There are mixed reactions as far as the relationship between pomegranate and pregnancy is concerned. Whilst on one hand Washington University School of Medicine (2013) claims that pomegranate juice can actually be beneficial for your fetus’s health the other school of researchers from University of Liverpool (2010) claim that pomegranate can induce uterine contraction and hence can be dangerous for your pregnancy.

So, basically it is a very dicey matter. One cannot be sure whether having pomegranate is good or is it bad during the pregnancy. Whilst it is true that pomegranate can offer a multiple health benefits to you and your child, the chances of miscarriage is always there.

So, let us delve further into the matter and see the risks and benefits associated with pomegranate.

Why should you have pomegranate during pregnancy?

A recent study conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine (2013) showed that drinking pomegranate juice can boost the immune system of the fetus. Now isn’t it a good enough reason to have pomegranate during pregnancy?

Pomegranate During Pregnancy: Is it Safe to Have? 

Let us see what other health benefits that pomegranate can offer you whilst you are pregnant.

Rich in Fiber

Pregnancy can lead to unwanted constipation. That is why fiber rich foods like pomegranate are good for you during pregnancy. It will ease your bowel movement and will boost you with necessary nutrition.

Fights Body Toxins

The anti-inflammatory property of pomegranate juice helps in the process of fighting bodily toxins in your fetus. It helps them to fight-off bacteria and virus. Common infections like cold and flu can be cured by having pomegranate juice on a regular basis.

Rich in Iron

Your hemoglobin level is always at risk when you are pregnant. That is why iron rich natural food supplements like pomegranate will help you maintain your desired level of hemoglobin. It will also boost the growth and development of your baby in your womb.

Rich in Vitamins

Pomegranate juice is very rich in vitamin A and C. Hence it is very good for boosting the performance of critical organs like liver and kidney. Consumption of pomegranate juice will help boost liver functions of your kid and will help it to keep it strong.

Removes Intestinal Worms

Pomegranate juice has the ability of removing intestinal worms for your child. (Basu & Penugonda, 2009).  The worms reside in your intestine and feed on the nutrients. They have long term affect on your child’s growth and development. Having a glass of Pomegranate juice makes sure that the worms are flushed out, for good.

Improves Immunity

Pomegranate juice is good for your child’s immunity. Regular intake of pomegranate juice can actually improve your overall immunity during pregnancy.  You will tend to fall sick less often than before and that is a great boost during pregnancy.

The anti-inflammatory property of pomegranate juice will help your fetus to fight-off the free radicals and bacteria that causes children to fall ill often. Pomegranate juice is also beneficial for curing cough and cold and clearing of phlegm.

Cures Skin Problems

Pomegranate juice offers plenty of benefits for your child’s skin as well. Pomegranate juice contains phenol which is good for both skin and hair. It nourishes the skin follicles and allows your child’s skin to remain tender and soft. He/she will get a strong foundation even before the birth.

Energy Booster

Your pregnancy will take its toll on you. You will face constant fatigue. The drowsiness persists for a long time. A glass of pomegranate juice will surely revive your energy. It will charge you up to achieve more.

Boosts Metabolism

Last but not the least pomegranate juice will improve your appetite by a great deal. Morning sickness and gassy stomach might lower your appetite during pregnancy. You might completely lack interest in food.

That is why a glass of pomegranate juice, every day, might just what you need. The juice will bring your appetite back and give your child the necessary nutrition.

So, what are the risks of having pomegranate during pregnancy?

Everything sounds hunky-dory as far as pomegranate is concerned with pregnancy. However, there is a catch. A recent research conducted by the University of Liverpool (2010) found out that a certain kind of enzyme present in the pomegranate seeds can actually trigger muscle contraction.

That is some concerning signs as it also indicates that it might induce uterine muscle contraction thereby leading to a possible miscarriage. Regular consumption of pomegranate can lead to serious contraction of your uterus and that might lead to a probable miscarriage.

It can also cause spasm and muscle cramps during pregnancy. Any forms of abdominal cramps are not helpful as far as pregnancy is concerned.

What is the solution?

Whilst the fiber of pomegranate is helpful, it is the seeds which can pose a risk to your pregnancy. That is why having seedless pomegranate juice is much better option than having the whole pomegranate.Taking the seeds out is the most daunting task. However, after you have done it, the steps are pretty simple. In order to take out the seeds, you need to bash the fruit with the back of a wooden spoon.

The seeds will pop out. Now carefully pick them up and throw them away. Blend this pulp in a blender. Then strain it to retrieve the juice. Taste the juice. If you find that the juice is sweet enough then do not add extra sugar.Have this juice on a daily basis. Preserve the juice in your refrigerator and have it with snacks during your pregnancy.

Conclusion

You need to strike the right balance as far as the fruits like pomegranates are concerned. You cannot over consume a fruit which is prone to induce miscarriage. That is why it is always better to consult your doctors in order to determine the exact quantity of pomegranate juice you can consume during your pregnancy.

In most cases the doctors do not discourage consumption of healthy fruits during pregnancy. However, you need to be cautious enough to remove the seeds from the pulp before you consume.

References:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2008.00133.x

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127095916.htm