Patient's question:
My wife has been pregnant for four months. She prefers to eat raw gourds (which are called taro in Hubei, not sweet potatoes). Recently, she has been eating one or two every day. Is this okay? Will it have any negative effects on the mother and baby?Doctor's answer:
Hello, sweet potato is a pure natural plant with high nutritional value. It can also prevent the occurrence of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. With the improvement of living standards, the phenomenon of excessive weight gain in pregnant women is on the rise. Controlling a pregnant woman's weight during pregnancy is very beneficial for both the mother and the fetus. Sweet potatoes contain a large amount of dietary fiber, which cannot be digested and absorbed in the intestines. It can stimulate the intestines, enhance peristalsis, promote bowel movements, and detoxify. When eating sweet potatoes, it is important to steam or boil them thoroughly. Eating sweet potatoes can also prevent constipation in pregnant women and alleviate it at the same time. It not only does not affect health but is also beneficial to the body. It is recommended that even though everything has both pros and cons, pregnant women should eat sweet potatoes in moderation for health benefits. However, it is advised to eat only one per time and not to overeat.