Can I eat potatoes during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a delicate and special time for every future mother. During these 9 months it is essential to follow a healthy and balanced diet, which provides the baby with all the nutrients necessary for optimal growth.

Among the most loved and consumed foods are certainly potatoes. But can potatoes be eaten freely during pregnancy or is it better to avoid them? In this article we will answer all the doubts about their consumption during the 9 months of gestation.

Introduction

Potatoes are very versatile foods in the kitchen. They can be eaten boiled, baked, fried, mashed, in salads, etc. They belong to the starch category and are a good source of minerals such as potassium, iron, phosphorus and B vitamins.

During pregnancy, it is good to consume the right amount of complex carbohydrates such as those contained in potatoes. The recommended daily intake is about 330 grams. Potatoes can therefore be part of a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy.

However, there are some precautions to follow both in the choice and in the preparation, to avoid potential risks of toxoplasmosis . Let's see everything there is to know about the consumption of potatoes during the 9 months.

How to cook potatoes during pregnancy?

To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, it is important to wash potatoes thoroughly before cooking, preferably using a brush. Potatoes should always be cooked thoroughly to eliminate any risk of infection.

Raw or undercooked potatoes should be avoided, as in potato salads or tartare-type preparations. Instead, boiled, baked, steamed, and mashed potatoes are OK.

Be careful with potatoes with the skin too: the skin could in fact host the toxoplasmosis parasite, so it is better to remove it before eating unless it is cooked for a long time, for example in baked potatoes.

Even potato gateau , as long as it is well cooked in the center, can be eaten without problems. The same goes for gnocchi, mashed potatoes and minestrone, where the cooking temperatures eliminate any risk.

How often can you eat potatoes during pregnancy?

There are no specific limitations on how many times potatoes can be consumed during pregnancy. The important thing is that they are part of a varied and balanced diet, without exceeding the quantities.

On average, you can eat potatoes 2-3 times a week, alternating with other carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, bread. Potatoes provide starch, but are relatively poor in other nutrients, so they should not be a staple food.

About 80-100 grams of potatoes per serving are enough to provide the carbohydrates needed during pregnancy. Exceeding 3 servings of potatoes per week is not recommended to avoid excessively unbalancing the diet.

When is it not advisable to eat potatoes?

There are some specific cases in which it is better to avoid or limit the consumption of potatoes during pregnancy:

• If you suffer from potato cravings during pregnancy, that is, an excessive desire for this food, which can indicate a male or female fetus. In this case, it is better to limit its intake.
• If you have gestational diabetes or high blood sugar, it is best to limit starches, including those from potatoes.
• If you suffer from heartburn or heartburn, potatoes may aggravate your symptoms.
• In cases of constipation it is better to avoid potatoes because they can accentuate the problem.

Also, in the last month of pregnancy, it is best to avoid flatulent foods such as potatoes to avoid making digestion too difficult.

What should you absolutely not eat during pregnancy?

There are some foods that you should absolutely avoid during pregnancy:

• Raw or undercooked meat and fish to avoid the risk of toxoplasmosis and salmonella.
• Cured meats and sausages due to their high nitrite content.
• Soft and raw cheeses such as brie, taleggio, gorgonzola.
• Unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Raw or undercooked eggs, especially the yolk.
• Sushi and raw fish.
• Raw seafood such as oysters and clams.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Coffee more than 2 cups a day.

It is also good to always wash fruit and vegetables, cook potatoes thoroughly following the instructions above and avoid potentially contaminated foods such as wild mushrooms.

Conclusions

In conclusion, you can eat potatoes during pregnancy with some precautions. The important thing is to wash and cook them well, remove the peel if you bake or boil them, and do not overdo the portions.

Even crisps in bags are allowed, as long as they are cooked and not fried, however it is better to prefer fresh potatoes. Potatoes are part of a varied and balanced diet if consumed in the right quantities (2-3 times a week, 80-100g per portion). Excesses should be avoided and also combined with other carbohydrates. By following these guidelines, potatoes can be consumed serenely during all 9 months of pregnancy.