Pregnancy Food: Eggs, Legumes & Soy - November 2024

We last covered which seafood are safe for you to eat during pregnancy and which should be avoided. In this piece, we’ll be discussing on eggs, legumes and soy products.

Are eggs, legumes, and soy products safe for pregnancy?

Did you know pregnant women can still be healthy without consuming any meat? Yes, you read right! Eggs, legumes, and soy products are great substitutes for essential nutrients—especially for non-meat eaters. These foods are rich in protein and can lower your blood pressure. They also help to build some muscles, lose weight and decrease the risk of getting diabetes.

Now, let’s take a look at which eggs, legumes, and soy products are safe for consumption during pregnancy and which you should avoid.

Healthy Eggs, Legumes, and Soy Products

Chicken eggs

Pregnant mums can eat chicken eggs. It is essential for your health and your baby’s growth. They can also strengthen your body’s strength and baby’s brain development. However, you need to avoid eating them raw.

Quail eggs

Quail eggs are healthy for expectant mummies. They can prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy, but they are also rich in cholesterol. So, restrict your consumption.

Duck eggs

Duck eggs are healthy for pregnant mums. They are high in calcium and iron which ensures your baby’s bone development and prevents anaemia after childbirth. However, you should avoid eating salted duck eggs. This is as they have high sodium levels which can cause oedema and high blood pressure.

Lentils

You can consume lentils in your pregnancy. They are rich in fibre that helps to prevent constipation. Furthermore, they also aid in preventing any birth defects.

Chickpeas

Expectant mums can consume chickpeas. They’re rich in folate which helps to prevent neural tube disorders in developing foetuses. They also contain iron which helps to increase your red blood cells and ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.

Mung bean

Mums-to-be can eat mung beans. Mung beans are rich in folates which are essential for the baby’s development. Furthermore, they have numerous vitamins and nutrients that help strengthen your bones and digestive system.

Snow pea

Mums-to-be can consume snow peas. They can boost your immunity and develop your foetus. They can also prevent you from diseases like cancer. In addition, the fibre in them helps to relieve constipation.

Broad bean

Broad beans are nutritious and safe to consume by pregnant women. They have numerous nutrients that are great for your baby’s development and growth.

Red beans

Mummies-to-be can eat red beans. Red beans aid in regulating blood pressure and boosting immunity. They also boost your baby’s development.

Soybean

Soybeans are safe to consume during pregnancy. They can prevent food poisoning, remove body heat and aid with detoxification. Soybeans can also prevent anaemia and build your muscles and tissues.

Soy milk

Expectant mums can drink soy milk. It is great to consume soy milk as it is rich in essential nutrients. Soy milk can improve your immunity while helping to develop your baby’s brain. Soy milk is also a great substitute for mums-to-be who cannot consume normal milk.

Tofu

Mums-to-be can eat tofu too. They are rich in protein which is suitable for vegetarian mums. They also have calcium that helps you to build your baby’s bones.

Hard bean curd

It is also safe to eat hard bean curd during pregnancy. It has vitamin A and calcium that help to boost your immunity and develop your baby’s bones. But, you need to watch out for shop-bought ones. This is because it has a high level of sodium.

Yard-long beans

Mums-to-be can consume yard-long beans too. They are rich in folates which help to develop your baby’s brain. They also boost your immunity and promote your baby’s brain and bone development.

Moderation is Key

Chinese tea eggs

Pregnant mums should reduce their consumption of Chinese tea eggs. This is as they have high salt content and caffeine. These eggs might increase your blood pressure level and cause you hypertension.

Emu eggs

You need to be careful when you consume any emu eggs during your pregnancy. An emu egg is compatible with 8-12 chicken eggs. This egg has essential nutrient that promotes your health and your baby’s growth. However, you need to make sure the egg cooks properly as it is very large.

Goose eggs

You can eat goose eggs during your pregnancy as they boost your immunity and your baby’s brain development. But in limited amounts only because these eggs have higher levels of fat and cholesterol compared to chicken eggs. So, be careful if you want to consume any.

Black bean

Expectant mums can eat black beans but in limited quantities. You are good to eat them if they are cooked properly. They can help to boost your baby’s health and combat anaemia. However, black beans can be toxic if you eat them in excessive amounts, undercooked or raw.

Stay Far Away

Salted eggs

You should avoid eating salted eggs during pregnancy. They have high levels of salt that might be linked to swellings, water retention, and thirst.

Braised eggs

Pregnant mums cannot eat braised eggs. They have high salt content and this causes various health issues such as high blood pressure and swelling. You should always opt to consume fresh eggs over these.

Eat safe eggs, legumes, and soy during your pregnancy

Super mums-to-be need to practice a healthy pregnancy diet in order to supply the goods to your body and the foetus growing within you.

Sources:

Now that you know which eggs, legumes and soy products are safe to consume while pregnant and which aren’t, check out this list to discover more foods which should be avoided here.

Explore which nuts and seeds safe to consume during your pregnancy and which you should avoid here.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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