The ghee consumption while pregnant is always in debate. Many expectant mothers are often in a dilemma about whether ghee is good or bad for pregnancy. Well, this blog can answer all your concerns about this particular food.

According to many fertility experts, ghee is considered a good addition to the pregnancy diet. They also claim that the consumption of a moderate amount of ghee during pregnancy can aid in digestion, fetal development, postpartum stress, lactation, stretch marks and many more. Some theories claim that ghee during pregnancy can help with vaginal delivery. Let’s scroll down to understand more about the ghee in pregnancy.

Benefits of Ghee During Pregnancy

Ghee, especially derived from the grass-fed cow, is generally safe to consume during pregnancy. Its benefits can range from improving skin glow to reducing stretch marks in expectant mothers. Ghee is indeed the chief source of healthy fats. It also has a partial amount of nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Even though the ghee contains saturated fats, moderate consumption is recommended in a balanced diet.

Listed below are some of the most important benefits of ghee when consumed in pregnancy.

• Aids in Digestion
  Ghee during pregnancy can significantly help with improving digestion and relieving constipation. Both of which are common discomforts while pregnant. Ghee can help with improving gut health. It can also help with absorbing nutrients from other foods. This is possible because of the butyric acid in the food. It can also help with regulating metabolism due to its healthy fats, especially medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Although the moderate intake of tea can improve digestion, too much consumption can result in indigestion.
• Aids in Fetal Development
  The healthy fats in ghee, especially omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, play a key role in developing the fetus’s overall nervous system and brain. They are also helpful in developing cognitive skills and their functions in the fetus. Furthermore, its other essential nutrients may help support the fetus’s neurological development.
• Provides Energy
  The healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-9 in ghee play a significant role in enhancing energy levels in both the maternal and fetal body. This is possible throughout the pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. These fats are also helpful in ensuring that both the mother and the baby receive the nourishment they need.
• Supports Hormone Balance
  The presence of a type of healthy fat named CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) in ghee is beneficial in supporting hormonal balance. It is also beneficial in improving immunity, reducing inflammation, minimising mood swings, and comforting other discomforts that are associated with pregnancy.
• Aids in Lactation
  Studies show that ghee can indirectly aid in producing breast milk for new mothers. The ability to absorb nutrients from both ghee and other foods can significantly help with enhancing milk flow after childbirth. However, it is essential to have a consultation with the healthcare provider before including ghee in your diet, both while pregnant and postpartum.
• Reduced Stretch Marks
  Ghee can significantly nourish the skin as it is rich in vitamins A and E and healthy fats. Some believe that these nutrients play a part in improving the elasticity of the skin, thus reducing the stretch marks while pregnant. However, there is very minimal scientific evidence to confirm the claim. They also state that genetics, hormonal changes, rapid weight loss or weight gain are the significant contributors to stretch marks.
• Helps with Postpartum Stress
  Ghee is believed to manage postpartum stress. The presence of nutrients in the food can potentially enhance mood and brain health, which are somehow impacted after childbirth. The consumption of a moderate amount of ghee after childbirth can significantly reduce depression and contribute to overall well-being.
• Ease the Labour
  Some individuals believe that the ghee, while pregnant, can primarily help with easing labour and childbirth. They believe that it can help with lubricating the birth canal and elasticity in the pelvic muscles. All of which can largely help with easing the labour. Even though there is very minimal scientific evidence to confirm the claim, ghee can indirectly help with it. This is because the ability to absorb essential nutrients, provide energy, boost immunity, prevent excessive bleeding, and maintain muscle elasticity can indirectly contribute to this claim.

Different Types of Ghee Recommended During Pregnancy

There are several types of ghee available for consumption during pregnancy. They may differ in providing various health benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. The types may include:

• Organic Cow Ghee
  Organic cow ghee is generally prepared from the farm-grown milk of cows. This means that they are fed only organic feed. These cows do not have any exposure towards antibiotics or synthetic hormones, which are given to regular cows to produce more milk. The ghee is also made without adding chemical additives or preservatives. Hence, it is highly suggested for expectant mothers.
• A2 Cow Ghee
  A2 cow ghee is derived from a type of cow’s milk that only produces A2 beta-casein protein. A2 cow ghee is well-known for its good digestive capability. This type of ghee is most often recommended for pregnant women as it can aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, and support fetal development.
• Gir Cow Ghee
  Gir cow ghee is made from the milk of Gir cows, which are a native Indian breed. This type of ghee is also well-known for its A2 beta-casein protein. This means that they help with easing digestion, especially in pregnant women, like A2 cow ghee. The process of making the Gir cow ghee largely involves an Indian traditional method called “bilona”.
• Bilona Ghee
  Bilona is an Indian traditional method of hand-churning the butter milk. The process is made to get butter, and then ghee. This traditional method of bilona can largely be used to produce ghee from any type of cow’s milk. But it is well-known for being used with A2 cow's milk. Experts claim that bilona ghee is generally good for pregnant women as it provides more nutrients.
• Desi Buffalo Ghee
  Desi buffalo ghee is made from the milk of Indian buffaloes. It is commonly known for its distinct flavour as well as its rich creamy texture. The desi buffalo ghee is largely considered to have more nutrition when compared to cow ghee. Furthermore, along with providing healthy fats, it also helps in regulating hormone production.

Expert Advice on Consuming Ghee During Pregnancy

While the ghee is generally safe to consume in moderate amounts, certain individual exemptions are advised due to potential weight gain or health conditions.

Listed below is a detailed breakdown of the exemptions that are advised by the medical experts.

• Heart Health
  Individuals with existing heart conditions should be cautious of consuming ghee while pregnant. This is because the excessive amount of ghee in their diet can negatively impact heart health due to its high saturated fat content. This highly saturated fat can spike the levels of bad cholesterol. This can lead to the development of heart diseases in expectant mothers, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.
• Weight Management
  When the consumption of ghee is limited, studies show that it can significantly help with managing weight. This could be more effective, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. On the contrary, too much consumption can lead to weight gain or obesity. This is quite possible as the food contains more calories and saturated fats.
• Digestive Issues
  Individuals with pre-existing gut health conditions or a sensitive stomach should be cautious of including ghee in their pregnancy diet. This is because it can cause indigestion, bloating, or diarrhoea. Furthermore, it can also cause discomfort in individuals who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gallbladder problems.
• General Moderation
  Even for individuals without any medical condition, limiting the intake of ghee is highly suggested. This is because the rich source of saturated fat in ghee has the possibility of increasing cholesterol levels, especially bad cholesterol (LDL), in the maternal body. This can ultimately impact gut as well as heart health. In addition, individuals with intolerance towards dairy products should also be cautious of including ghee in their pregnancy diet.

Summary

Ghee is predominantly considered a good choice in the pregnancy diet. The food is beneficial in enhancing digestion, supporting fetal development, improving lactation, reducing stretch marks, easing postpartum stress, and more. However, excessive consumption can develop several health issues. Having a consultation with a professional healthcare provider is highly suggested before including ghee in your diet, particularly if you have any of the above-listed conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: Is it true that ghee promotes vaginal delivery?
Some traditions believe that the ghee during pregnancy can help with easing labour and childbirth. They believe that it can help with lubricating the birth canal and elasticity in the pelvic muscles. All of which can largely help with easing the labour. Even though there is very minimal scientific evidence to confirm the claim, ghee can indirectly help with it. This is because the ability to absorb essential nutrients, provide energy, boost immunity, prevent excessive bleeding, and maintain muscle elasticity can indirectly contribute to this claim.

2: Does ghee make the developing baby obese?
The answer to the question is no. Ghee during pregnancy can primarily nourish the developing baby in the mother’s womb when consumed in limited amounts. It can help with managing the weight of both the mother and the baby. Conversely, the excessive consumption can lead to weight gain or obesity in both of them.

3: How can I include ghee in my food while pregnant?
You can include ghee in your food as a topping or include it in foods like dhal rice or parathas. You can also include it in homemade savouries or sweets. However, remember to consume them in limited amounts.

4: Do all the available ghee products in the market contain preservatives?
The answer to the question is no. Not all the available ghee products in the market contain preservatives. Some come without additives or preservatives by labelling pure ghee. However, it is suggested to check the label and the list of ingredients before purchase.

5: Where can I get Bilona ghee in Chennai?
You can get bilona ghee in Chennai from various options like local dairy farms, organic food stores, or speciality retailers. However, make sure to check if the label of the product contains bilona ghee.