There is an enormous variety of foods out there and a responsible mother-to-be will want to know exactly what foods to eat when pregnant, because she knows that her choices will affect her health and the health of her unborn baby. By choosing her pregnancy foods wisely, the pregnant woman reduces considerably the possibility of pregnancy complications such as low birth weight and developmental disorders, amongst others.
Eating the proper pregnancy foods not only ensures good health, but also helps the pregnant woman maintain her energy levels which allows her to carry out her daily activities, which becomes more important as her pregnancy progresses and her baby develops inside her.
The best pregnancy diet to follow is one that has just enough amounts of everything! In other words, women are required to eat foods from all food groups, especially those that are natural and free of additives and preservatives.
One of the most important foods to eat when pregnant that people usually forget about is fluids! Fluids like water, juices, and soups are very important because they keep the expecting mother hydrated, and hydration helps avoid early labor, constipation, bladder infection and keeps the skin healthy.
Pregnancy foods have to contain proteins. Proteins are essential for the baby's development since they help with the cell development of almost all the major organs of the baby's body including the brain and the heart. Proteins can be found in meat, chicken, fish, cereals and nuts. 60 to 80 grams per day of protein is needed, which is equal to 3-4 servings.
Calcium is another crucial nutrient in the pregnancy diet because it helps develop strong and healthy bones and teeth and can be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurts. Minimum daily requirements are approximately 1200 mg to ensure good health for you and your baby.
When considering what foods to eat when pregnant, make sure you choose foods that are rich in iron; this nutrient is very important for the production of blood as your baby grows. A lack of iron in the pregnancy diet can lead to anemia for both mother and baby. 30 mg a day of iron intake is needed.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is essential for tissue repairs and it also aids with the development of the immune system. Vitamin C can be sourced from foods such as lemon, orange, strawberry, broccoli and green beans. An average intake of 80 mg per day is required.
Carbohydrates are a very important part of the pregnancy foods because they provide the expectant mother with the energy required to go about her the daily activities. Bread, pasta, potatoes and rice are rich with carbohydrates, and a pregnant woman needs an average of 6 servings per day.
By considering what foods to eat when pregnant and changing your diet accordingly, you are giving your unborn child a fantastic chance of developing normally and coming into the world happy and healthy. Your doctor will also monitor your pregnancy diet and will most likely prescribe pre-natal supplements that will ensure you are receiving all the vital nutrients that you and your baby need.
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