Tips for Eating Healthy During Pregnancy

• 07/08/2021
• 0

No doubt, having a baby is an exciting moment that inspires a woman to adopt a healthy lifestyle for herself as well as for her baby. Although a healthy diet is required for day-to-day life yet it becomes essential if you are having a baby in your womb. A mom-to-be whatever eats or drinks during her pregnancy that becomes a source of nourishment for her baby. So it is a recommendation by experts for mom-to-be that she should add a variety of healthy foods and beverages that may provide essential nutrients to the baby’s needs for growth and development.

Every woman’s body requires different types of food plans so you should consult the Best Gynaecologist in Chandigarh to discuss diet plans. Some healthy tips for a pregnant woman are mentioned below that include what to eat and what not to eat when you are pregnant.

1. Pregnancy Nutrition: – A pregnant woman needs more calcium, proteins, folic acid, and iron as compared to a woman who is not pregnant. Folic Acid is helpful in preventing birth defects in the baby’s brain and spinal cord, known as neural tube defects. Calcium is required to build a baby’s bones and teeth. To fulfill the requirement of iron, iron-rich foods are recommended such as a glass of orange juice at breakfast with an iron-fortified cereal. Protein is helpful in building important organs for the baby such as the brain and heart.
2. Foods to Eat: – To achieve the goal of healthy pregnancy and baby, all pregnant women must add five food groups in their diet and these are: – fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and dairy products.
3. Fruits and vegetables: – During pregnancy, a woman must consume a lot of fruits and vegetables in their meal especially during the second and third trimesters. The colorful fruits and vegetables have the capability to fulfill the need for fiber, vitamins, and minerals for a pregnant woman and her baby.

• Lean Proteins: – Lean protein is important for a baby’s growth. Meat, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Beans, Tofu, Cheese, Milk, Nuts, and seeds are rich sources of protein.
• Whole Grains: – Whole grains are the source of energy that provides fiber, iron, and vitamin B to an unborn baby and mom so it is advised to eat oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta, or bread and brown rice during pregnancy.
• Dairy: – A pregnant woman should consume dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese which are rich sources of calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

If you have any kind of doubt regarding preferred food items during this period then you can consult the Best Lady Doctor in Chandigarh.

4. Foods to limit: – Some foods such as caffeine, fish of low levels of mercury, and some beverages can harm your baby if you are pregnant so some certain foods and beverages should be limited. A pregnant woman can take 200 mg of caffeine per day. Consumption of more quantity can be a cause of miscarriage. Although fish is considered a good source of lean protein because it contains a healthy fat named Omega 3 but it is safe if eaten 8 to 12 ounces of cooked fish or seafood a week.

5. Foods to Avoid: – Some foods such as fish with high levels of mercury, unpasteurized or raw meat, and alcohol should not be taken by a pregnant woman. The consumption of fish containing high mercury can damage the developing brain and nervous system of an unborn baby. Unpasteurized milk and food made from it should be avoided completely because pasteurization means to heat the product at high temperature and it kills the harmful bacteria and in an unpasteurized product, harmful bacteria are present that can harm the baby. If alcohol is consumed by a pregnant woman then it is passed to the baby through the umbilical cord that can create physical problems, learning as well as behavioral difficulties in babies and children.

6. Pregnancy Diet Misconceptions: – It is often said by elder people that a pregnant woman has to “eat for two”, it doesn’t mean that she has to double her diet. Actually, in the first three months, there is very little or no requirement to consume extra calories. Most of the women experience “Morning Sickness” due to avoiding eating in the morning that is a bigger mistake committed by them. Sudden urge or strong dislike for food during pregnancy is a common thing.

Pregnancy is the most precious period of every woman’s life so it is advised to take proper care of herself and the baby in the womb. It is essential to talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy. Regular check-ups are required to monitor mom and baby’s health. Everyone should choose the best doctor as well as the best Pregnancy Clinic in Chandigarh so that she may visit there in time of emergency.