Prenatal Care and Diet: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The type of diet that pregnant women must consume should be such that they get adequate nutrition for themselves and the baby. It is extremely important to seek your doctor’s opinion before including anything in your diet or modifying it.

Food tips during pregnancy

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet is very important for the proper growth and development of the baby.
• A variety of fruits and vegetables must be consumed. Fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet as they contain many important nutrients, specifically folic acid and vitamin C.
• Fruits such as grapefruit, orange and vegetables such as tomatoes and broccoli should be consumed.
• It’s a great idea to eat dark green leafy vegetables as they are excellent sources of folic acid.
• Pregnant women should also consume an adequate amount of protein. For this, they need to consume foods such as beans. Do not eat raw eggs and uncooked meat though. It is best to abstain from eating fish that contain high levels of mercury.
• To meet the daily requirements of calcium, you need to consume dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk. Calcium is important for the proper development of bones and teeth. Women who do not eat calcium during pregnancy could later suffer from problems such as osteoporosis.
• A balanced diet will also help improve nausea and constipation.
• They should consume food that is thoroughly cooked and is fresh. They should avoid the consumption of undercooked meat, seafood, and poultry.
• They should also ensure that the milk, cheese, and juices they consume are all pasteurized.

Drinks and beverages

• It is also important to keep your fluid intake regular. Pregnant women should drink several glasses of water in addition to soups and juices.
• However, pregnant women should not consume tea, coffee, and aerated drinks as they contain caffeine.
• Alcohol should be avoided at all costs.
• Pregnant women should also abstain from the consumption of artificial sweeteners, diet sodas, and diet colas.