Corn is a yummy vegetable that can be eaten in different forms, from corn starch to corn soup. But is it safe to eat corn while pregnant? Since corn is packed with several vitamins and minerals, consuming it provides several health benefits to pregnant women. However, some precautions should be taken while eating corn when pregnant.
This article on Hipregnancy explores the top points you need to know before including corn in your pregnancy diet. Keep reading to discover scientific rules regarding the consumption of corn while pregnant.
Is sweet corn good for pregnancy?
Corn is one of the most popular vegetables worldwide, rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming corn while pregnant is considered safe for pregnant ladies and their babies. However, you should not overeat corn since it can increase the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
Consider some forms of corn are not good for pregnant ladies, including corn syrup and popcorn; however, other forms including corn soup and corn chat are safe to have in pregnancy period.
Although it is okay to consume corn while pregnant, it is advisable to consult your doctor before including it in your diet. Talking to your health provider can help you learn what quantity of corn you should consume when pregnant.
Also Read: horseradish while pregnant
Nutritional value of corn for pregnant
The following table contains nutrients in one cup of 164 grams of corn and their quantity. Let’s see what nutrients are present in corn.
| Nutrient | Quantity |
| Calories | 177 calories |
| Protein | 5.4 grams |
| Fiber | 4.6 grams |
| Carbs | 41 grams |
| Fat | 2.1 grams |
| Folate or vitamin B9 | 19% of the daily value (DV) |
| Vitamin C | 17% of the DV |
| Thiamine or vitamin B1 | 24% of the DV |
| Potassium | 10% of the DV |
| Magnesium | 11% of the DV |
10 Benefits of corn while pregnant
Corn is an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals and including it in a pregnancy diet provides numerous health benefits, including;
- Consuming corn during pregnancy can prevent anemia, increase blood cell growth, and boost immunity, due to its high vitamin B 12 content.
- Sweet corn during pregnancy 3rd trimester can prevent constipation since it is rich in fiber. The same goes for consuming lettuce during pregnancy.
- Corn is rich in folic acid, and because of that, can reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby.
- It is a good source of thiamine, which play a key role in the growing fetus memory development.
- Thiamin content of corn is good for proper muscle and nervous function system in pregnant ladies.
- Having corn while pregnant can protect against muscular degeneration since it has high amounts of a carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin.
- Corn is rich in antioxidants and can reduce the risk of cancers in pregnant women, including breast cancer.
- Including corn in your pregnancy diet can reduce plasma LDL and increase good cholesterol in the body.
- Consuming sweet corn in pregnancy first trimester, eating corn in pregnancy second trimester, or even at late stages of pregnancy, can lower the risk of tumors as it contains ferulic acid.
- Potassium content of corn while pregnant lowers the risk of preeclampsia and aids in maintaining the balance of electrolytes and fluids in your body cells.
Can I eat boiled corn during pregnancy?
Yes, boiled corn is one of the best forms of corn you can enjoy in pregnancy period. However, you should consult your doctor before consuming boiled corn while pregnant. Why? Because you should know how much boiled corn you can include in your pregnancy diet.
If you want to have safe and healthy boiled corn, you should keep in mind the following points while purchasing and boiling corn, including;
- Opt for corn with bright green husks.
- The husks should be wrapped tightly around the cob.
- Go for the corn with silky and moist tassels.
- Check if there is any are worms, bugs, or wormholes.
- Boil corn for 5-7 minutes since overcooking makes it mushy.
- The last point to have healthy corn while pregnant is to serve it hot.
Can you eat cornstarch while pregnant?
Cornstarch is one of the popular forms of corn which you might crave during pregnancy. Generally speaking, consuming small quantities of cornstarch while pregnant is considered safe. However, having too much of it harms your baby and should be avoided.
Studies stated that eating large amounts of cornstarch in pregnancy can increase the chance of giving birth to a baby with mental issues, including depression, bipolar disorders and dementia. If you crave cornstarch, it is recommended to contact your health provider to know whether this form of corn in pregnancy is good or bad for you.
How to consume corn when pregnant?
Corn is a yummy vegetable and a healthy alternative to junk food in pregnancy. If you are a junk food lover and want to find a healthy snack, don’t miss this section. Listed below are common ways to include corn in your pregnancy diet, including;
- Add corn to your pasta, sandwich, salad, pizza, soup, toast, and rice dishes.
- Boil your corn while pregnant and have it with your favorite seasoning.
- Grill or barbecue corn on the cob and enjoy having it as a good pregnancy snack.
Is cooked corn good for pregnant woman?
Yes, cooked corn is a healthy option for pregnant women and their unborn babies. However, cooked corn should be consumed moderately to maintain a normal weight gain during pregnancy. Here are some tips to help you cook corn while pregnant. Let’s see what directions you should follow to cook corn correctly.
- To have corn when pregnant, boil some water with salt. Next, add corn and cook it for 5-7 minutes until the kernels are soft and crunchy.
- You can use a pressure cooker to cook corn in a shorter time.
- Using milk instead of water to boil corn is another healthy way to have this vegetable.
Craving corn while pregnant; boy or girl?
According to old wives’ tales, food cravings during pregnancy may indicate the gender of your baby. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that food cravings can determine if your baby is a girl or boy.
On the whole, the desire for sweet foods and citrus, like orange juice during pregnancy, can be a sign of giving birth to a baby girl. As a result, craving sweet corn during pregnancy can be associated with having a baby girl.
Consider there are no scientific evidence verifying corn craving indicate your baby is a girl, it is just old wives’ tale and some pregnant ladies’ experience. The most accurate way to determine the gender of your baby is ultrasound testing; therefore, go for it if you want to know the sex of your baby.
Precautions to be taken while having sweet corn in pregnancy
Typically, corn is a healthy vegetable for pregnant ladies to consume, but some precautions need to be taken when including corn in your pregnancy, including;
- Talk to your health provider before having corn while pregnant and ask how much and how often you can have this vegetable.
- Avoid adding any artificial sweeteners to the corn.
- Fresh corn is a healthier food option for you than canned or frozen ones.
- Do not remove the husk if you want to store corn. This can keep your corn fresh.
- It is recommended to consume corn within a few days after purchasing it.
- Always have corn in moderate amounts to prevent its possible side effects, including heart disease.
- Corns sold on the roadside should be avoided in pregnancy as they might be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Which vegetables to avoid during pregnancy?
Generally speaking, consuming vegetables when pregnant provides essential nutrients and vitamins that aid in developing the fetus in the womb and improving your overall health. But some vegetables should be avoided in pregnancy since consuming them can higher the risk of food poisoning and harm the unborn baby.
Below listed items are vegetables that must be avoided while pregnant;
- Raw radishes
- Raw sprouts (read more on sprouts pregnancy)
- Prepacked salad mixes
- Unwashed vegetables
- Salad bar items
Side effects of eating corn while pregnant
Like other food options, corn has benefits and side effects; however, the health risks associated with having corn while pregnant are few. If you consume too much corn, you might gain extra weight during pregnancy. Moreover, large amounts of corn can increase the risk of heart issues and indigestion during pregnancy.
Hipregnancy recommends you have corn in moderate amounts to prevent the above-mentioned issues associated with overeating corn while pregnant.
Conclusion
Corn is a yummy vegetable that can be added to your pregnancy diet. This vegetable provides several health benefits to pregnant moms and their unborn babies, including improving digestion, lowering the risk of preeclampsia, boosting fetus memory development, etc. Although corn is a healthy food option, having excess amounts of it can lead to obesity, heart disease, and indigestion.
This article on Hipregnancy covered the top points all pregnant ladies need to know regarding the consumption of corn while pregnant. Hope you have enjoyed this article. If there are still any unanswered questions, share them with us via comment.
FAQs
Yes, it is safe to have corn during pregnancy as it is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins that support a healthy pregnancy.
Yes, studies show that corn is rich in iron and can reduce the risk of anemia by improving red blood cell growth.
Pregnant ladies can consume canned sweet corn, but it would be better if they have fresh corn.
Yes, it is okay to have frozen corn while pregnant, but it is recommended to prefer fresh corn over frozen ones.