Pregnancy is a beautiful journey yet it can be tiresome and mother’s body goes through several changes. It is helpful and important during this time to eat well balanced healthy foods to maintain health for both you and your baby. All types of soup are appropriate at this stage of pregnancy because it’s easy to prepare, packed full of nutrients and will not upset the stomach.
Need a hot soup taken during pregnancy because it is winter or a light soup to help ease nausea in the first trimester? Soups fit each requirement. Here is all you need to know about soups during pregnancy, the benefits of taking soups, some guidelines, and great soup recipes.
Why Soups Are Perfect for Pregnancy
Soups provide several benefits, making them an ideal choice for pregnant women:
- Ease of digestion: Since soups are not very dense they are perfect during breakages because they do not mess with bloating and feelings of nausea.
- Hydration: They are watery thus contributing to the purposes of hydrating your body.
- Nutrient-packed: This way, you get to have vegetables, proteins or even herbs in your diet plan once you consume the soups.
- Comforting: The warmth that is offered by soup can help to relax part of your body more so the senses during winter.
Just picture yourself slurping on vegetable soup for breakfast during pregnancy with some bread stick on the side while the cold season starts – comfort food, indeed!
The Best Soups for Pregnant Women
1. Tomato Soup: A Classic Choice
Tomato soup proves to be one of the delicious and comfy dishes during the first trimester. It contains vitamin C which enhances the body immune system and also aids in the absorption of iron.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- A pinch of garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of black pepper
- Coriander leaves
- A pinch of oregano
Method:
- Soften the tomatoes by boiling them in water, then gently peel off the skin.
- Mash the tomatoes with a little water so that you get a soupy type consistency.
- Cook the puree in a pan and thin it down with water, as required.
- Sauté garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano. It can be garnished with coriander leaves and it should be hot.
Must See: Indian Breakfasts avoid during pregnancy
2. Broccoli Soup: Green Goodness
Also known as Cabbage Soup, Broccoli soup is good for expectant mothers, rich in fiber, calcium, antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup milk
- ½ onion
- 1 tsp oil
- Salt to taste
Method:
- Stir fry chopped onion and leave on one side.
- Steam broccoli in water until they are tender and mash through a blender.
- Warm milk in a pan add pinch of salt and pepper lastly stir in the broccoli puree.
- Stir until well mix and serve warm.
3. Chicken Soup: Protein Power
Moms-to-be who take chicken also have their meals of choice: A bowl of soup cannot beat this mouth-watering dish. It is also an excellent source of protein essential for your baby’s development.
Ingredients:
- 100g boneless chicken
- 10 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- You need 1 ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour (maida)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Fry the chicken with garlic until tender, then set it aside.
- Melt butter in the pan, put in flour, stir it for one minute.
- Add the cooked chicken to water and simmer until it reaches a boil.
- Remove from oven and place the content of the pan onto a serving dish; sprinkle with a little salt and pepper; serve with breadsticks.
4. Spinach Pasta Soup: A Unique Twist
Folate is needed in large quantity during preconception period and it is found in spinach thus its importance to the baby’s growing neural tube. Eat with pasta to make it very fulfilling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pasta shells
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 5 garlic cloves
- Salt to taste
Method:
- We cook the pasta to the al dente and then drain the pasta into a colander.
- Mix the spinach which has been blanched with garlic in a blender till you obtain a paste like consistency.
- Heat milk, sprinkle some salt and pepper, add in spinach puree.
- Pour the pasta into the water, boil for a few minutes and, voila!
Vegetarian Soups for Pregnant Women
There is a number of options for vegetarian moms to be like lentil soup, carrot ginger soup, sweet corn soup etc. These are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber to keep your energy up and your body in top shape.
What About Indian Soups for Pregnant Women?
Indian foods are lots of tasty recipes of different soups that are good for pregnancy. Some popular choices include:
- Dal shorba: A nutritive soup made from lentils and spiced Indian style.
- Rasam: Delicious tamarind soup with tomato, spices, and garnished with coriander to help with digestion.
- Vegetable clear soup: A simple broth consisting of fresh vegetables in accordance with the prevailing season.
These soups can be easily prepared and fit in the peculiar tastes and demands of indian moms.
What Chinese Soup Is Good for Pregnancy?
When pregnant, one can enjoy Chinese soups such as the chicken corn soup, vegetable hot– and sour soup, and tofu broth. They are highly refined, delicious, and boast high levels of key essential nutrients. However, its important not to take soups containing high in monosodium glutamate MSG or sodium.
Knorr Soup During Pregnancy: A Convenient Option
Instant soups like the Knor can help to act as quick solutions when you have less time to spend in the kitchen. They are good but should be taken occasionally; they contain preservatives as well as high sodium content.
It is better to order fresh homemade soups every time you order because you never know what they have used to prepare it.
Best Soups for Pregnancy Nausea
If you’re struggling with nausea during pregnancy, these soups can help:
- Tomato soup: Because it has a sour taste, it helps relieves nausea.
- Vegetable clear soup: Light and easy to digest.
- Carrot-ginger soup: Nausea can be relieved by ginger.
Tips for Making the Perfect Soup During Pregnancy
- Use fresh ingredients: The soup should contain properly washed vegetables, lean meat staple foods, and as many leafy herbs as possible.
- Avoid too much salt: High amount of salt also results in retention of water.
- Add spices carefully: Some vegetables like carrots are allowed but try not to take soups that are very spicy like chicken soup with ginger and or turmeric.
- Experiment with textures: For instance, some people prefer thick soup while others prefer their soup to be more water like, you can get all types.
Craving Comfort This Winter? Try These Soups
A hot soup is well preferred during the winters hence makes this season suitable to take soup when pregnant. That way, for instance you can opt to take veg soups for pregnant women and for Indians you will find Indian soups; and for general category you find vegetable soups to keep you warm.
Conclusion
It is more than a delicious meal – it is a kind of food that helps you during pregnancy. From the top soups for pregnancy morning sickness to dense vegetarian’s soups for pregnant women we have recipes for all.
Here, we share to you some of the easiest to follow recipes for soups that are not only comforting but packed with loads of nutrients as well. So grab your favorite cup and read on to help you have a healthier pregnancy and a better you!
