We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
A well known saying goes, when a woman is pregnant, she’s not just eating for one but for two. An expectant mother needs a minimum of 300 more calories per day and must be aware of the importance of nutrition during pregnancy. during her pregnancy. This article has been written by taking the advice from leading dieticians and nutritionists who are experts at maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
Here’s some of the topics that we will be covering in this article, that will be a nutritional guide during your pregnancy. The three most important parameters that you must consider as an expectant mother during her pregnancy are as follows:
1. Weight gain that is appropriate to the trimester of pregnancy
2. A balanced diet that meets your nutritional requirements for pregnancy
3. Supplements such as vitamins and minerals that support the pregnancy
Appropriate calorie intake during pregnancy
During your pregnancy you need to increase your calorie intake to supplement the needs of your body and the health of the baby developing inside you.
Some of the best foods to supplement your nutritional requirements for pregnancy are proteins, fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates and whole grains, as well as foods that are rich in fiber.
During your pregnancy, it’s important to note that you should reduce your intake of sugar. Consuming limited amounts of sugar during the pregnancy helps maintain your blood sugar levels, and encourages healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
Consulting a nutritionist during your pregnancy will give you an insight of how much weight you must gain to be healthy, and also what food best suits this weight gain. Remember, that having a healthy weight during pregnancy can reduce some of the uncomfortable symptoms like constipation and nausea.
Fluid intake and hydration
During your pregnancy it is important to be sufficiently hydrated as your body needs to maintain the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus. It is strongly recommended that you drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water everyday during pregnancy.
Doctors and midwives recommend that you consume at least 1.6 to 2 liters of water daily to replenish the amniotic liquid, flush out toxins and aid with digestion. Water also helps to build new tissue, producing more blood that is required during the pregnancy.
Under no circumstances should you consume alcohol during your pregnancy as this can seriously affect the development of your child.
What are the ideal foods that I must add to my diet during my pregnancy?
In this section we will talk about the nutritional requirements for pregnancy you can include in your diet so that you can have a happy and healthy pregnancy. These foods are easy to digest, are rich in vitamins and nutrients, have lots of fiber, and supplement your body with healthy fats and building blocks for tissue production. Below you will find some nutrition information for pregnancy:
Vegetables to add to your pregnancy diet
Some of the vegetables that are great to add to your diet include carrots, cooked greens like french beans and broccoli, pumpkin which is rich in iron and fiber, spinach which is also rich in antioxidants and iron, sweet potatoes, peas and capsium which are all rich in potassium and Vitamin A.
Fruits that are great during pregnancy
The importance of nutrition during pregnancy includes fruit. If you are craving something sweet during your pregnancy, then fruits are a healthy and natural addition that is better than sugar and is also rich in fiber and potassium.
According to nutritionists, the best foods to consumer during the pregnancy period are Apricots, bananas , melons like watermelon and muskmelon, honeydew melon, mangoes and oranges, prunes and grapefruits. All these fruits are rich in potassium and are mild on the stomach, helping in the extraction of digestive juices and contributing to gut health.
Dairy and milk products
Dairy is rich in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D and potassium. All of these vitamins and nutrients are very important for the proper functioning of the body and womb during pregnancy and the healthy development of the fetus.
The best type of milk recommended during pregnancy is skim milk or low fat milk. If you are lactose intolerant you can make an addition of Soy milk to your diet that is rich in proteins and healthy fats. Curd or low fat yogurt is recommended during the pregnancy period.
Proteins and amino acids
Some more nutrition tips during pregnancy are that during gestation your body requires a healthy amount of protein to aid with the development of new tissue as your womb grows. For an addition of proteins to your diet, it is recommended to eat fish like salmon, trout and sardines. Consuming poultry like chicken is fine during pregnancy. You can also add a few healthy nuts like almond, kaju and walnuts to your breakfast or meals. All of the above foods are also rich in amino acids that your body requires during the pregnancy.
Avoid these foods during your pregnancy
Just as there are foods that are good for your pregnancy, there are some foods that are not suitable for pregnant women. In this section we will cover some of the foods that you should avoid during your pregnancy.
- Dairy products that are unpasteurized are not recommended during the pregnancy as they may contain bacteria. Do not consume dairy products like yogurt and cheese that are not pasteurized.
- Raw and uncooked seafood like sushi should be avoided at all costs. Hot dogs, sausages and tinned meats should be cooked and properly heated before being eaten.
Homeopathic Supplements for pregnant women
As mentioned earlier in the article, vitamins, iron and calcium play an important role during the pregnancy to supplement the body and help with the proper growth of the fetus within the womb.
Homeopathy has been used for a long time due to its scientifically proven benefits during pregnancy. Homeopathic supplements are made from natural ingredients that offer a rich source of macro-nutrients to the body.
Here are some supplements that you can add to your diet during your pregnancy. Some of the supplements can also be used by lactating mothers.
Bakson Calci Aid
Bakson Calci Aid tablets are homeopathic calcium supplement that are effective for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Its proven attributes are that it reduces fatigue, and improves the mental health of expectant mothers by countering stress. Calcium supplements are also taken to strengthen the bones and teeth during pregnancy. It reduces the risk of fractures as the body gains weight during pregnancy. It also maintains the elasticity of tissue as the body changes during gestation.
Bakson Ferrum Plus Iron Tonic
During pregnancy, the body has a natural tendency to demand more iron. Also, the body may need some assistance for the absorption of iron that is consumed through food. Ferrum Plus is the homeopathic tonic that can give you these benefits through a natural supplement that is rich in Ferrum Lacticum - one of the least astringent forms of iron.
Ferrum Plus Iron tonic is also a supplement without side effects that can help to correct anemia which is caused by the loss of blood or low blood cell count.
Baksons Alfalfa Tonic
During pregnancy, one often faces physical fatigue and a loss of vitality and vigor. The gain of weight during pregnancy can make a woman feel tired early in the day, or make her feel tired when doing simple tasks.
Alfalfa Tonic is a homeopathic tonic that should be taken three times a day. It restores the freshness and vigor in the body of a pregnant woman. It stimulates digestion, and improves the appetite, hence helping in necessary weight gain of pregnant women. Alfalfa tonic also aids in cleansing the intestines and relieves constipation when pregnant.
Alfalfa is an ideal supplement for lactating women. For the dosage, you can take a teaspoon of Alfalfa and then drink a glass of cool, clear water.
Homeopathic supplements are safe during pregnancy and have no side effects. They supplement the body with important nutrients and minerals that every pregnant woman needs for a happy and comfortable pregnancy. For more information on homeopathic products that you can use during your pregnancy, visit the products section on the official Bakson Homeopathy Website.