Tomatoes are used in different types of foods, like salads and soups, and they are rich sources of essential nutrients. But is it safe to eat tomatoes while pregnant? Are these red juicy fruits safe for the growing baby? The short answer to these two questions is yes, but if you want to learn more about eating tomatoes during pregnancy, keep reading.
In this article on Hipregnancy, we will cover all the essential points you need to know about consuming tomatoes in pregnancy, including safe types, nutritional value, benefits, side effects, etc.
Don’t miss the following parts if you want to add tomatoes into your diet while pregnant and want to know whether consuming tomatoes during pregnancy is safe or not.
Can you eat tomatoes while pregnant?
You may wonder, “Is tomato good for pregnant women?” Let’s discuss it in detail.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants needed for the health of the body. These yummy fruits are safe to eat during pregnancy, but they should be consumed in moderate amounts. Tomatoes are available on markets year round and you can add them into your meal plans while pregnant.
Consuming tomatoes while pregnant provides several health benefits for both mother and the baby due to their high nutritional value. Consider eating tomatoes in excess can cause health issues; therefore, pregnant ladies should not overeat them to prevent any issues associated with eating tomatoes in large quantities.
You may also ask, “It is safe to drink tomatoe juice for pregnant women?” Here is the answer. To mato juice is a great option as a breakfast or snack for pregnant women to keep them hydrated, especially during the first trimester. However, it should be taken in moderation.
Read on to see why we say it is good to have tomatoes in pregnancy. To learn more about pregnancy-safe foods, check what can pregnant woman eat.
Nutritional value of tomatoes
The following table shows the nutritional value of tomatoes per 100-gram serving. Let’s take a look at this table.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 18kcal |
| Protein | 0.88g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.89g |
| Fiber | 1.2g |
| Vitamin A | 833IU |
| Folic acid | 15mcg |
| Niacin | 0.594mg |
| Thiamin | 0.037mg |
| Pyridoxine | 0.08mg |
| Vitamin C | 13.7mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.019mg |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Zinc | 0.17mg |
| Potassium | 237mg |
| Iron | 0.27mg |
| Phosphorus | 24mg |
| Magnesium | 11mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
5 Safe types of tomatoes for pregnant mothers
Since tomatoes have different forms, you should know about their pregnancy safety before adding them to your diet while pregnant. Here is a list of common types of tomatoes and their pregnancy safety;
- Cherry tomatoes;
Although cherry tomatoes are small, they are nutrient-dense fruits and full of antioxidants. Consuming cherry tomatoes during pregnancy is safe, but they should be washed completely before eating. Recommend you read the article titled cherry during pregnancy.
- Heirloom tomatoes;
All varieties of heirloom tomatoes are safe to eat while pregnant, but they should be consumed in moderate quantities.
- Sundried tomatoes;
Consuming sundried tomatoes while pregnant is safe, as they are rich in nutrients and antioxidants like lycopene, which can decrease inflammation. The only point you need to consider while choosing these tomatoes is that you should buy the ones from an open container, as they may be contaminated with listeria.
Choose sundried tomatoes from a can or jar instead to reduce the chance of listeria.
- Green tomatoes;
Since green tomatoes are usually fried, they contain high levels of saturated or trans fats and unnecessary calories. Ladies can consume this type of tomato during pregnancy, but only in moderation.
- Black, yellow, or purple tomatoes;
These types are safe, similar to red types, and can be eaten during pregnancy in limited quantities.
Also Read: benefits of eggplant during pregnancy
6 Benefits of consuming tomatoes while pregnant
Tomatoes are rich sources of vitamins, fiber, minerals, carbs, and essential proteins needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Consuming tomatoes while pregnant provides multiple benefits, as follows;
- Increasing iron absorption
Tomatoes are not rich in iron and only contain a small quantity of it, but they can increase the absorption of iron. In other words, the high levels of vitamin C in tomatoes increase the absorption of iron from iron-rich foods for pregnancy. Consider iron is needed for the growth and development of the baby, and consuming tomatoes during pregnancy can help you get more iron from the foods added to your diet while pregnant.
- Improving digestion
Since tomatoes are high in fiber, they can improve your digestion and prevent pregnancy-related constipation. Therefore, if you suffer from digestion, consuming tomato during pregnancy 2nd trimester or 3rd trimester, can ease your pain and help you get rid of this issue.
- Keeping hydrated
Tomatoes can keep you hydrated, as they have a high content of water. As a result, consuming tomatoes in pregnancy first trimester can help those ladies who suffer from morning sickness and lose water through vomiting.
- Providing antioxidants
These juicy fruits are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is good for heart health, protects from cell damage, reduces the risk of preeclampsia, and prevents birth defects in the baby as well.
- Boosting energy levels
Tomatoes fall into the category of foods which contain carbohydrates. Since consuming carbs during pregnancy can boost your energy levels, adding tomatoes to your diet while pregnant can help you relieve fatigue and tiredness.
- Reducing the risk of preeclampsia
The potassium levels of tomatoes can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, which is a common high-blood pressure disorder among pregnant ladies. Consuming tomatoes regularly can help you manage your blood pressure during pregnancy and prevent issues like preterm delivery.
Also Read: Is It Bad To Eat Late At Night While Pregnant
Is it safe to eat tomato soup during pregnancy first trimester?
Generally speaking, the ingredients used in a typical tomato soup are safe to eat while pregnant, but it should be consumed in moderation. Consuming tomato soup during pregnancy in excess can make morning sickness worse during the first trimester of pregnancy, as tomatoes are acidic and can trigger acid reflux and heartburn.
It is good to mention that creamier tomato soups, like tomato bisque, are safe to consume while pregnant if they have been made from pasteurized milk or cream and heated before serving.
What about Campbell tomato soup while pregnant? Is it safe? You can consume Campbell’s tomato soup during pregnancy, but you should check the label and opt for those low in sodium and free of harmful ingredients for pregnancy.
Remember that even the safe soups should be consumed in moderate quantities and with a green light from your doctor or healthcare provider.
Craving tomatoes during pregnancy: boy or girl?
You might have heard that craving tomatoes in pregnancy can indicate the gender of your baby. There is an old wives’ tale about craving tomatoes while pregnant, and according to it, craving this fruit during pregnancy is a sign of a baby girl.
There is no scientific proof to support the idea that craving tomatoes during pregnancy is a sign of sex. Therefore, we can’t say that all pregnant ladies who crave tomatoes will give birth to a baby girl.
It is just a public idea that craving tomatoes can indicate the sex of your baby.
Tomato sauce during pregnancy
Tomato sauce contains too much Monosodium glutamate (MSG), so is it safe for pregnant ladies? As long as you consume tomato sauce in moderate amounts while pregnant, it won’t harm you and the developing baby.
However, eating too much tomato sauce or ketchup is not recommended for pregnant women and should be avoided to support a healthy pregnancy.
Let’s continue to see the risks of eating tomatoes during pregnancy.
Risks associated with consuming tomatoes while pregnant
Pregnant ladies should consume all food items in moderation to prevent any health issues. The same goes for tomatoes! If you consume a lot of tomatoes while pregnant, you might face the following issues including;
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Kidney issues
- Improper digestion
- Gas
- Tummy aches
- Discoloration in the mother and the developing baby
- Migraine
Hipregnancy recommends you consult your doctor before adding tomatoes into your diet while pregnant to prevent any possible risks associated with eating tomatoes in pregnancy. In addition, have it regularly and in moderate quantities to support a healthy pregnancy and take care of the growing fetus.
Tomatoes while breastfeeding
If the mother and the newborn do not have an allergy to tomatoes, consuming them will be safe while breastfeeding. Tomatoes are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all needed while breastfeeding.
So, consuming tomatoes during breastfeeding is benefitial if taken in moderate quantities. Consulting your healthcare provider is a great way to help you know how much tomatoes you can include in your postpartum diet without facing any issues.
Conclusion
As you know, eating tomatoes while pregnant is a great choice for pregnant ladies due to their high nutritional values. Consider that tomatoes should be washed completely before serving to prevent contamination. Furthermore, they should not be consumed in excess due to their acidic levels.
Are there any missed points you want to share with us about tomatoes and pregnancy? If yes, please comment on your ideas.
FAQs
1. Can pregnant women eat tomatoes?
Pregnant ladies can enjoy consuming tomatoes, but they should not overeat them. Eating raw tomato during pregnancy is the easiest way to include tomatoes in your diet.
2. Is cucumber and tomato good for pregnancy?
Consuming cucumbers during pregnancy is safe for pregnant ladies, as they are rich in essential nutrients needed for the health of the mother and the growth of the baby. You can enjoy cucumber and tomato during pregnancy as a snack. This can be a healthy tomato sandwich while pregnant, which can provide several health benefits.
3. What are the benefits of tomatoes during pregnancy?
Eating tomatoes while pregnant provides several health benefits, including improving digestion, keeping hydrated, increasing iron absorption, providing antioxidants, etc.
4. Can I eat tomatoes while pregnant third trimester?
You can consume tomatoes during the third trimester; however, you should moderate your intake.