Healthy Diet during Pregnancy
August 3, 2008 – 1:24 pm
Health during Pregnancy
Eating a lot during pregnancy does not mean it is healthy. It is true that the baby takes the major nutrition from you, but everything you eat does not go directly to baby. You should lead a moderate, healthy diet and consulting a doctor is recommended. Doctors generally give a list according to your age, weight, and baby’s situation, leading such a list is the best way. Healthy diet during pregnancy gives a healthy life for both you and your baby and you do not gain much weight. Gaining approximately 9 – 12 kilos is found suitable.
What to Eat during Pregnancy
You do not have to change your diet, your taste and your choices; however a balanced diet is essential. You should eat fresh vegetables and fruit; this is the main rule.
Calcium intake is important especially for the few weeks; development of bones and teeth depends on calcium. Cheese, yoghurt, milk and green leaf vegetables are rich in calcium; these should be the basic things of your diet during pregnancy.
Protein consuming is a major part of the diet. Your need for protein increases during this special period. Fish, meat, cereal and milk based foods are good protein sources. Along with these, meat free from fat is rich with protein.
Vitamins, especially taking vitamin C, are good for you and for your baby. It protects you against illnesses, but it is not conserved in the body, so vitamin C should be taken daily. Fresh fruit and vegetables are consumed for C vitamin; orange, strawberry, potato and tomato are just some of the fruit and vegetable types rich in vitamin C.
Folic acid develops the nervous system of the baby. It should be taken daily and fresh green vegetables are rich in folic acid. Cooking vegetables reduces the amount of acid, so they should be consumed without cooking. From spinach, cauliflower and nuts, you can take folic acid.
Fibrous foods make digestion easier and fibrous is found in fruit and vegetables, additionally it is found in bran products. Rice, leek, green pea and bran bread are some fibrous foods.
What NOT to Eat during Pregnancy
Do not eat anything that you think can be harmful for you, especially for your baby. Before eating, be sure whether it is harmful or not. Keep in mind that food does not give any harm to you while you are not pregnant but pregnancy is a different process and being more careful is required.
Milk and milk based products are essential during pregnancy, but you should be selective. If the products are not fresh, they make an opposite effect, so pay attention to this. Caffeine consuming is a debatable subject, the moderate consuming is good, but excessive caffeine harms your baby. Do not drink coke, coffee and tea more than three cups in a day. If you want to drink herbal tea, know the side effects of herbal tea, it can cause undesired effects.
Diet of a normal person consists of oil intake. If you are pregnant, you should pay more attention to oil choice. Olive oil or corn oil is good for you. Excessive salt and sugar consumption can cause problems such as tension and gaining weight. Be more selective about what you eat while you are with your little baby inside yourself.