One of the most crucial periodin a woman’s life is pregnancy. Pregnancy brings in a lot of hormonal changes, mood swings, and change in appetite.
It is important for you to consume healthy food to ensure good health. Also, your food habits define the growth and development of your baby. Eating the right kind of food that provide essential nutrients will strengthen your immune system and ensure healthy growth and development of your unborn. Here’s a list of foods that you may want to include in your diet:
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vital nutrients like essential Vitamins and minerals. Fruits and veggies such as oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, tomatoes, and sprouts are a great addition to your pregnancy diet. They are a great source of Vitamin C, an important nutrient during pregnancy. In addition to these, leafy green vegetables are a must in your diet. They are rich in iron and folic acid, another nutrient essential during pregnancy. It is recommended to include at least 2-4 servings of fruits and 4 or more servings of vegetables daily.
Dairy Products
Calcium intake during pregnancy is important for the skeletal development of the foetus. At the same time it helps maintain your bone strength. Milk, paneer, cheese made of pasteurized milk, yoghurt, etc., are some options to help you get your daily dose of calcium.
Eat Enough Proteins
Eat meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein every day. Choose lower-fat varieties for a healthy intake with fewer calories. Your baby will need proteins to grow specially in the second and third trimester.
Prenatal Vitamins
The main source of vitamins should come from your diet. But, prenatal vitamins can fill the gap if you are not getting enough nutrients form the food you eat. Consult your doctor about the need for vitamin supplements and in what quantity should it be taken.