A healthy diet during pregnancy is critical. During pregnancy, a woman’s body requires more nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Women may also require between three hundred and fifty and five hundred more calories a day during both the second and third trimesters.
Failing to consume the right food and vitamins may be problematic for the baby’s development. Unhealthy eating habits may create complications during birth and can also lead to certain ailments like diabetes.
In a nutshell, eating the right food and having a balanced diet is healthy for you and your baby. It is also ideal if you want to lose weight after pregnancy. In this article, we discuss good foods to consume for yourself and your baby during pregnancy.
Dairy products
Extra protein and calcium are necessary for a developing fetus. In this regard, Greek yoghurt is more beneficial for pregnant women since it contains more calcium when compared to other dairy products. Some brands of Greek yoghurt contain probiotic bacteria which is positively correlated with digestive health.
Salmon (Limited Amount)
Salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Pregnant women do not get enough of these acids which help with the development of the baby’s brain and eyes. In this respect, women are not advised to eat seafood during pregnancy due to mercury and other contaminants. This makes women sceptical of fish altogether and would tend to avoid it completely. Studies show that women who eat a limited amount of fish, of around twice a week, ensure the recommended amount of omega-3.
Eggs
Eggs are good for pregnant women due to choline. Low levels of choline may increase the chances of neural tube problems and may lead to decreased brain activity in the fetus.
Lean Meat
Certain lean meats such as beef, pork and chicken are full of iron, choline and certain B vitamins which are quite necessary for pregnant women. This is necessary because a woman’s blood volume increases when she is pregnant. This is mostly the case in the third trimester. Lower than necessary levels of iron increase the risk of anaemia, hence the chances of premature delivery and low birth weight. So eat that red meat! It is rich in iron.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, making them ideal for pregnant women. These fats help in the development of the baby’s brain, skin and tissues, and also prevent neural tube defects.
Any other healthy foods to recommend for our pregnant women?
