Eggs are a common breakfast staple that you can see in almost every household. Be it boiled, sunny side-up, poached or a proper dish, eggs have been a delicacy that is enjoyed by many. Apart from being an easy-to make dish, it is enriched with several nutrients which makes anyone wonder: Can you eat eggs in pregnancy? Is it safe or risky?
Some say they’re a powerhouse of nutrients, while others worry about safety. So, the question often makes you think whether it can be a good superfood for a pregnant woman and her baby? The short answer is yes, eggs are safe to eat in pregnancy, if they’re cooked properly. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of eggs in pregnancy, the right way to eat them, and what to avoid.
Why Eggs Are a Superfood During Pregnancy
When a woman is expecting, she goes through numerous checkups including the one where the doctor analyses all possible food she can eat or avoid for the safety of her and her child. Given most foods are safe to eat during pregnancy, eggs come as one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can include in your pregnancy diet.
Eggs are rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats which play a vital role in supporting your baby’s development. During pregnancy and early childhood, the baby’s cells grow rapidly, requiring more nutrients.
Thus, by eating eggs, they get an easily digestible protein with all essential amino acids, making them ideal during this stage. The protein pregnant women need helps to build your baby’s muscles, brain, and tissues. Not just that, the egg yolk during pregnancy is a major source of choline, a nutrient essential for brain development and reducing the risk of birth defects.
In fact, experts often say that eggs are good in pregnancy because they are rich in nutrients like Zinc, Vitamin D, B6, B12, and folate. All of these nutrients are vital for your baby’s growth and your energy levels.
How to Eat Eggs Safely in Each Trimester
Given that a woman’s body goes through several evolutions, your nutrient intake should be best. Hence, it is important to focus on your egg intake to ensure proper nourishment for your baby and body. Let’s take a look at how your egg intake should be as per your body’s needs across trimesters.
First Trimester
In the early months, your baby’s organs begin forming, making protein and folate extremely important. Eggs in pregnancy during the first trimester are an excellent source of these. You can have boiled eggs during first trimester of pregnancy or even scrambled eggs in pregnancy, as long as they are fully cooked meaning no runny yolks or unset whites.
Avoid raw eggs in pregnancy and raw eggs during pregnancy first trimester as they can carry Salmonella, a bacteria that causes food poisoning. Likewise, runny eggs in pregnancy or dishes like dishes using soft-poached eggs should be avoided unless you’re using pasteurized eggs.
Second Trimester
This is the growth phase where your baby starts developing bones and muscles. Eggs in pregnancy second trimester are a great superfood because they’re packed with Phosphorus, and Vitamin D which helps to support skeletal health.
Many doctors recommend consuming 1-2 eggs daily. So if you’re wondering how many eggs to eat in pregnancy, that’s your safe range depending on your overall diet and cholesterol levels. During this stage, you might experience craving eggs in pregnancy, and that’s actually a good sign. Your body could be asking for more protein and choline, both abundantly found in eggs.
Third Trimester
In the last leg of pregnancy, your body needs extra energy and nutrients to prepare for delivery. Eggs in pregnancy during the third trimester are perfect for maintaining stamina and helping your baby’s brain develop. Eggs have Folic and Folic acid which helps to prevent brain and spinal cord conditions at birth.
Variety helps too, boiled eggs in pregnancy, poached eggs in pregnancy (only if firm), and scrambled eggs in pregnancy are all healthy options.
Remember, eggs safe in pregnancy means well-cooked eggs. Avoid dishes like undercooked omelets. Fully cooked eggs are eggs healthy in pregnancy, ensuring safety and nourishment.
Conclusion
Eggs in pregnancy are one of the most wholesome and nutrient-rich foods you can include in your daily diet. They’re packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that support your baby’s growth and your overall health. Whether you prefer boiled eggs in pregnancy, scrambled eggs, or firm poached eggs, they can easily fit into your meals and provide lasting nourishment.
Just make sure they’re properly cooked to avoid any risk of infection and to retain maximum nutrition. From the first trimester to the third trimester, eggs serve as a powerful source of strength and development for both mother and baby.
And when it comes to better nutrition, choose Eggoz Eggs which contains 6.5g of protein along with essential nutrients and our signature Orange Yolk. Not just that, Eggoz eggs pass through 11 Safety Checks to ensure you get the optimum quality right at your plate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What food to avoid when pregnant?
Pregnant women should avoid raw fish, high-mercury fish, undercooked meat and eggs. Also avoid unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, alcohol, and limit caffeine for safety and healthy baby development.
Which fruit to avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid unripe papaya, pineapple, and excessive grapes during pregnancy. These can trigger uterine contractions, heat the body, or cause digestion issues, which can cause complications.
How to sleep during pregnancy?
Sleep on your side with your knees bent, using pillows for support. Avoid sleeping flat on your back. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, limit fluids before bed, and reduce caffeine.
How many hours should a pregnant woman work?
A pregnant woman can generally work up to 40 hours per week if the work is not physically demanding and she feels well. However, it is best to reduce hours if feeling fatigued or per doctor’s advice.