Are Eggs Good During Pregnancy & How to Include in Your Diet?

Are Eggs Good for Pregnancy?

Proteins are the most important component for pregnant women. It provides cellular energy and regulates different bodily functions. Proteins also support the growth of maternal tissues and maintain blood pressure levels. Eggs are the greatest source of protein and are beneficial during pregnancy. It contains all nine essential amino acids, which is why it is also known as a complete protein.   

Why Eggs are Beneficial for Pregnancy?

Eggs contain not only protein but also various essential micronutrients that help in the regulation of different physiological functions. Here we will discuss why eggs are beneficial for pregnant women.

Protein Content

A single egg contains 13 g of protein per 100 grams of the total nutritional content volume. This protein contains all the important essential amino acids that are essential for tissue building and repair. During pregnancy, adequate intake of protein is necessary to develop and manage the overall health of the woman and her fetus.   

Vitamins and Minerals

Eggs contain important minerals like calcium, phosphorus, selenium and potassium, which play a crucial role in fetal development inside the womb. Minerals promote fetal development and maintain maternal health during pregnancy. Specifically, minerals like zinc play an important role in cell growth and the development of the immune system of the fetus.   

Choline

Choline helps in fetal brain development as it is a derivative of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is involved in brain function and nerve cell communication. During the early stage of pregnancy, it contributes to the proper development of the neural tube, which later forms the spinal cord and the brain.   

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, which is predominant in eggs, influences the proper development as well as function of the placenta. It supports the maternal immune system and protects both the mother and fetus from any kind of infection during pregnancy. During pregnancy, an adequate level of vitamin D reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and preterm birth.    

Folate

Vitamin B9 or folic acid contributes significantly during the early stage of pregnancy and prevents any kind of defects in neural tube formation. It is essential for the synthesis of RNA and DNA, which are important for cell development processes. Additionally, it promotes red blood cell division, preventing anaemia in both the fetus and the mother.     

Antioxidant

Antioxidants are also predominant in eggs, which are vital for managing any kind of oxidative stress during pregnancy. Oxidative stress escalates during pregnancy due to placental development and increased metabolic demands. These compounds neutralise reactive oxygen species, protecting cells and preventing DNA damage.    

Cholesterol

It acts as a building block for fetal cell membranes and a precursor for progesterone, a key hormone during pregnancy. Maternal cholesterol level normally increases during pregnancy, which supports fetal growth and development in the early and mid stages. Sterols are the key precursors for steroid hormones, oxysterols, and bile acids that help in fetal development.   

Sodium    

Sodium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role during pregnancy. Primarily, it regulates fluid balance, supports muscle and nerve function, and maintains a balanced blood pressure. It promotes proper muscle and nerve function, which is beneficial for both the mother and the fetus.

Before including eggs in her daily diet, you should check whether the woman is allergic to them.