A nutritious diet is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, but it becomes even more crucial when you are pregnant because during pregnancy, you are not just worried about your own health, but also the growth of your unborn child. All doctors would advise you to follow a balanced diet that gives you enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and other necessary ingredients for health, and that is when millets come into the picture.

Very few people are aware of how nutritious millet can be for expecting mothers, and how these wonder grains can relieve many of your pregnancy-related health issues. Foxtail, finger millet (ragi), and pearl millet provide several nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, and are an excellent source of folate, which is necessary to inhibit neural tube abnormalities and promote the normal growth of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

Let us take an in-depth look at the benefits millet can offer you during your pregnancy.

Is it Safe to Eat Millet During Pregnancy?

Is millet safe for pregnancy is probably the first question pregnant women ask when they think about adding millet items to their diet. And the answer is, yes! Millet is perfectly safe for pregnant women and has high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, and amino acids, the nutrients essential for embryonic development. It contains an abundant amount of minerals and calcium, is a source of protein since it contains amino acids, and the antioxidants present in high concentrations in this grain save cells from harm. It also contains high levels of natural fat, protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber which are essential macronutrients and would never harm your health.

Benefits of Eating Millet During Pregnancy

In addition to providing you with vitamins, fiber, and minerals, millet-based dishes also aid in making you feel full without packing too many calories. Instead of choosing rice or wheat which offers no extra benefit for pregnant women, select any type of millet to prepare healthy, tasty dishes.

• Helps Prevent Anemia in Pregnant Women 

Red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels are frequently low in pregnant women and that may pose a risk to both the expecting woman and the developing fetus, but the iron and vitamin C present in millet aid in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells and improve health.

• Can Eliminate the Chance of Developing Gestational Diabetes

Millet has polyphenols that lower the risk of gestational diabetes and millet’s high dietary fiber content also aids in the management of obesity and elevated blood sugar which are great benefits for a pregnant woman.

• Boosts the Production of Breast Milk

Millet-based diet has this amazing benefit that no other cereal grain provides and that is the increased production of breast milk of a new mother. The elevated levels of calcium and iron that you get from millet aid in promoting the production of milk and enhancing hormonal equilibrium.

• Promotes the Baby’s Skeletal Growth

Millets are a great natural calcium source and consuming millet can help with the growth of the skeleton and bones of the unborn child.

• Cures Pregnancy-Related Constipation Problems 

Constipation is one of the many problems faced by expectant mothers and sometimes iron supplements exacerbate the condition. Millet is a great natural source of dietary fiber and when millet is regularly consumed in the right amounts, it improves bowel movement and relieves constipation.

Which Millet is Good for Pregnancy? 

• Finger Millet (Ragi)

Ragi is a great source of calcium, and calcium aids in the development of the baby’s skeletal system, and it also guards against postpartum diseases including osteoporosis and brittle bones.

• Pearl Millet (Bajra)

Pearl millet, also known as bajra, is high in folic acid and iron, both of which support the growth of brain cells of the unborn child and it keeps the mother’s hemoglobin lev

el at a healthy limit.

• Foxtail

With an abundance of calcium, fiber, protein, zinc, copper, and other minerals, this grain can help you have a healthy pregnancy and also help with fetal development.

Final Remarks 

It’s crucial to consume a healthy diet during pregnancy, and including millet in your diet can improve your overall intake of healthy nutrients. Pregnant women sometimes take vitamins, minerals, and folic acid supplements to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need, but if you include millet in your diet, you can receive these nutrients naturally and improve your health. What’s more, millet foods are easy to prepare and can be cooked in many ways, so no matter your taste, you will find millet recipes that you will absolutely love.