Potatoes During Pregnancy: To Eat or Not to Eat

Eating potatoes during pregnancy can have the following benefits: 

• Potatoes are very beneficial for a person suffering from acidity and digestive problems. Eating mashed potatoes helps in reducing gastric acidity. Soluble fiber and vitamin C present in potatoes control cholesterol.
• The fiber found in potatoes relieves constipation.
• The vitamins found in potatoes help heal wounds and boost the immune system.
• The acid found in abundance in potatoes is essential for the development of the fetus' brain and nervous system.
• Eating folate-rich food in the early stages of pregnancy reduces the chances of miscarriage.
• Potatoes contain flavonoids that keep blood pressure under control.
• Iron, calcium and potassium found in potatoes help in the development of the fetus.
• Potatoes are also effective in treating swelling under the eyes, which are common during pregnancy. Keeping grated raw potatoes on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes provides cooling and also relieves swelling.
• Potatoes contain potassium, which reduces heart attacks and high blood pressure.

(Read more - Diet For Anemia In Pregnancy)

Eating potatoes during pregnancy can have the following disadvantages:

• Potatoes with green spots should not be eaten, eating them can cause vomiting, diarrhea etc.
• Eating too many potatoes can cause diabetes. 
• Eating green potatoes can cause a birth defect called spina bifida in the child.
• Consuming too many potatoes and tuberous vegetables increases the risk of type 1 diabetes in babies in the future.
• Overweight women who consume too many potatoes during pregnancy are at risk of obesity.

(Read more - Pregnancy Nutrition: What to Eat)

Potatoes can be eaten in any form like boiled, soup and salad. It is better to eat sweet potatoes instead of roasted potatoes. Potatoes should not be eaten in large quantities because potatoes contain high amounts of sweetness due to which the child born may suffer from obesity.

(Read more - HDiet during the first month of pregnancy)

Take the following precautions while eating potatoes during pregnancy:

• Potato chips should not be eaten during pregnancy because chips are fried which is harmful for health. 
• There is also a risk of diabetes in pregnancy due to excessive consumption of potatoes.
• Green sprouted potatoes should not be eaten.
• There is a risk of food poisoning by eating rotten potatoes.
• Serious side effects of potatoes have not come to light, but to avoid the possible side effects of excessive consumption of any food item, it is better to eat it in moderate quantities. It would also be better if medical advice is taken before making any food item a part of the mother's diet.

(Read more - Potato (Aloo) Benefits and Side Effects)

Eating potatoes during pregnancy can be beneficial for health, but it should be eaten in limited quantities and cooked properly. Potatoes contain carbohydrates, vitamin C, and potassium, which provide energy and improve the digestive system. It can help reduce morning sickness and weakness.