Pregnancy is a crucial stage for women and utmost care should be taken during this period. Their needs become more demanding and as the physical changes occur, special considerations are set. With regards to the proper diet for pregnant women, here are some useful tips to remember.
Eating right
Eating the right kind of food is important for the baby inside the mother's womb to develop and grow into a very healthy being. An additional 300 calories should be consumed by a pregnant woman so that she would be able to provide all the necessary nutrients that the baby will need while inside its mother's womb. Eating a balanced meal may be harder with the onset of vomiting and bouts of nausea during the early months of pregnancy and this may test you.
Variety is important
You should eat a variety of foods to ensure that all the nutrients that you need will be absorbed by the body. Eat only a little amount of sweets and fatty foods. A generous amount of wheat and grains, fruits, vegetables, high-protein meat, and dairy products is important. High fiber goodies like pasta, rice, cereals, and fruits should also be taken.
Vitamins and minerals
Make sure to take all the necessary vitamins as well as minerals daily. A special vitamin supplement for pregnant women is also available and should be taken regularly so that all the needed vitamins and minerals is recieved by the body. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor on which kind of vitamin supplement will be best for you.
Vitamin C and Vitamin A
Women who are pregnant require at least 70 mg of Calcium everyday. To meet this requirement, eat a lot of vitamin c rich fruits like strawberries, oranges, papaya, grapefruits, tomatoes, cauliflower, and sprouts. For your vitamin A needs, eat carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips, pumpkins, and apricots. But should also monitor how much you take since too much of vitamin A might cause fetal defects or malformations.
Things to avoid
SOme of the things to avoid during pregnancy are: alcohol intake - alcohol has been connected to birth defects, premature delivery, and mental retardation among others. caffeine intake should be reduced to less than 300 mg. a day. It is present in many drinks like coffee, tea, and sodas. Cholesterol and fat intake should also be reduced to less than 30% of the calories you take everyday. Don't eat shellfish and rawfish especially clams and oysters. Some types of cheese should also be avoided since they have not been pasteurized and may cause infections.
When sick eat the following
Morning sickness and diarrhea or constipation are fairly common during pregnancy. During this times, it is advisable to eat crackers, pretzels, and cereals if you are having morning sickness. For constipation, fresh fruits and vegetables and a lot of water is important. For diarrhea: applesauce, oatmeal, bananas, and wheat bread are recommended.
These are some of the things a pregnant woman should take during pregnancy. It will ensure that both the mother and the baby will be healthy and is taking the right nutrients and vitamins. Remember, discipline and responsibility is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Take only healthy foods and avoid fatty and high cholesterol treats. Alcohol and cigarettes are definite no-no's when it comes to this matter. Keep your focus and after you have delivered the baby, you will say to yourself that it was worth all the sacrifice.
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