fruit for fair skin baby during pregnancy: Third trimester (from week 28 till delivery, i.e. 7th-9th month) is the last and crucial phase of pregnancy when the baby’s growth is rapid. Many moms wonder what foods can make a baby’s skin tone fair and healthy. It is important to make this thing clear: a baby’s skin tone is determined by genetics, i.e. the genes of the parents. No food or fruit can directly change the skin color of the baby. But, some fruits and nutrients are very helpful for a baby’s skin health, glow, and overall development. In this post, we will talk about the best fruits for the third trimester which are good for baby’s skin health, their benefits, and what should be avoided.
Can Fruits Affect Baby’s Skin Tone?
Baby’s skin tone depends on genetics, but a healthy diet can make a baby’s skin smooth, healthy, and glowing. Eating fruits in the third trimester provides essential nutrients for baby’s cells, tissues, and skin development, like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, antioxidants, and folic acid. These nutrients keep the baby’s skin healthy and also improve mom’s skin glow. So let’s see which fruits are the best!
Best Fruits for Baby’s Skin Health in Third Trimester
These fruits are safe in the third trimester and are beneficial for the baby’s skin health. Include them in your diet, but do not forget to consult a doctor, especially if there are allergies or medical conditions.
- Oranges (Santre)
- Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, which boosts collagen production—good for baby and mom’s skin elasticity.
- Antioxidants protect against free radicals, essential for skin health.
- Provides hydration, which prevents swelling and dryness.
- How to Eat: Drink 1-2 oranges or fresh orange juice (without sugar) a day.
- Tip: Avoid extra sugar in juice.
- Pomegranate (Anaar)
- Benefits:Rich in iron and antioxidants (such as polyphenols), which improve blood flow and oxygenate baby’s skin cells.
- Folic acid is good for a baby’s neural development and skin health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties also enhance mom’s skin glow.
- How to Eat: One small bowl of pomegranate seeds or juice (sugar-free) daily.
- Tip: Make fresh juice at home, avoid packaged.
- Avocado (Makhan Phal)
- Benefits: Healthy fats (omega-3) and Vitamin E are essential for the development of baby’s skin cells.
- Prevents dryness and stretch marks on mom’s skin.
- Potassium reduces swelling (edema).
- How to Eat: Eat half avocado in a smoothie, salad, or on toast.
- Tip: Start with a small quantity if it’s new.
- Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries)
- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which protect skin from damage and build collagen.
- Low sugar content, which manages the risk of gestational diabetes.
- Fibre prevents constipation, which is common in the third trimester.
- How to Eat: Have a small bowl of berries daily or add to a smoothie.
- Tip: Use fresh or frozen berries, avoid canned.
- Bananas (Kela)
- Benefits: Vitamin B6 and potassium are good for the baby’s nervous system and skin health.
- Gives an energy boost, which is helpful for fatigue in the third trimester.
- Improves digestion, which gives relief from constipation.
- How to Eat: 1-2 bananas daily, or mix them in smoothie/shake.
- Tip: Avoid overripe bananas if sugar levels are high.
How these fruits help baby’s skin health
- Vitamin C: Oranges and berries boost collagen production, which is essential for baby’s skin softness and elasticity.
- Antioxidants: Pomegranate and berries protect against free radicals, which keep skin cells healthy.
- -Healthy Fats: Vitamin E and Omega-3 in avocado help in baby’s skin development and reduce mom’s stretch marks.
- Folic acid: Pomegranate and oranges prevent neural tube defects and support skin cell growth.
- Hydration: The high water content in fruits (like oranges) is good for skin hydration of both mom and baby.
Fruits and Foods to Avoid in Third Trimester
Some fruits and foods should be avoided in the third trimester as they can be harmful to the mom or baby or can cause digestion issues. Here’s a list:
- Pineapple (Ananas) Why Avoid: Pineapple contains bromelain, which can trigger contractions in high amounts. Small quantities (1-2 slices) are safe, but avoid more. Alternative: Eat oranges or mangoes.
- Papaya (Raw or Semi-Ripe) Why Avoid: Raw or semi-ripe papaya contains latex, which can cause uterine contractions. Fully ripe papaya is safe in small quantities. Alternative: Banana or pomegranate.
- Grapes (Angoor) in Excess Why Avoid: Grapes contain resveratrol, which in high quantities can cause blood clotting or digestion issues. Small quantities are safe. Alternative: Berries or apples.
- High-Sugar Fruits in Excess Why Avoid: Mangoes, chikoo, or canned fruits contain high sugar, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Tip: Choose low-sugar fruits like berries or apples.
- Unwashed Fruits Why Avoid: Unwashed fruits may contain bacteria (like listeria) or pesticides, which are harmful in pregnancy. Tip: Wash fruits thoroughly before eating.
Other Foods to Avoid
- Raw or Undercooked Meat/Fish: There is a risk of Salmonella or toxoplasmosis.
- High-Mercury Fish: Avoid tuna, mackerel, or swordfish; Salmon or sardines are safe.
- Caffeine in Excess: Keep coffee or tea less than 200 mg/day.
- Processed/Junk Food: Avoid chips, sodas, or high-sugar snacks as they cause digestion and weight gain issues.
Precautions for Eating Fruits in Third Trimester
- Consult a Doctor: If you have gestational diabetes, allergies, or digestion issues, include fruits after asking your doctor.
- Moderation: 2-3 servings of fruits (1 cup each) a day is enough. Eating too much can cause sugar or acidity.
- Wash Properly: Wash fruits with warm water and vinegar to remove bacteria or pesticides.
- Fresh is Best: Avoid canned or packaged juices as they contain sugar or preservatives.
- Balanced Diet: Along with fruits, eat foods rich in protein (lentils, paneer), calcium (milk, curd), and iron (spinach, pomegranate).