An Ideal Diet During Pregnancy

By Super Admin

Ideal Diet
The fact that a woman is pregnant is perhaps the happiest moment for her, as motherhood is the most wanted aspect of womanhood. There are a lot of guidelines that a pregnant woman ought to follow and of course intake of nutritious food is of prime importance during pregnancy.

The food that the mother consumes forms the intake for the foetus as it thrives on the food intake of the mother. Hence it is necessary for the mother to consume nutritious food for the foetus to grow in a healthy manner and for herself too to make her pregnancy a healthy and enjoyable period.

A good diet is inclusive of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, vitamins and good amount of water.

Protein
A good intake of protein in regular diet aids in cell growth and blood production. Fish, peanut, tofu, lean meat, poultry, egg whites and pulses are all rich in protein

Carbohydrates
Food with carbohydrates helps to produce energy that is necessary for the body. Bread, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits and vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates.

Calcium
Food rich in calcium is a must during pregnancy that aid in developing strong bones and teeth. It also helps in muscle contraction and proper nerve functioning. Milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, sardines or salmons with bones are carriers of protein. Calcium intake is very important during pregnancy, as the baby demands a high supply of calcium. So it is necessary for the mother to increase the intake of calcium to prevent the loss of calcium from her own bones.

Iron
A good intake of iron helps in the production of red blood cells that keeps anemia at bay. Lean red meat; spinach, cereals and iron fortified whole grain breads supply a lot of iron to the body. Vegetables like drumsticks and beetroots are also rich in iron

Vitamin A
Vitamins are providers of healthy skin, good eyesight and also aid in developing strong bones. Carrots, dark green leafy greens and sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamin A

Vitamin C
Citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices carry vitamin c that is required for healthy gums, teeth and strong bones.

Vitamin B6
Food rich with vitamin B6 like pork, gram, and whole grain cereals and bananas supply this type of vitamin for the body. The vitamin not only aids in the formation of red blood cells but also for the effective use of protein, carbohydrates and fat by the body.

Vitamin B12
This vitamin helps in the formation of red blood cells and helps to keep the nervous system healthy. Meat, fish, poultry and milk provide this vitamin. People who follow a vegetarian diet should take a vitamin B6 supplement.

Vitamin D
Fortified milk, dairy products, cereals and breads are all important sources of vitamin D that aids in the absorption of calcium and for the development of healthy bones and teeth.

Folic acid
Green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, peas, beans and nuts are all rich in folic acid that helps a lot in blood and protein production and effective enzyme production. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects that occur during the early stages of pregnancy. Hence a good amount of folic acid is necessary for the body before pregnancy and during the early weeks of pregnancy. Despite the presence of folic acid in one's natural diet, pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplement.

Diet For Vegetarians
It is highly challenging to provide the body the required nutrition during pregnancy if the person is following a vegetarian diet. It is very important to supplement a diet that is sans fish, poultry, meat and eggs. The pregnant woman is usually recommended to opt for vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements. It is also vital to consult a nutrition dietitian for a prescribed nutritious diet for the mother as well as the foetus.

Food To Be Avoided During Pregnancy
No amount of alcohol or smoking is advisable during pregnancy. The pregnant mother has to strictly keep away from them. Caffeine is also to be avoided as consumption of caffeine during pregnancy can cause miscarriages in the early stages.

  • Unpasteurized cheese and milk, apple cider and juices
  • Raw eggs and food containing raw eggs
  • Undercooked or raw meat, fish and processed meat
  • Fish that has mercury content in them like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish are to be avoided.

The craving for non-food items during pregnancy is called pica. Some pregnant women are naturally prone to a craving for non-food items like clay. Such craving should not be entertained as consumption of non-food items can prove to be dangerous for the foetus. It is important to consult the doctor if the urge arises.

Hence eat healthy, be healthy during and after pregnancy as your little infant thrives on your diet for a healthy living.

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