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brown rice during pregnancy
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Gynecology & Pregnancy Care
Question #14956
45 days ago
106

brown rice during pregnancy - #14956

Swara

I am 26 weeks pregnant and trying to be really careful about my diet. My doctor mentioned that eating whole grains is super important, but I keep wondering about brown rice during pregnancy. Like, can I eat brown rice during pregnancy regularly? I’ve read that it’s way healthier than white rice, and I love it! But then, I also heard some stuff about how the fiber in brown rice could cause digestive issues, especially with everything else going on in my body right now. I mean, I’ve had some bloating and gas already, and I'm not sure I can handle more discomfort. Sometimes I feel like I just need the simple carbs, you know? But then again, I want to make the best choices for my baby. I also wonder if there are any risks of eating too much brown rice during pregnancy due to arsenic content? I read a post about that, and it got me kinda scared. Should I mix it up with white rice or stick to mainly brown rice during pregnancy? Should I be worried about any possible vitamin deficiencies if I do that? Sorry for all the questions, but I’ve been stressing about this, and I just want to do what's right for both me and my baby. Any thoughts would be super helpful, thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

It’s great that you’re focusing on eating well during your pregnancy, and brown rice can definitely be part of a healthy diet. Yes, it’s often seen as a healthier option compared to white rice because it retains its bran and germ, which are sources of fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins. The fiber might indeed cause some bloating and gas, especially if you’re not used to consuming a lot of fiber, but it also helps with digestion and maintaining normal blood sugar levels. To minimize digestive issues, you might want to gradually increase your fiber intake and ensure you’re drinking plenty of water; hydration can aid in digestion.

As for arsenic, brown rice can have higher levels than white due to its outer layers. However, you can reduce arsenic intake by soaking rice overnight and washing it thoroughly before cooking. Cooking rice in excess water and draining the surplus can also help lower arsenic content. It might be wise to avoid overconsuming rice—try incorporating a variety of grains in your diet, like quinoa, barley, or oats. They also provide essential nutrients and can offer similar health benefits without relying too heavily on one source.

Mixing brown and white rice can help balance your diet, ensuring you enjoy the benefits of both simple and complex carbohydrates. You don’t need to worry about vitamin deficiencies if you’re eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods, especially if you’re taking your prenatal vitamins. However you should be cautious if you have dietary restrictions or other health considerations—consulting with a nutritionist or healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance. There’s usually no harm in enjoying different types of rice, as long as you’re mindful of portion sizes and overall dietary balance.

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