Do water chestnuts help pregnant women in any way? Yes, they do. Consumption of water chestnuts helps in treating hypertension during pregnancy and improves fetal growth in the womb. Water chestnuts contain Vitamin C that helps build the immunity of mom and the baby. Calcium in water chestnuts is good for the development of your baby’s teeth, bones, and gums. It is also a rich source of important nutrients like copper, manganese, and potassium.