Eating well during pregnancy is important because it impacts the health of the mother and the child. The baby needs an adequate supply of nutrients to develop properly. Not only this, an expectant woman’s body needs energy to cope with the pregnancy symptoms. Thus, the meals should consist of a variety of foods loaded with proteins as well as foods containing starch.
1. Adopt a Balanced Diet
With a few exceptions, you can continue to eat normal during pregnancy. Your diet should include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products and lean meats in a balanced proportion. Women are worried about gaining pounds during pregnancy. Therefore, they do not eat fats. One can eat fats in a limited amount. Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy. Increasing the intake of fiber can relieve the problem of constipation.
2. Eat Frequent Meals and Treats
A healthy eating plan should consist of frequent meals and treats. It could be a handful of nuts, a slice of fruit or a glass of freshly made juice. In the earlier stages, women suffer morning sickness and as they enter the third trimester, they are suffer acidity and heartburn. The best solution is to eat small, frequent meals. Smaller meals are easier to digest and can be great for women suffering morning sickness and acidity. It ensures that the stomach stays full. It also keeps a tab on the number of calories you consume helping you maintain healthy weight. Other snacks you can eat are humus with breads, low-fat yogurt, salads, raisins, ham and child carrots.
3. Avoid Certain Foods
Your body is more vulnerable to food-borne illnesses during pregnancy. Consuming wrong foods can cause severe health problems from indigestion to miscarriage. It is advisable for pregnant females to avoid sushi, raw eggs, Tilefish and swordfish. Give up tobacco, alcohol and coffee. Try to avoid soft cheese unless it is made of unpasteurized milk. Skip the hot dogs and deli meats for a while.
4. Get more Iron and Folic Acid
Iron and folic acid are among the most essential nutrients when carrying. Doctors usually prescribe vitamin supplements to make up for vitamin deficiencies, but it is always a better option to obtain nutrients and vitamins in their natural form. Dietary iron prevents anemia in pregnant women. Leafy greens, lean meats, peaches, kidney beans, raisins and apples are good dietary sources of iron.
As far as folic acid is concerned, it prevents birth defects in the developing fetus. Foods rich in Folate include mustard greens, avocado, oranges, strawberries, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, collard greens, spinach and broccoli. A lot of cereals are fortified with folic acid and safe for consumption during pregnancy.
5. Drink plenty of water
In addition to eating a healthy and balanced diet, you should drink plenty of water. Fluids help flush out toxins. Additionally, it prevents dehydration. It keeps the skin looking fresh and supple and keeps problems such as dry skin at bay.
The food you eat is your baby’s main source of nutrition. So, pay attention to everything you put into your mouth.
