Food places an important role in one’s health, hence it is important to eat the right food, if you want to stay healthy. Pregnant women should always be eating healthy foods as, it is important for safe child bearing. During pregnancy your body requires extra nutrients and minerals. You need 350 to 500 calories each day for 2nd and 3rd trimesters. When you lack certain nutrients in your diet, it affects the development of the baby. Under-eating and over-eating is also unhealthy as, it increases the risk of diabetes and birth complications.
1. Dairy product
It is important for you to take extra protein and calcium, when pregnant because the developing fetus needs it. It is the best source of calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin-B, magnesium and zinc and there are two types of dairy and they are casein and whey. Yogurt is profitable for pregnant women because, it has different kinds of probiotic bacteria which aids in digestion. Even lactose intolerant can eat probiotic yogurt. Probiotic yogurt lowers the danger of complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, allergies and even vaginal infections.
2. Legumes
These plants are one of the best sources of fiber, protein, iron, folate and calcium which are all needed by pregnant women. Folate is B (9) and it is important for the health and the fetus in the first trimester. Unfortunately, most pregnant women do not take quite enough folate. This can cause neural tube defects and low birth weight.
3. Sweet potatoes
Beta Carotene is a plant compound which is changed into Vitamin A in the body and is found in sweet potatoes. Vitamin A’s importance cannot be stressed enough, because it is important for growth and separation of cells and tissues. This is important for the development of the fetus, hence, its importance for pregnant women. Note though that the pregnant women should not take too much of Vitamin A from animal based sources because, they can cause toxicity as you over eat it. These makes plant based Vitamin A (Carotene) healthier, hence, it is important of taking sweet potato by pregnant women.
4. Salmon
This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are very essential for pregnant women. Women tend to avoid salty sea food because of doctor’s advice to eat it only about 2 or 3 times a week. As a result they do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Omega three has been shown to develop brain and eyes of the fetus.
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