Pregnant? Diet Regimen You Must Follow!

It is important to have a healthy diet and proper nutrition for women while pregnant in order to keep themselves and their unborn baby healthy. Prenatal nutrition focuses upon the nutrition of the mother before and during pregnancy. It affects the birth weight and development of the infants. The foods that pregnant women need during their pregnancy for themselves and their child’s health are as follows

1. They should have oranges and its juice as much as possible. It is rich in Vitamin C and folic acid. It also contains potassium which lowers one’s blood pressure, which might be one of the key concerns during pregnancy. Foods containing folic acid should be taken right before conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy to avoid the birth defects of the baby in its brain and spinal cord. Other sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, beans, peanuts, asparagus, peas and other enriched grain products.
2. Having yogurt helps pregnant women. It contains protein and more calcium than milk. It also serves to reduce the risk of having yeast infections.
3. Broccoli is also a good source of calcium (for healthy bone) and is rich in vitamin C, foliate and Vitamin B6.
4. Beans and lentils are rich in iron (for healthy blood) and proteins are highly needed for the health of both the pregnant woman and her off-spring.
5. Figs, whether fresh or dried up, contains more fiber than other vegetables along with plenty of potassium, calcium and iron.
6. A healthy diet plan for a pregnant for the well-being of both herself and her unborn baby per day is as follows-
   • 6 to 11 servings of grains.
   • 3 to 5 servings of diet rich in vegetables.
   • 2 to 4 servings of diet with fruits.
   • 4 to 6 servings of diet containing milk.
   • 3 to 4 servings of meat and foods containing proteins.
   • 6 to 8 glasses of water, fruit juice and milk.
   • Limiting the consumption of fatty foods and sweets. 

     If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dietitian-nutritionist.