Oats During Pregnancy - Are Oats Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is the time when every woman is advised to remain healthy. They are told to practise healthy habits like eating nutritious food, choosing a healthy snack, not skipping breakfast, avoid alcohol and limit on alcoholic drinks.

Many nutritious foods are recommended and oats are one of them. It is beneficial for the mother and baby as well. Many women doubt eating oats during pregnancy but there is no reason to doubt as it is completely safe.

Benefits of oats during pregnancy:

1. Provides energy: A pregnant woman requires a lot of energy for herself and the baby and oats are a good source of energy. Starting the day with a bowl of oats gives a kick start to the day.
2. Presence of carbohydrates: Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a pregnant woman needs carbs during the first trimester and it is also necessary at the time of lactating.
3. Presence of beta-glucans: Oats have a good amount of complex fibers and digests slowly thus keeping the blood sugar level in control and also reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and obesity.
4. Full of fiber: Oats are full of fiber which also helps in reducing constipation in pregnant women. It also helps in regulating the process of digestion and bowel movements.
5. House of vital minerals: Oats are rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium and all of them are important for pregnant women. Each of the minerals has its benefits which include improving bone health, boosts up immunity, and also helps in the formation of teeth. Thus eating oats does the overall development of the baby.
6. Contains necessary vitamins: Oats contain vitamins like B1 and E which are important for the body. They help in the proper breakdown of fats and proteins present in the body. Thus keeping the mucous membrane strong and healthy and the presence of Vitamin E works as a detoxifying agent and helps in keeping the skin healthy.
7. Rich in folic acid: Oats have a good amount of folic acid which is very essential for a pregnant woman. It helps in the development of the brain and the nervous system of the baby. It also reduces the chances of mishappening.
8. High iron content: Eating oats can also increase the iron content of the body and reduces the danger of anemia. Iron is also necessary for breastfeeding. Iron-rich properties of oats along with beta-glucans help in boosting prolactin hormone which enhances breast milk production.
9. Rich in anti-oxidants: Oats have a high amount of antioxidants present in them which increases the production of nitric acid thus helps in maintaining blood pressure.

How to eat oats during pregnancy?

• In a regular way: Oats can be eaten regularly or classically that is you can enjoy it with hot milk and honey or water and vegetables. Eating this in breakfast gives a healthy start to the day.
• Granola bars: Oats can also be eaten in the form of granola bars which are healthy and tasty too. These bars are not only made up of oats but also contain berries, and nuts which are equally nutritious for the pregnant woman.
• Skipping the use of traditional flour: You can skip the use of traditional flour that is maida for baking other than that you can use oats flour for baking cookies, cakes, and bread.
• Making oats pie: Oats can also be used in making pies. Yes, we know that oats need to be eaten in healthy form but making a pie out of it also healthy. Incorporate oats with milk, ice cream, maple syrup or honey thus making it healthy and tasty.

Are oats safe during pregnancy?

Though oats are healthy food and do not have many side effects, few of the exceptions include:

• Eating Oats during early pregnancy: Consuming oats in large quantities can also block the intestine which is one of the common problems during pregnancy.
• Eating Oats during first trimester: Oats should be consumed cautiously during the first trimester as it can cause diarrhea and indigestion. Therefore only stick to the limited quantity in order to avoid side effects.

Oats can be harmful if you are allergic to gluten, thus you should stop eating it if you face any kind of difficulty.

Best Oats recipes that are eaten during pregnancy:

1. Overnight strawberry and cream oats:

   Overnight strawberry and cream oats recipe is one of the best ways to start your day during the first trimester.

   During this time a woman loses her interest in eating anything, thus overnight strawberry and cream oats recipe become a savior. It helps in getting rid of morning sickness, has an amazing taste and is also healthy.

   Ingredients:

   • ½ cup oats
   • 1 cup coconut milk (canned)
   • 1 cup or 5 strawberries chopped
   • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

   How to make:

   • Blend all the ingredients together
   • Take out in glass and refrigerate overnight
   • You can also add some nuts for enhancing the taste
2. Oatmeal and Fruits:

   Eating oatmeal during pregnancy is beneficial as it is rich in carbohydrates and it is important to eat carbs rich food during the first trimester and also during lactating.

   Ingredients:

   • 1 ½ cup of oats (rolled or old fashioned)
   • 2 cup of water
   • 2 cup of milk
   • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey or maple syrup
   • 1 banana
   • 3-4 strawberries
   • 1 apple
   • Pinch of salt

   How to make:

   • Take a pan and add some water, salt, and oats. Boil it for few minutes
   • Once the oats start cooking add milk and sugar. Keep stirring for a while
   • Let it cook for 7-8 minute and then keep it aside
   • Serve it warm by adding your favorite fruits