Apricot During Pregnancy-Benefits and Risks

November 22, 2025

Apricots are tiny golden-orange fruits that are fully packed with nutrition, making them a popular choice among pregnant women. Alternatively, it can be eaten fresh or dried as a refreshing and healthy diet option during pregnancy. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote the health of both mother and fetus.

Moderation and proper selection are the most effective considerations for conserving all benefits and avoiding potential risks associated with apricots. Keeping in line with this, let's discuss the nutritional profile, benefits, and precautions of having an apricot during pregnancy and how to incorporate them into your everyday diet. 

Also Read: Essential Nutrients Required During Pregnancy

Nutritional Value of Apricots

Apricots are often referred to as small nutritional powerhouses. Every single bite is packed with a combination of important vitamins and minerals that are crucial during pregnancy.

  • Iron: Supports the production of red blood cells and helps prevent anaemia, which is a common concern in pregnancy.
  • Vitamin A (as Beta-Carotene): Crucial for the baby’s eye, skin, and tissue development. Beta-carotene from plant sources is safer than preformed vitamin A (retinol).
  • Vitamin C: Enhances immunity, supports tissue repair, and increases iron absorption.
  • Potassium: Helps control blood pressure and eliminates water retention and swelling.
  • Fibre: Prevents constipation and supports smooth digestion.
  • Calcium: Helps the mother and also enables the baby to have strong bones and teeth.
  • Antioxidants: Protect  cells from oxidative stress, promoting good general vitality and healthy skin.

Apricot, consumed during pregnancy, either raw or dried, is a nutritious snack that keeps the energy level replenished and yet is easy on the tummy.

Benefits of Eating Apricots During Pregnancy

1. Prevents Anaemia

Apricots are naturally rich in iron and copper; together, they enhance haemoglobin formation in the body. Consuming fresh or dried apricots during pregnancy in small amounts can help maintain healthy iron levels; a lack of iron can result in fatigue and eventually anaemia.

Also Read: Anemia in Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

2. Improves Digestion

Pregnancy hormones usually slow down digestion, leading to constipation. Apricots contain fibre, which adds bulk to the stool and promotes healthy bowel movements.

3. Promotes Baby's Growth

Apricots are packed with vitamins A and E, respectively responsible for cell growth, vision development, and tissue repair. These nutrients help ensure the healthy development of your baby during pregnancy.

4. Boosts Immunity

Apricots, with a good dose of vitamin C, help the immune system, allowing the body to fight off infections and recover from tiredness more effectively.

Also Read: Citrus Fruits During Pregnancy: Benefits, Nutrition, and Tips

5. Maintains Electrolyte Balance

Potassium in apricots helps regulate muscle function and maintains electrolyte balance to reduce swelling, cramps, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.

6. Supports Hydration & Skin Health

The high water content of fresh apricots, in addition to beta-carotene and antioxidants, helps keep the skin hydrated and imparts a natural glow. These also help maintain the elasticity of tissues, which is helpful during the changes within the body.

Also Read: How Much Water to Drink When Pregnant

Tip: Choose ripe, thoroughly washed apricots and consume them fresh whenever possible.

Dried Apricots vs Fresh Apricots

Fresh Apricots:

Fresh apricots are lightweight, juicy, and full of vitamins. Their high water content aids in hydration, making them perfect during hotter months. They are low in calories and sugar, just right for a quick snack or for fruit salads.

Dried Apricots:

On the other hand, dried apricots are concentrated sources of nutrition. They are particularly high in iron and fibre; hence, they should be good for women who frequently suffer from anaemia or constipation. However, they are also higher in calories and naturally sugar-rich

  • Consume only 3–4 dried apricots in a day to avoid excessive sugar or vitamin A intake.
  • Always choose unsulphured, preservative-free varieties and wash them before eating.
  • In short, dried apricots for pregnancy are highly nutritious but do need portion control and quality.

Possible Risks and Precautions

Though apricots come with many advantages, their excessive consumption or low-quality ones can have several side effects.

  • Vitamin A Overdose: High intake may cause overload with retinol, a form of vitamin A that might be harmful to fetal development. So, consume it in moderation and avoid supplementation unless prescribed
  • Digestive Upset: Overconsumption of dried apricots may lead to bloating, gas, or mild stomach cramps due to their high fibre content.
  • Allergies: Apricot allergy, though infrequent, can cause itching or rashes in hypersensitive people.
  • Sugar Concerns: Dried apricots are high in natural sugar content, which may raise blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes.
  • Chemical Preservatives: Dried apricots are sometimes treated with sulphur dioxide to prevent spoilage, which can irritate the respiratory passage or even spark allergic reactions.

Note: Consult your gynaecologist or dietician before adding apricots or any new fruit in large amounts during your pregnancy period.

How to Safely Include Apricots in Your Pregnancy Diet

Wash the apricots before eating them.

  • Consume 1–2 fresh apricots per day or 3–4 dried pieces as a snack.
  • Add them to fruit salads, smoothies, yoghurt, or oatmeal.
  • Avoid canned or syrup-preserved apricots, as they contain excess sugar.
  • Enjoy them, but preferably as a morning or mid-day snack to support digestion and energy.

This balanced approach will help you enjoy apricot benefits for pregnancy without overloading on sugar or vitamin A.

Book an online appointment with  for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

When to Avoid Apricots?

Avoid apricots if:

  • You have gestational diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels.
  • You are bloated or have sensitive digestion.
  • Your doctor advises limiting your intake of vitamin A.
  • You're consuming preserved dried apricots that contain sulphites or additives.

Moderation and medical advice are key to ensuring an apricot in pregnancy supports, rather than complicates, your health.

What Sets Cloudnine Apart?

With expert gynaecologists, dietitians, and maternal care specialists all under one roof, Cloudnine offers evidence-based nutrition guidance tailored to each stage of pregnancy. Be it managing food sensitivities or gestational diabetes, or designing a balanced diet rich in fruits like apricots, every recommendation is grounded in clinical precision and compassion. 

Equipped with advanced prenatal facilities and round-the-clock support, Cloudnine ensures every woman is safe, informed, and well cared for along the entire journey of pregnancy, thus helping the woman make the best choices for herself and her growing baby.

Conclusion

Apricots are among those nutritionally enriched fruits that one can have during pregnancy, as they contain iron, fibre, and antioxidants in abundance. If taken in moderation, apricots prevent anaemia, facilitate digestion, and help in the development of the fetus. Overconsumption or low-quality dried apricots could be dangerous, though, so be aware and ask your doctor for guidance when consuming them.

With the right balance, apricots can be refreshing and nourishing additions to the diet in pregnancy, aiding strength, energy, and overall well-being.

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Gynecologists in Hyderabad
  2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
  3. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
  4. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
  5. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
  6. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
  7. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
  8. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida
  9. Top Gynecologist near me in Panchkula
  10. Best Gynecologist in Ludhiana
  11. Top Gynecologist In Delhi
  12. Top Gynecologists in Faridabad
  13. Top Gynecologists in Lucknow
  14. Top Gynecologists in Ghaziabad

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Maternity Packages in Bengaluru
  2. Best Maternity Packages in Chandigarh
  3. Best Maternity Packages in Chennai
  4. Best Maternity Packages in Faridabad
  5. Best Maternity Packages in Gurugram
  6. Best Maternity Packages in Hyderabad
  7. Best Maternity Packages in Ludhiana
  8. Best Maternity Packages in Mumbai
  9. Best Maternity Packages in New Delhi
  10. Best Maternity Packages in Noida
  11. Best Maternity Packages in Panchkula
  12. Best Maternity Packages in Pune

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does apricot have hot or cold properties for the body?

Apricots are considered mildly warm but balanced. They can be safely eaten in moderation during pregnancy.

2. How many apricots can I consume daily?

You can consume 1–2 fresh apricots or 3–4 dried apricots per day, according to your doctor’s advice.

3. Is apricot good for pregnancy?

Yes, apricots are rich in iron, fibre, and vitamins, which help in fetal development and the well-being of the mother if taken in moderation.

4. Is an apricot high in sugar?

Fresh apricots are low in sugar, but dried apricots contain concentrated natural sugars. If you have gestational diabetes, always watch portion sizes.

Get the right solution today

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Maternity
Gynaecology
Fertility
Neonatal Care
Paediatric Care
NICU
PICU
Radiology
Physiotherapy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Breastfeeding Support
Allied Services
Stem Cell Banking
Bengaluru
Chandigarh
Chennai
Faridabad
Ghaziabad
Gurugram
Hyderabad
Jalandhar
Lucknow
Ludhiana
Mumbai
New Delhi
Noida
Panchkula
Pune
//form validation// //form validation 2//