The aim of nutrition is to provide your body with the nutrients it needs by eating a healthy, balanced diet. The body requires nutrients from food in order to function and flourish. It consists of water, vitamins, minerals, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
Pregnancy is a very special journey for all parents. Motherhood needs extra care, special attention. Because it's not about one body but two bodies. Mothers need to get enough nutrition, good thoughts, and a happy mood to have a healthy delivery. When it comes to nutrition, certain vitamins, minerals, and protein supplies have to be taken seriously. The importance of many vital nutrients has increased since conception. It is impossible to exaggerate the value of diet during pregnancy. If you make wise food decisions every day, it will be simpler to provide your child with what he or she needs to grow. It will also guarantee that you and your child gain the proper amount of weight.
What should you focus on?
Important Nutrients in Pregnancy: folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D
Folic acid is a B vitamin, i.e., vitamin B9. This vitamin may help prevent certain birth defects. You need approximately 400 mg of vitamin B9 before delivery of the child and approximately 600 mg post-delivery for breastfeeding. It is difficult to obtain this quantity from diet alone, so you can take a folic acid supplement with the advice of your doctor.
Your baby's growth and brain development depend on iron. You need more iron for both you and the growing baby during pregnancy since your body creates more blood at this time.
Calcium during pregnancy helps manage blood pressure. Calcium also makes up your infant's bones and teeth. Calcium absorption in the body is aided by vitamin D.
No matter if they are pregnant or not, all women should consume 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily. It is advisable to take supplements with a doctor’s approval and advice. Tuskca Calcium chewable tablet has most preferred calcium citrate and vitamin D3. It is sugar-free and completely safe for moms to consume one per day.
You need enough protein when you are pregnant for the strength and growth of the child. Healthy sources of protein include sprouts, beans, peas, eggs, lean meats, seafood, and nuts and seeds.
How can you avoid hydration? Another unknown nutritional problem during pregnancy is hydration. Your body needs more water during pregnancy in order to stay hydrated and nourish the developing fetus. Therefore, it's crucial to get adequate water every day. Hydrate with water, fruit juice and coconut water and feel fresh.
What about calories intake?
Your calorie needs will vary depending on your weight gain objectives. Based on factors including your pre-pregnancy weight, age, and the rate at which you acquire weight, your doctor can advise you on what your target should be. You might not require additional calories during your last few weeks of pregnancy.
Remember that not all calories are created equal. Eat nutritious foods that are high in nutrients rather than "empty calories" like those in desserts, soft drinks, and candy.
Weight management?
An ideal weight supports healthy pregnancy whereas an over weight creates problems in conceiving. Hence how much weight you should gain depends on your health and how much you weighed before pregnancy. You need to keep the balance while taking care of nutrition.
Find out from your doctor how much weight gain is appropriate for you during pregnancy. During your pregnancy, you should put on weight gradually, with the majority of it occurring in the third trimester.
Staying active by brisk walking, pre-natal yoga and exercise is highly recommended. For yoga and exercise you must consult and get expert assistance by professionals. By physical activity your digestion improves, helps lifting mood and also may help in easy delivery.
What foods to avoid during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you should avoid:
Alcohol. Alcohol during pregnancy is not advisable, it may lead to miscarriage. If you are drinking you are risking your child.
Smoking. Smoking is injurious for everyone. Carrying mothers must circumvent themselves from smoking and also stay away as a passive smoker.
Processed food. It is advisable to consume fresh and organic food and not processed ones.
Too much caffeine.Caffeine consumption could be detrimental to your unborn child. Caffeine in little to moderate doses (less than 200 mg per day) seems to be safe during pregnancy. This is roughly equivalent to 2 cups of coffee. However, more study is required. If you have any questions about whether consuming a small amount of caffeine is safe for you, speak with your doctor.
Food and hydration are important; at the same time, a sound sleep of 6 to 7 hours gives your organs rest and rejuvenates your systems. The mom-to-be needs a relaxed sleep for herself and the infant inside. Though there is happiness and excitement, there will also be anxiety and anxiousness about delivery and various other aspects of parenting. Understand that these thoughts are obvious, and with time, things will fall into place. You need to not overthink but stay relaxed. A few minutes of meditation can heal you and make you feel good. Last but not least, visit your gynaecologist for routine checkups.