While eating during pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to be aware of all the essential nutrients that she needs to consume on a regular basis, both for herself and for her growing baby. Such nutrients are necessary for the healthy development of the foetus growing in her tummy, and ensure that her child is born healthy and well. Poor pregnancy nutrition increases the chances of birth defects including disability, poor foetal development, and low birth weight, as well as increasing the possibility of miscarriage.
A good food plan will ensure that eating during pregnancy doesn’t become a chore. There are a wide range of natural wholesome foods that will provide all the essential minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and folic acid that a pregnant woman needs. However, your doctor will most likely also prescribe prenatal vitamins to err on the side of caution.
During pregnancy a woman’s body increases in size by approximately 50%. This is perfectly normal! This indicates that there is a healthy baby growing inside the mother. A doctor would be more concerned if the mother was not gaining weight. Any concerns that a mother may have with regard to her weight should be discussed with her doctor. Do not put yourself on a diet! This will adversely affect the health of your child.
Proper nutrition also helps maintain the mothers hormonal balances and regulate other necessary changes within her body. It helps to dampen mood swings, depression, and other behavioural concerns related to pregnancy. The right food also provides the mother with more energy to move around as she carries more weight, and maintains her strength for the pending birth.
Eating during pregnancy should consist of small meals at regular intervals. This ensures a steady flow of nutrients to both mother and child. Heavy meals will have the effect of making the mother feel sluggish and tired. Big meals are definitely not recommended before going to bed at night, as the mothers body will spend all night processing the meal, and the mother will awaken feeling tired.
One of the most important pregnancy foods comes straight from the tap! Staying hydrated is important throughout the pregnancy as this ensures that all toxins are removed from the body. Calcium is sourced from dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs, and is necessary for the development of the bones and teeth.
Folic acid is one that all mothers are familiar with, as a lack of it can lead to brain damage and spina bifida. Folic acid can be sourced from dark green leafy vegetables, strawberries, oranges, and tomatoes. Iron is important for the blood, and helps prevent both mother and child becoming anaemic, and is sourced from spinach, pork, and beef, as well as oatmeal.
Eating during pregnancy means that you are now eating for two. By ensuring that you are getting the proper nutrition, you are ensuring that your baby has every chance of developing normally and can enter the world happy and healthy.