Rhubarb is a tart, fibrous stalk vegetable usually cooked and sweetened for pies and compotes. It offers calcium, vitamin C, and fiber, making it a flavorful way to add nutrients to desserts.
Why it's good in pregnancy
Calcium supports your baby's developing bones and teeth while helping maintain your own bone density. Vitamin C aids iron absorption and immune health, and fiber helps keep digestion comfortable as pregnancy progresses.
Key nutrients
CalciumSupports the development of your baby's bones and teeth and helps maintain your own bone health.
Vitamin CBoosts immune function and helps your body absorb iron more effectively.
FiberHelps ease constipation, a common concern in the second and third trimesters.
Serving ideas
Stewed with a touch of sugar as a compote
Baked into a fully cooked crumble or pie
Simmered into a sauce for yogurt or oatmeal
Cooked down and blended into a smoothie base
Added to a fruit crisp with apples or berries
Safety
Wash thoroughly before use.
Only eat the stalks — rhubarb leaves contain compounds that are toxic and should always be discarded, never cooked or eaten. Wash the stalks thoroughly to remove any soil or residue, then trim the ends before chopping. Cook rhubarb until soft, typically with a bit of sweetener to balance its tartness, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a few days. Choose firm, crisp stalks without blemishes when shopping.
Common questions
Is rhubarb safe to eat during pregnancy?Yes, the cooked stalks are safe in normal food amounts, but the leaves must always be avoided as they contain toxic compounds.
Can I eat rhubarb raw?Raw rhubarb is very tart and tough; cooking it is recommended for both taste and easier digestion.
Does rhubarb help with pregnancy constipation?Its fiber content can support regular digestion, though it's best enjoyed as part of a varied, fiber-rich diet.
Did you know?
Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, though it's most often prepared like a fruit.
Its leaves are inedible, but the tart stalks become sweet and mellow once cooked.
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