Oatmeal In Pregnancy: Why Is It An Ideal Breakfast?

Eating oatmeal for breakfast can be the best way to start the day during pregnancy and even beyond breastfeeding. Here we tell you more about it.

The consumption of oats in pregnancy is highly recommended by doctors and nutritionists. And although this cereal is full of health benefits for everyone, during pregnancy, it is very flattering.

In general, it is recommended to take advantage of oatmeal for breakfast. Whether raw or cooked, in flakes or flour, oats have multiple benefits for both women and babies.

It should be noted that it would be ideal if its consumption exceeds the days of pregnancy and forms part of the daily habits of the whole family.

Benefits of oatmeal for breakfast

After 8 hours without having consumed any food, it is essential to have a good breakfast. If the general recommendation is that no one should skip breakfast, much less a pregnant woman, not even on days of heavy morning sickness.

Oatmeal is an excellent option for a pregnant woman’s breakfast, because it is an extraordinary source of  energy to start the day.

Benefits for women

• Oatmeal helps regulate intestinal transit and, therefore, fights the annoying constipation that affects many pregnant women. Its properties have been demonstrated in a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food .
• Improves the response to insulin, thereby preventing gestational diabetes.
• Keeps blood glucose levels stable, which helps relieve morning sickness.
• It stimulates the production of progesterone and estrogens, two essential hormones for a healthy pregnancy.
• Since it has iron, consuming oats in pregnancy helps combat fatigue and tiredness. It must be taken into account that there is evidence that a low iron intake can cause anemia.

Benefits for the baby

Since oats are rich in folates that contribute to the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy, it is highly recommended as a supplement to the diet during the 9 months of gestation.

Another reason why the consumption of oats is recommended in pregnancy has to do with the nutrients (especially protein and phosphorus) that promote the normal growth and development of the baby’s bone system. Remember that protein has been shown to be essential to ensure muscle health.

How to take advantage of oats in pregnancy?

There are many ways to eat oatmeal when pregnant. Fortunately, this cereal is very versatile and supports all kinds of combinations. Hence, it can be enjoyed as a main dish or as an ingredient in various recipes.

It is important to avoid consuming processed cereals even if they contain oats. Industrialization removes much of the nutrients from the cereal and adds too much sugar, artificial colors and flavors that do not provide any benefit.

Before purchasing commercial oatmeal breads or cookies, opt for homemade alternatives.  Here we share three recipes.

Oat pancakes

• 2 eggs
• 3 bananas.
• Honey from bees (to taste).
• A pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of butter (10 g).
• 2 and a half cups of oatmeal (250 grams).
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence (10 ml).
• 2 tablespoons of corn oil (20 g).
• 1 glass of water or oatmeal drink (250 ml).

Preparation

• Blend the oats, eggs, a tablespoon of oil, cinnamon and vanilla.
• Mash the bananas with a fork.
• Add the mashed bananas to the oatmeal mixture and stir with the same fork.
• Heat a skillet well greased with the other tablespoon of oil.
• In what is very hot, lower the heat and add a portion of the oatmeal and banana mixture.
• As soon as a few small bubbles appear in the dough, it can be turned over.
• Let the pancake brown on each side.
• Enjoy it with a little honey and fruits.

Oatmeal smoothie

• 1 liter of oats.
• 2 tablespoons of oatmeal (20 grams).
• 1 or 2 pieces of fruit of your choice.
• Brown sugar or honey (to taste).
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon.

Preparation

• Soak the oatmeal overnight. In case you forget, you can soak it for an hour before starting to prepare your smoothie.
• Once the oats are ready, add the rest of the water and blend together with the fruit of your choice.
• Sweeten to taste with brown sugar or honey.
• Serve with a few ice cubes, if desired.

You are interested in knowing: Reasons to consume oatmeal every morning

Oatmeal Cookies

• Raisins (optional).
• 1 cup of brown sugar (100 g).
• 2 and a half cups of oatmeal in flour or flakes (250 g).
• 1 stick of butter (125 grams).
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon.

Preparation

• Mix and knead the butter with the sugar, oats and cinnamon. If the dough is too soft you can put it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to harden.
• Fill a tray with butter and flour.

• Preheat the oven to 180 ° C.
• Make the cookies in the shape of your preference.
• You can add one or two raisins for cookies.
• The cookies should go into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not let them brown or harden too much, because when they cool down they will harden more.

A recommendation

When it comes to taking oatmeal in pregnancy, it is important to vary the form, to avoid falling into monotony. And remember, it is essential to look for the most natural product possible.

Note : pregnant women should be careful when adding cinnamon to their recipes, as it is not entirely safe.