Pregnancy is a time when you should be enjoying delicious and wholesome foods that are ideally nutrient-dense.

After all, nutrition is part of the foundation of good health (via theWorld Health Organization).

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to eat only fruits and veggies.

Pregnant woman eating popcorn

A balanced eating plan is one that includes all food groups and tastes good.

Eating should be enjoyable and satiating.

Furthermore, carbohydrates provide the necessary energy that your cells need to keep your body going.

Popcorn in a bowl

There aresome foods you should avoid while pregnant.

However, no food should be off-limits during pregnancy as long as it’s safe to eat.

It helps to choose a food plan wisely (viaMayo Clinic).

Microwave popcorn in a bag

The tasty treat also contains fiber, which can help with pregnancy constipation.

A three-ounce serving contains an impressive 15 grams of fiber (viaHealthline).

Polyphenols are even thought to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

That means thateven if you eat popcorn every day, it’s not necessarily bad for you.

Popcorn is alow glycemic index food that will give you a burst of energy, according to WebMD.

In early pregnancy, popcorn can be a lifesaver when you’re able to’t hold much food down.

It’s plain enough to not upset an already upset stomach yet also has nutritional value.

Then you could enjoy a bag of steaming flavored popcorn in a couple of minutes.

Yet that comes with certain risks during pregnancy.

The bags that microwave popcorn come in are lined with “next-generation” long-chain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

Keep in mind, not all popcorn is the same.

Microwave popcorn is often basked in the chemical Diacetyl, which is intended to create a buttery flavor.

However, the CDC noted that the chemical can negatively affect lungs.

The best popcorn is the kind that you make at home.

Using an air popper to make your own popcorn also allows you to control what goes on it.