Ignoring The Stereotype!
- purpose011194
- Feb 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 10, 2024
Ignore the stereotype and improve the overall quality of your pregnancy. Watermelon, collard greens, and fried chicken are staples in the African-American community - right? I am in favor of all three options as sources of nutrition in pregnancy. However, bake or broil chicken instead of frying it. Collard greens are a very healthy choice too but please let me re-introduce you to the magnificent wonders of seeded watermelon.
Watermelon is composed of more than 90% water. “As the name implies, watermelon can keep you hydrated,” Derocha explains. “We get 80% of hydration from what we drink and 20% from what we eat; watermelon can definitely help with this balanced intake.” Watermelon has it all: high levels of vitamins A, C and B6, as well as potassium for cramps and magnesium. Magnesium helps muscles relax, which can prevent premature contractions during pregnancy. In addition, watermelon can fight morning sickness, reduce heartburn, and prevent dehydration. Additionally, the lycopene in watermelon can act as a natural sunscreen by helping to block UV light and prevent/repair DNA damage by harmful sunburn. Lycopene boosts the body's immunity to infections, fights cancer, and fights cardiovascular disease.
Watermelon is rich in water and provides moderate amounts of carbs, copper, and pantothenic acid, as well as vitamins A and C. It’s also rich in lutein and lycopene, two antioxidants that may protect against certain pregnancy complications. Pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.
Currently trials are being run to determine if watermelon consumption may reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. A possible contributing factor to the development of pre‐eclampsia may be the presence of excessive amounts of chemicals called 'free radicals'. The lycopene found in watermelons, tomatoes, beets, red peppers, and cherries can neutralize free radicals.
Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy. With pre-eclampsia, you might have high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine that indicate kidney damage (proteinuria), or other signs of organ damage. Pre-eclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had previously been in the standard range.
Left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for both the mother and baby. Early delivery of the baby is often recommended. The timing of delivery depends on how severe the pre-eclampsia is and how many weeks pregnant you are. Before delivery, pre-eclampsia treatment includes careful monitoring and medications to lower blood pressure and manage complications.
Pre-eclampsia may develop after delivery of a baby, a condition known as postpartum preeclampsia.
Let's create a plan to monitor your health. Eat 1 cup (152 grams) of watermelon to support hydration. Eat watermelon to reduce cramping, morning sickness, and heartburn. Eat watermelon to support your nutritional needs while building your new bundle of joy.
Spend five minutes a day stretching with this video. You can use your cell phone, computer, or television to follow along.
Go for a walk at least four times a week. Daily walks are encouraged. You should aim to take a walk after a meal because this will allow your body to process sugar (glucose) better. You should walk for 2-15 minutes depending on how you feel. Listen to your body.
Purchase a blood pressure cuff. Check your blood pressure daily. A blood pressure (bp) of 140/90 indicates that you need to seek medical evaluation. A headache that doesn't go away - alert. Changes in vision - alert. Trouble breathing - alert. Swelling in the face, legs, or hands - alert. Your intuition says something's not right - alert. Seek emergency care immediately or consult your healthcare provider.
DO NOT WAIT!!! These are all signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia!!!
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content is for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice
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