15 Healthy Snack Ideas during Pregnancy

One of the most important things you can do while pregnant is to eat healthy snacks. Luckily, there are several healthy snack ideas for pregnant women. 

Aside from fruit, nuts are also great sources of vitamins and minerals. During your pregnancy, it’s best to opt for organic and free-range eggs. These are rich in DHA, an essential fat for the baby’s brain. 

Dried fruit and nuts are also good options. They can be carried with you and eaten whenever you feel hungry. These foods provide essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, fibre, protein, and vitamins. 

If you don’t have time to cook, try mixing up different foods to create delicious snacks. Ginger snaps are one of the traditional pregnancy snacks that are both healthy and delicious. In addition to popcorn, you can also opt for fresh-pressed juices.

In this article, we will discuss 15 healthy snack ideas during pregnancy. Read on if you are pregnant and looking for a healthy snack to eat. 

What Are The Healthy Snacks During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, women crave different types of foods at odd hours. Apart from eating meals, you also need healthy snacks to keep your baby healthy and soothe your cravings. 

While many different types of snacks are available in the market, they are not safe to eat. These snacks are processed and contain artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives. They are not safe for your baby.

If you want to eat snacks, it is best to choose healthy options. You can easily prepare these snacks at home in a few minutes to avoid hunger at nighttime. Calcium is one of the essential nutritional elements for your growing baby. 

You can eat cottage cheese as a snack as it is rich in protein. One snack-size cup of cottage cheese contains 69 milligrams of calcium and 14 grams of protein. Cottage cheese also provides 71 micrograms of folate, a nutrient that supports the development of the baby’s spinal cord. 

Healthy snacks during pregnancy include olives. They are full of healthy fats, which will satisfy your cravings for salty foods during pregnancy. Furthermore, olives help to reduce the risk of heart disease and have anti-inflammatory properties.

15 Healthy Snack Ideas during Pregnancy

Among the many nutritious snacks for pregnant women are almonds, which are packed with fibre, protein, heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and disease-fighting phytochemicals. These nuts are particularly beneficial during pregnancy and can be eaten whenever hunger strikes. Apart from almonds, you can eat many other things. Here are the 15 healthy snack ideas for pregnant women. 

• String Cheese and Almonds

Nuts are an easy and healthy snack for pregnant women. They are rich in folate, protein, and healthy fats. They are also very filling and can be stored in the fridge. A handful of almonds or string cheese with a piece of firm fruit makes an excellent snack for moms on the go. Unlike other foods, they don’t require a lot of preparation. This snack option contains a high amount of calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients for pregnancy.

• Yoghurt

There are many reasons to consume yoghurt while pregnant. It contains probiotics and calcium, essential nutrients for the growing fetus. In addition, the probiotics found in yoghurt help boost the immune system of the mother and the baby. Yoghurt is also high in iodine, which supports the baby’s growth. Yoghurt is also a good protein source and contains beneficial gut bacteria.

• Sliced Vegetables and Hummus

If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your baby and your belly, try hummus and sliced vegetables. Hummus is an excellent source of plant-based protein and healthy fat, and can be easy to make at home. Slicing vegetables is a healthy way to get plenty of fibre and other nutrients. These veggies contain antioxidants, phytonutrients, and vitamins that support your immune system. Dip them in hummus for a satisfying snack that contains fibre and protein. 

• Egg on English Muffin

Eggs are an ideal food for expecting mothers. They are packed with essential nutrients like protein, choline, selenium, phosphorus, and riboflavin. They are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help promote a healthy vision in your unborn child. For a satisfying snack, prepare an egg on an English muffin. This delicious breakfast will give you energy for hours. 

• Cottage Cheese With Berries

A slice of cottage cheese provides a satisfying protein and calcium boost in just a one-ounce serving. Cottage cheese is a protein and calcium-rich food that can satisfy a sweet tooth. It can also be eaten with berries or nut butter. Cottage cheese contains eleven grams of protein in one serving, which makes it a great choice for pregnant women.

• Ginger Snaps

Ginger snaps are a good snack idea for pregnant women. They are full of healthy fats and contain dates, which are great for late pregnancy. Women who eat dates are less likely to need to undergo induction or augmentation during labour. The ginger content in these snacks also eases menstrual cramps. They can also help prevent irregular menstruation. Ginger snaps are a good snack option for pregnant women who have low energy levels.

• Rice Cakes With Nut Butter Spread

If you are planning to eat healthier while pregnant, there are plenty of healthy snacks to choose from. Rice cakes with nut butter spread are a great option because they provide an added dose of protein. A rice cake with a peanut butter spread is also a great option. This snack can help you stay fuller longer. Also, high-fibre foods are good for your digestion. 

• Greek Yogurt and Fruit Parfait

Greek yoghurt and fruit parfait is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while meeting your nutritional needs. This frozen treat is rich in protein and contains calcium, vitamin B, and fibre. You can also add sliced banana and flax seeds. Greek yoghurt provides one-fifth of the daily requirement for Vitamin A, which is important for your baby’s eyes. 

• Melon

Melons are the best healthy Indian snacks during pregnancy. They are a perfect choice for pregnant women as they contain many nutrients. They have a cooling effect on the stomach and can help alleviate common pregnancy symptoms. Watermelon comes in both fruit and juice form and is rich in minerals and vitamins. It may also regulate blood pressure. 

• Smoothie

A Smoothie is a great choice for a snack for pregnant women because it has a lot of benefits. For one thing, it has lots of fibre, which helps to keep you regular and also reduces your blood sugar levels. You also get a boost of iron, which is very important during pregnancy. Also, it contains protein, which is essential for building the baby’s body. 

• Boiled Eggs

When it comes to nutrition, eggs are a great choice for pregnant women. Not only do they provide a high-quality source of protein, but they also contain healthy fats. The yolk of the egg contains almost all of the micronutrients a woman needs for her baby’s development. It contains 126 milligrams of choline, an essential nutrient for the development of the fetus.

• Avocado Toast

A variety of ingredients can be incorporated into avocado toast. Start with a slice of whole grain bread, then top with avocado slices. Avocado is rich in potassium, folate, healthy fats, and fibre. For a variety of flavour options, try topping the avocado toast with dried cranberries or seeds. Avocado toast is a tasty and nutritious snack that is low in calories and high in fibre.

• Granola Bars

When it comes to snacks for pregnant women, granola bars can be a great option. These bars are delicious, healthy, and are an easy way to get nutrients without having to worry about storing them in the fridge. Pregnant women should look for bars that have less than 10 grams of sugar per bar and at least three grams of fibre. The ingredients found in granola bars are also beneficial to the baby.

• Roasted Chickpeas

Many expectant mothers are worried about gaining too much weight during the last months of pregnancy. Luckily, chickpeas can help pregnant women maintain a healthy weight and avoid gaining fat. These legumes also help maintain a healthy body and promote the growth of the baby. This is the best option if you are looking for healthy Indian snacks during pregnancy. 

• Bananas

Bananas are one of the best foods to include in your pregnancy diet. They provide a satisfying and filling texture and are rich in calcium and potassium. They also contain fibre and may help with leg cramps. Bananas are especially recommended for pregnant women who are experiencing morning sickness. 

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are several foods to avoid during pregnancy. The food you eat during your pregnancy will have a large impact on your baby’s development. You should limit your consumption of these foods and make sure to read all food labels carefully. The following are some of the most important foods to avoid during your pregnancy:

• Raw shellfish
• Deli meat
• Raw or uncooked meat
• Smoked seafood
• Fish containing mercury 
• Raw eggs
• Soft cheeses
• Alcohol
• Unpasteurised milk
• Caffeine 
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Foods high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat

FAQs

• What Can I Snack On At Night While Pregnant?

If you’re a pregnant woman who has a craving in the middle of the night, you can eat healthy snacks. Some options for healthy snacks during pregnancy are fruits, low-fat cheese, yoghurt, crackers, cottage cheese, apples, peanut butter, etc. 

• How Much Protein Should Pregnant Women Eat?

When you are pregnant, your body’s needs for protein increase. Your growing baby needs protein to develop and grow. Ideally, pregnant women should consume 60 to 70 grams of protein a day, but this can depend on their weight, age, and activity level. Consult your healthcare provider to determine your specific needs. 

• Is It OK to Eat Chips While Pregnant?

No, it is not safe to eat chips while pregnant. First, chips contain high amounts of fat and calories, so they’re not good for your unborn child. Plus, most chips are deeply fried, which removes nutrients. Lastly, eating chips can negatively affect your pregnancy.

Conclusion

Eating healthy snacks during pregnancy is important for the growth and development of the baby. While you may crave junk food and greasy or sugary snacks, it is best to avoid them. Instead, you can switch to healthy snacks like yoghurt, cottage cheese, smoothie, eggs, fruits, etc. These snacks contain essential nutrients that help you stay healthy and avoid pregnancy complications. These snacks are easily available and can be prepared in a few minutes. So, if you crave a snack at night, go for healthier options.