Diet is important for health but it is an even bigger concern when a woman is pregnant. A healthy diet is vital not only for the mom-to-be, but also for the development of her unborn child.
Some women have no trouble eating right while pregnant. For others, this is a challenge. Some pregnant women cannot tolerate the scent and taste of certain foods.
What is a Healthy Diet for a Pregnant Woman?
Many nutrients which are considered necessary can be obtained from foods consumed. This is true whether the woman is a vegetarian or not. Eating something from all major food groups is recommended, and fruits and vegetables are essential. A pregnancy week by week calendar will provide motivation.
Protein
This promotes the development of tissues. Amino acids are necessary for the growth of organs such as the heart and lungs. Great protein sources include meat, fish, peas and beans, milk and cheese.
Fiber
Pregnant women sometimes have problems with bowel movement. Fiber in the diet can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals.
Vitamins and Minerals
These help to prevent birth defects and the most important ones are folic acid, calcium and iron. While they can be had in supplements, good food sources are green, leafy vegetables and fruits.
What to Avoid
Pregnant women should avoid alcohol, certain types of seafood and unpasteurized milk and milk products. Bacteria can lead to diseases that affect both the mother and baby and mercury in seafood can affect brain development.
Paying attention to diet can help in delivering a healthy baby. A proper diet during pregnancy aids milk production if the mother wants to breastfeed.
