Diet During Pregnancy

Posted on March 3, 2009 in Latest News

Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is very important for you and your baby’s health. Good nutrition will be a determining factor for a healthy pregnancy. Food that you eat would be directly related to the health of your baby. Clinical evidence shows that malnutrition in mothers can put the unborn child at the risk of diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancers and heart disease later in life.

Your body’s nutritional needs would change during pregnancy. From the onset of the third trimester, women would feel hungrier. During the first three months of the pregnancy fetal development requires protein, folic acid, vitamin B12 and zinc. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters the baby will grow rapidly and your body would require higher amounts of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA).

Calories – During pregnancy you need to increase 300 Kcals in your diet everyday to provide adequate nutrition to your baby. Weight gain is also essential in pregnancy. Women who don’t gain enough weight during their pregnancy will pose the risk of low birth weight to their babies. Such babies, would have greater risk of developmental and health problems. Don’t skimp your calories. Eat diet which is rich in both proteins and carbohydrates.

Proteins – Protein is extremely essential for strengthening your muscles, uterus, breasts and your baby’s tissues. A pregnant woman would need an average of 65g of protein every day during pregnancy. Lower intake of proteins can lead to intrauterine growth restrictions while higher than required protein intake can cause lower birth weight or small-for-gestational age babies. Include protein rich foods like –

Remember, proteins, calcium, folic acid, iron, vitamins and minerals are the most essential nutrients for prenatal nutrition.

 Fats – The average requirement of fat for pregnant women is 40g. Include enough fats and oils in your diet. Excessive usage of fat would make you overweight and lead to other complications in your pregnancy. Restrict your intake of fried foods, mayonnaise, cakes, biscuits and fast foods. Focus on good fats that is the DHA during pregnancy. You would need to take about 300mg of DHA everyday. The DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid that is vital for the brain development and vision development of your baby.

Carbohydrates – Focus on good carbohydrates like cereals and whole grains. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet. They would be rich in energy and also provide you enough roughage to keep constipation at bay. Avoid sugary foods as much as you can so that you prevent yourself from getting overweight.

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