PREGNANCY DIET

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Pregnancy Diet Care Routine screening for Goals Healthy Diet During Pregnancy Iron Acid Protein Fiber Vitamin Calcium Avoid During Pregnancy When to Call the Doctor

Pregnancy Diet

Many mothers and their babies did not survive pregnancy and the birth process. Today, good prenatal care can significantly improve the quality of the pregnancy and the outcome for the infant and mother, When searching for best pregnancy diets, it is crucial that you seek advice from your doctor and childbirth care-givers. What you eat makes a difference to you and your baby, and right now you want the best for the little one in you.

Understanding what you need is the key to healthy eating during pregnancy. So keep the following in mind when deciding on which diet is the best pregnancy diet your baby and you.

Care

  • Good nutrition and health habits before and during pregnancy.
  • Frequent prenatal examinations to detect early problems.
  • Routine ultrasounds to detect fetal abnormalities and problems.

Routine screening for

  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Rubella immunity
  • Blood type problems (Rh and ABO)
  • Diabetes
  • Genetic disorders if a family history or the age of the mother presents a high risk
  • Blood pressure abnormalities
  • Urine protein

Goals

  • Monitor both the mother and baby throughout the pregnancy.
  • Look for changes that may lead to a high-risk pregnancy.
  • Explain nutritional requirements throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.
  • Explain activity recommendations or restrictions.

Address common complaints that may arise during pregnancy (for example, backache, joint pain, nausea, heartburn, headaches, urinary frequency, leg cramps, and constipation) and how to manage them, preferably without medications.

Women who are considering becoming pregnant, or who are pregnant, should eat a balanced diet and take a vitamin and mineral supplement that includes at least 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid. Folic acid is needed to decrease the risk of certain birth defects (such as spina bifida).

Pregnant women are advised to avoid all medications, unless the medications are necessary and recommended by a prenatal health care provider. Women should discuss all medication use with their providers.

Pregnant women should avoid all alcohol and drug use. They should not smoke. They should avoid herbal preparations and common over-the-counter medications that may interfere with normal development of the fetus.

Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Consuming products prepared from whole grain like chappatis, breads, pasta and noodles.

Just as a lay person it is important to consume five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. One should continue this habit even after pregnancy.

Cut out high calorie food and fatty foods too. This would include consuming low calorie dairy products and lean non veg ingredients. It is advisable to reduce the intake of sugary food products. Increase in blood sugar levels could increase your chances of gestational diabetes.

Iron

Iron is extremely important for pregnant women because iron is the building block of cell formation; it is important for the growth of the baby. Iron helps in the physiological changes during pregnancy, it also responsible for increasing the volume of blood.Lack of iron can lead to pre mature birth and a low weight baby. Hence pregnant mothers are regularly checked for iron.

Sources of iron:

Chicken, mutton chops, fish

Dark leafy vegetables – like broccoli and spinach Also include pumpkin, tomatoes, asparagus, beetroot, mushrooms, beans and lentils. Watermelon, grapefruit, oranges, apples, banana, strawberries Whole grains

Fall out: Sadly, iron does not get absorbed easily from non veg products, therefore pregnant mothers are advised to consume vitamin C. It helps in the absorption of iron.

Acid

Folic acid, folate, vitamin B goes by different names but is essential for mothers. Folic acid aids the growth of the baby which helps prevent birth defects of the spine and the brain. Vitamin B is important for the functioning for the brain and the nervous system even for an adult.

Sources of folic acid:

  • Cereals
  • Beans
  • Papaya
  • Berries
  • Green veggies
  • Mushroom
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Spinach
  • Brinjal

Protein

Along with iron, amino acids present in protein also forms as a component of the building blocks of cell formation. Protein intake increases in the second and third trimester.

Sources of protein:

  • Poultry – lean meat
  • Beans
  • Dairy
  • Eggs

Fiber

Lack of fiber will leave you in pain and feeling uneasy. Constipation is caused due to lack of fiber, it can also cause piles. You can have an easy going pregnancy by avoiding certain foods for constipation.

Sources of Fiber:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, French beans, green peas and spinach Cooked vegetables are better for the digestive process than raw veggies.
  • Whole grains
  • Fruits – Peaches, pineapple, pear, berries, apples and papayas Dried fruits

Vitamin

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is important for the growth of lings, heart, kidney, eyes, bones, the nervous system, prevents infection and fight fat metabolism. Vitamin A also helps in post partum issue repair.

Sources of Vitamin A:

  • Carrots
  • Sweet potato
  • Dark green veggies
  • Dried apricots
  • Papaya
  • Tomatoes
  • Peaches

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required by the body for the development and maintenance of scar tissue, blood vessels, and cartilage.It acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy.

Benefits Of Vitamin C:

  • Fight infection
  • Repair tissue
  • Heal wounds
  • Growth of bones
  • Improves absorption of iron

Sources of Vitamin C:

  • Orange juice
  • Kiwi
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Strawberries
  • Cabbage
  • Sweet potato
  • Baked potato with skin
  • Raspberries

Fall out: Lack of Vitamin C results in impaired mental development.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D maintains the proportions of calcium and phosphorus.

Sources of Vitamin D:

  • Fish
  • Cereal
  • Egg yolk
  • Sunlight

Fall out: Lack of Vitamin D can lead to rickets, skeletal deformation, abnormal bone growth, delayed physical development.

Calcium

Calcium

  • Calcium helps in bone development.
  • Sources of Calcium
  • Dairy products
  • Broccoli, green leafy vegetables
  • Oranges
  • Beans
  • Fish
  • Almonds

Avoid During Pregnancy

  • Alcohol drinking in pregnancy may affect child’s IQ.
  • Avoid calorie rich food, food cooked in oil, poultry with fat on it.
  • Avoid drinking preserved or packaged juices; it contains additional sugar and preservatives.
  • Remember your diet has to be well balanced.

When to Call the Doctor

  • Call for an appointment if you suspect you are pregnant, are currently pregnant and are not receiving prenatal care, or if you are unable to manage common complaints without medication
  • Call your health care provider if you suspect you are pregnant and are on medications for diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures, or high blood pressure.
  • Notify your health care provider if you are currently pregnant and have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, chemicals, radiation, or unusual pollutants.
  • Call your health care provider if you are currently pregnant and you develop fever, chills, or painful urination.
  • It is urgent that you call your health care provider if you are currently pregnant and notice any amount of vaginal bleeding, the membranes rupture (water breaks), or you experience physical or severe emotional trauma.