Watermelon as Medicine and Important Considerations for Pregnant Women

1. Watermelon in Traditional Medicine

Watermelon, known for its refreshing sweetness and high water content, is not only a popular summer fruit but also highly valued in traditional medicine for its cooling, detoxifying, and diuretic properties. However, for pregnant women, consuming watermelon requires careful consideration to ensure safety for both mother and baby.

According to the book “Vietnamese Medicinal Plants and Herbs” by Professor Dr. Đỗ Tất Lợi, watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is widely grown in Vietnam. In the South, it is harvested before and after the Lunar New Year, while in the North, the season lasts from April to July.

In traditional medicine, watermelon is believed to have a sweet taste and slightly cold nature, with benefits such as heat relief, detoxification, and diuresis. It is often used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, kidney inflammation, edema, jaundice, diabetes, alcohol intoxication, fever, and dehydration.

2. Medicinal Uses of Watermelon

Dr. Hoàng Khánh Toàn, former Head of the Traditional Medicine Department at Military Hospital 108, highlights that all parts of the watermelon, including its rind, seeds, and flesh, can be used medicinally. Here are some common remedies:

Treating diarrhea: Dry 20g of watermelon rind and boil it with 500ml of water until reduced to 300ml. Drink this in 3–4 portions throughout the day.
Relieving fever, headaches, dizziness, and excessive sweating: Boil 20g of dried watermelon rind, 20g of honeysuckle flowers or stems, and 10g of bamboo leaves in 500ml of water for 15 minutes. Drink the mixture in three servings per day.
Blood sugar control: Brew 2–3 teaspoons of dried watermelon seeds in hot water for 30–45 minutes. This tea helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports liver function, making it beneficial for diabetics and those with lipid metabolism disorders.
Cooling and detoxifying drink: Blend 600g of seedless watermelon flesh with 500g of peeled pineapple (soaked in light saltwater for 1 minute). Extract the juice and mix it with 300ml of cooled boiled water. Sugar can be added if desired. This beverage helps hydrate, refresh, and improve digestion.

3. Benefits of Watermelon for Pregnant Women

Watermelon is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and essential plant compounds, offering multiple benefits for pregnant women:

Reduces heartburn and acid reflux: Watermelon soothes the esophagus and stomach, alleviating discomfort caused by acid reflux.
Eases morning sickness: Drinking fresh watermelon juice in the morning can help reduce nausea and promote well-being.
Prevents edema (swelling): The high water content in watermelon helps reduce fluid retention in the blood vessels and muscles, alleviating swelling in the hands and feet.
Hydrates and prevents dehydration: With 91% water content, watermelon maintains adequate hydration, supports blood circulation, preserves amniotic fluid levels, and prevents constipation.
Flushes out toxins: Watermelon acts as a natural diuretic, aiding in toxin elimination, improving kidney function, and reducing uric acid levels in the blood.
Boosts immunity: The high antioxidant content, particularly lycopene, helps fight infections and inflammation.

4. Important Considerations for Pregnant Women Consuming Watermelon

While watermelon offers numerous benefits, pregnant women should be mindful of the following:

Avoid excessive consumption: Overeating watermelon can raise blood sugar levels and cause digestive issues.
Do not eat chilled watermelon: Eating watermelon that is too cold may cause stomach cramps. It is best to let it reach room temperature before consuming.
Wash the rind before cutting: This prevents bacteria and chemicals from contaminating the flesh.
Consult a doctor: If you have a history of gestational diabetes or other health conditions, seek medical advice before adding watermelon to your diet.

Conclusion

Watermelon is a highly nutritious and hydrating fruit that offers many benefits for pregnant women, including reducing nausea, relieving swelling, preventing dehydration, and boosting immunity. However, it should be consumed in moderation, with precautions to ensure safety. If you have any concerns, consult a healthcare professional before making watermelon a regular part of your pregnancy diet.