Advantages and Disadvantages of having Extra Ghee in Pregnancy

6 years ago Baby Destination Editor

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“Nauva (9th) mahina shuru ho gaya hai, ab roz ghee piya karo.”

If you’re an Indian woman, who has been pregnant or is pregnant now, you would most probably have heard this from elders during the course of your pregnancy. Ghee or clarified butter is one of the most important ingredients that is used in Indian cooking.

It is a very common practice to make pregnant women gorge on ghee and even drink it during the ninth month to ensure a normal delivery. This traditional age-old practice has been followed by well-meaning elders but the point is that although ghee has various health benefits, there is no scientific research to prove that drinking ghee will ensure a normal delivery.

Common beliefs about the consumption of ghee during pregnancy:

Ghee has laxative properties which help to induce labor.
Ghee helps to lubricate the vagina and thus makes the delivery smoother.
It helps in digestion and also prevents constipation during pregnancy.
It aids in the development of the baby’s brain.
Helps to keep the body strong, warm and nourished.

Is it actually helpful to drink ghee?

Well, there is no denying the fact that ghee has various health benefits but that doesn’t mean that you need to drink it to ensure a normal delivery. Here are a few important facts about consuming ghee during pregnancy:

Caloric Requirement in pregnancy – According to the latest research, a pregnant woman needs to consume only 200-300 extra calories per day in the last trimester, depending upon the weight. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate amount of calories required by you after a thorough checkup.
Your baby draws nutrition from you – Your growing baby is completely dependent on you for all his nutrition and calories but that doesn’t give you a license to consume too a lot of fats or other sugary foods for that matter!
If you’re weak – Even if you’re weak and need some extra calories, you can easily add them to your diet in the form of various healthy and nutritious foods instead of ingesting empty calories.

Can too much ghee harm you?

Yes, it can harm you. Here’s how:

Just as they say, “Excess of everything is bad.” Excess of ghee is also bad. It is very important to strike a balance between the fats and other nutrients you consume during pregnancy.
Consuming too much ghee will only add too many calories to your body. This will only make it difficult for you to get back in shape after pregnancy.
Too much of ghee in your diet can also lead to diarrhea, making you feel nauseous and weak.
It is very important to note that the consumption of ghee should be kept to the minimum if the pregnant mother is suffering from gallstones.
Another condition in which one needs to keep a check on ghee intake is when the mother is overweight.

How much ghee should you consume?

The recommended allowance of ghee for a common woman who has a normal BMI is 2 tsps per day. According to doctors, a pregnant woman should consume 5-8 tsps of ghee every day. It can be added to the diet in the following ways:

Top up on chapatis and parantha
Ghee with milk
In vegetable gravies
In laddoos, halwa and pinni

7 ways to ensure a Normal Delivery

You really don’t need ghee to ensure a normal delivery. If you wish to increase the chances of having a normal delivery, the best you can do is:

Also Read: 10 ways to ease labour pain during delivery

#1. Eat a well-balanced diet with all the nutrients

Your diet plays a major part in determining the health of your baby and also provides the mother’s body the strength to deal with labor pains. Expecting mums must eat a nutritious diet consisting of all the essential nutrients.They must include fiber in the diet and avoid very oily and greasy foods. Drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated is also a good idea.

#2. Exercise regularly

Pregnant women must exercise regularly and stay active during pregnancy. They should practice breathing exercises to boost their energy and get prepared for labor and delivery. Being active and joining yoga in order to remain fit also helps.

#3. Join prenatal classes

You should enroll for some birthing classes and go over the do’s and don’ts with your partner. Not only do they provide a run-through of labor, but also help the mother to understand what to expect after delivery.

#4. Think positive and avoid stress

The mother should keep calm and stress-free as this has a positive impact on the baby and also helps to ensure an uneventful pregnancy. Try meditation and stay positive to cope with the stress.

Also Read: 14 easy tips for normal delivery for all pregnant women

#5. Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage helps to relax the mother’s body and also provides relief from aches and pains during pregnancy. Hire a doula and get a relaxing massage. Massage also helps to lift the mood.

#6. Take appropriate rest

During pregnancy, women tend to feel tired very often. Make sure you give ample rest to your body. Hormonal imbalances make you feel fatigued and many women find it very uncomfortable while sleeping. Provide support to your bump by getting a pregnancy pillow and sleep in a comfortable position.

#7. Take all your supplements timely

Make it a point to take all your supplements and medicines timely. You can set an alarm for yourself and take your medicines accordingly. Visit your doctor when called for appointments. And, do not hesitate to call your doctor if you have any doubts.

Hope, the above advantages tips help you to have a normal delivery!

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