Eggs During Pregnancy

Eggs are healthy foods rich in good quality proteins and essential amino acids needed for the growth of the baby and brain development. Eggs are great sources of vitamins and minerals like choline and make an excellent addition to the balanced diet of a pregnant woman.
It is advised not to consume raw eggs or under-cooked eggs to steer clear of any listeria and bacterial infections.

Eggs contain a wide variety of B vitamins, iodine, phosphorus, choline, and selenium. It is suggested to take 1-2 eggs based on the cholesterol levels of the expecting mother. 1 egg contains 185 mg of good cholesterol whereas the recommended daily intake is 300 mg per day.
Eggs supply the baby with adequate protein for healthy growth. Choline is a vital nutrient for the brain growth of the fetus.

The fetus depends upon the mother for its nutritional requirements and growth. Consuming eggs nourishes the baby with essential nutrients and prevents the risk of any infections. The proteins in the eggs help in the build-up of new cells in the growing fetus.
The choline content of eggs helps in improving the baby’s memory power and IQ in their later stages of life.

Eggs are versatile and easily available for consumption. Eating eggs every day helps to fulfill your protein requirements and keeps you satiated reducing your cravings/hunger prangs.
Eggs are rich in vital nutrients and vitamins like vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, and selenium. Everyday consumption of folate present in the eggs assists in the proliferation of cells and tissues which leads to the healthy growth of the baby.

Eggs contain good amounts of tryptophan, vitamin D, and melatonin which stimulates better sleeping. Eggs can be consumed at night in limited quantities in various forms with the assurance that the eggs are fully cooked.
Hard-boiled eggs can be a wise choice to satiate your hunger at midnight. The vitamin D content of the eggs promotes fetal development and helps in the formation of healthy bones.

Eggs do not harm early pregnancy. Eggs are highly nutritious to be included in the diet. the immune system of the pregnant women weakens as the pregnancy progresses. Eggs help to build the immune system and maintain overall wellness.
In case you are struggling with morning sickness during the early weeks of pregnancy, you can try variations in egg cuisines to incorporate them into the diet.

There are no limits on egg consumption for a pregnant woman. You need to have an eye on the intake of egg yolks if you are already obese.
Although egg contains healthy cholesterol they may add to your cholesterol levels and cause obesity more intensely. It is recommended to eat 2 eggs a day as a healthy source of protein.

Perfectly cooked eggs do not pose any side effects during pregnancy. Some chances of food poisoning can result from undercooked eggs that may be contaminated. When the mother is infected with bacteria/virus the infection is more likely to pass on to the fetus and cause severe complications.
It is better to avoid sunny-side-up eggs or partially cooked ones to avoid any risk during pregnancy.

Eggs offer a variety of additional benefits to the mother and growing fetus right from the early weeks of pregnancy till the final trimester. Regular consumption of eggs throughout pregnancy can boost the health of the expecting mother and the baby.
Avoid eating some foods like homemade mayonnaise that may contain raw eggs, cake batter, salad dressings, and unbaked cookie dough.

When you are purchasing eggs, look for pasteurized eggs. Including eggs in the diet of a pregnant woman reduces the chances of egg allergy in the child later in life.
Choline found in eggs is an essential nutrient that plays a main role in the prevention of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Choline along with DHA and omega-3 fatty acids improves the cognitive functions of the baby.

The nutritional requirements tend to increase faster as the baby grows at a rapid rate during the final trimester. Including protein-rich foods like eggs can help meet the protein requirements of the mother and baby.
The fatty acids present in the egg yolks help in improving the radiation of the complexion by hydrating the epidermis. Eggs are also rich in antioxidants that contribute to a healthy immune system.

Eggs should be avoided in raw or undercooked forms that may carry the risk of Salmonella infections and cause food poisoning. The immunity drops a little during pregnancy and pregnant women are prone to infections easily.
The infections may show symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The fetus is more vulnerable to acquiring the infection and the consequences may lead to preterm labor or miscarriages.