and bloating, swelling of the legs, as an active ingredient in massage for stretch marks (but it is important to remember that such massage can only be done up to the 8th month of pregnancy).

But do not forget that essential oils can be used during pregnancy very carefully, and provided that you are in good health. Essential oil is essentially a concentrated extract from a plant, so it should be used in small quantities.

In terms of their effect on the body, oils can be compared to medicines - the molecules of the active substances are so small that when applied externally they are instantly absorbed and can penetrate the baby's blood through the placenta, which is not always desirable. But do not worry - only uncontrolled use of aromatic oils can harm the fetus.

Aromatherapy helps pregnant women get rid of some ailments - back pain, nausea, swelling of the legs. In order not to harm the child and yourself, you need to follow simple precautions when using essential oils:

• use no more than 1-2 drops of oil at a time;
• Before adding aromatic oil to the bath, dissolve it in a “base” - birch oil, almond or grape oil;
• You can add 1-2 drops of oil to a humidifier and turn it on for no more than 10-15 minutes;
• It is better to use essential oils after the first trimester of pregnancy. If there is a need to use oils in the early stages, it is better to consult with your doctor.

Benefits of oranges during pregnancy

The benefits of oranges during pregnancy are quite high, as is the case with any other fresh fruit with a high content of natural vitamins. Oranges have a beneficial effect on the immune system, maintain tone, reduce blood pressure, and are useful for problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Oddly enough, orange peels contain a lot of vitamins - almost twice as much as the pulp itself. They contain pectins that stimulate the intestines. It is useful to add dried orange peel to compote, jelly, tea. Fresh peel makes the most delicious candied fruit. Orange peel contains a lot of vitamin C, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, vitamins A, P, B1, B2, phosphorus, calcium.

Orange juice can activate all functions of the body, stimulate immunity. Orange juice is an excellent means for preventing colds in the middle of the season, and it also improves blood composition, improves digestion, and burns fat.

Oranges can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Eating oranges with fatty foods can reduce the load on the cardiovascular system and keep blood vessels in good shape. Frequent consumption of oranges helps rejuvenate the body, cleanse it of waste and toxins.

Harm of oranges during pregnancy

The harm of oranges during pregnancy has not been fully proven, and despite all the useful qualities, oranges can sometimes harm the health of a pregnant woman. Sometimes it is completely forbidden to drink orange juice and eat oranges during pregnancy. In diseases of the digestive system, especially with stomach ulcers, gastritis with high acidity, intestinal disorders.

In addition, eating too many oranges on fasting days is also harmful - the percentage of sugar in one fruit is very high. Therefore, it is better to combine oranges with other fruits and berries. Otherwise, daily consumption of oranges in uncontrolled quantities can result in diabetes. If consumed in moderation, then there is no point in worrying about any side effects. A pregnant woman only needs to eat 1-2 oranges a day 2-3 times a week to saturate the body with the necessary amount of vitamins. Oranges contain a lot of folic acid, which is very necessary in the early stages, because it promotes the correct formation of the nervous system in the future child, prevents the occurrence of congenital pathologies. Also, before switching to regular consumption of oranges and orange juice, you need to observe whether there are any allergic reactions after taking them.

Why do you crave oranges during pregnancy?

If you want oranges during pregnancy, this is the first sign of an acute vitamin deficiency in the pregnant woman’s body. One large orange contains 225 AE of vitamin A; 250 mcg of vitamin B5; 87 mcg of vitamin B1; 60 mcg of vitamin B6; 40 mcg of vitamin B2; 282 mcg of vitamin B3; 60 mcg of vitamin C; 0.18 mcg of vitamin E, and citrus seeds are rich in magnesium – 10 mg, potassium – 181 mg, calcium – 40 mg, iron – 10 mcg, copper – 45 mcg, zinc – 70 mcg. Oranges are able to bind and remove harmful substances and toxins from the body, strengthen the immune system during the cold season, prevent clogging of blood vessels with cholesterol, and are also a mild laxative. Oranges are an effective way to relieve fatigue, depression, improve heart function and help fight excess weight.

Another important reason for such a desire to eat an orange during pregnancy is the fact that citrus contains a large amount of folic acid. This is one of the most important elements, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the embryo is formed, and specifically the neural tube is laid. With a lack of folic acid, there is a risk of developmental defects.

Of course, in eating oranges, as in other cases, you need to know the measure. If even the slightest allergy appears, it is better to refuse to take them. And try to replace oranges with other citrus fruits - tangerines, grapefruits, pomelo. The recommended daily portion of oranges for a pregnant woman is 1-2 pieces.