We all know how tricky the interaction between diet and pregnancy can be. There appear to be new guidelines for what you can eat and how you can eat it. You’re probably so used to hearing about the foods you can’t eat that even the simplest food desires cause anxiety. If you’re craving oatmeal, there’s good news! Oatmeal, and oats in general, are among the best foods to eat during pregnancy. They’re risk-free for every trimester and provide a slew of health benefits for both you and the kid. They’re a low-cost superfood that you can readily incorporate into your diet. 

In addition, oats are high in fiber, which helps prevent constipation and hemorrhoids while also supporting a healthy cardiovascular system. Including nuts, seeds, and berries in this whole-grain diet helps build a nutritious foundation for another day of baby development.

Oats are inherently gluten-free, although some people with gluten sensitivities have experienced negative reactions to them. Looking for verified gluten-free symbols on the packaging is the easiest way to avoid this. 

Can I eat oatmeal during pregnancy?

The quick answer is a loud YES to that question! You can have oatmeal during your pregnancy. Oats are high in nutrients that are critical for a developing mother during the prenatal stage. This makes oats one of the most suitable foods for a pregnant woman to consume during pregnancy.

What are the helpful nutrients in oatmeal?

Oats are beneficial to both your health and your developing kid. They’re high in vitamins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, all of which help you stay energized all day.

These complex carbs break down slowly in your body, making you feel fuller for longer and lowering your risk of weight gain and gestational diabetes. They’re also a nutrient-dense powerhouse. These minerals are also abundant in oats and oatmeal:

1.  Calcium: Your baby gets all of the calcium it needs from you throughout pregnancy. Adding calcium-rich foods like oats to your diet will help maintain your bones and teeth strong throughout this time. 
2. Folic acid: Excellent for the development of the fetus! Folic acid has been shown to protect a baby’s brain and spinal cord against birth abnormalities. 
3. Vitamins B1 and E: Vitamin B1 in oats is necessary for the body to break down fat and protein and to keep mucous membranes robust and healthy. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that keeps your skin bright and healthy by reducing the danger of free radical damage. 
4. Salt: Because their blood volume increases as the baby grows, pregnant women need salt. Salt aids in the proper functioning and balancing of your muscles and bodily systems.
5. Essential minerals: Calcium, potassium, selenium, and phosphorus are all abundant in oats. They have numerous advantages, including bone health, tooth production, improved immunity, and fetal growth and development. 
6.  Iron: Anemia- lack of iron is a prevalent problem among pregnant women. Oatmeal is a good source of iron, which keeps you from feeling sluggish and tired. 

Can oats help my constipation?

For pregnant women, constipation is a common condition. It’s easiest to fix by eating oats or other fiber-rich foods and ensuring you’re taking enough water. Fiber is divided into two types. Insoluble fiber cleans out trash and poisons as it passes through your digestive tract.

Oats include both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help decrease cholesterol and manage blood sugar levels. Oatmeal contains a lot of insoluble fiber, which can help with constipation. 

Side effects of eating oatmeal during pregnancy?

In contrast to the health benefits, some people who consume too much oats develop negative side effects. 

1. In some women, eating too many oats might cause diarrhea and discomfort. As a result, just have a few of them. 
2. Overeating oats might cause bowel obstruction in some people. 
3.  If you’re allergic to gluten, you can also be allergic to oats. 

To avoid these negative side effects, it’s crucial to understand how to eat oats in a healthy and safe way.

Ways to include oats in pregnancy diet

Oats are a versatile food that may be used in a variety of ways. Steel-cut oats, whole oats, rolled oats, oat flour, and quick oats are all available. The following are some simple methods to incorporate oats into your diet: 

• Oat flour is the ideal substitute for all-purpose flour for cookies, pancakes, tortillas, bread, muffins, and pie crusts. 
• To combat pregnant cravings, flavorings like maple syrup, cinnamon, ice cream, sugar, whipped sugar, and others can be added to plain oatmeal. 
• For a nutritious breakfast, boil with milk or water and add honey, freshly sliced fruits, or vegetables. 

Cooking oats is simple. As a result, you can experiment with different flavors and combinations to find the right supper for your family.