Pregnancy is a very delicate period for everyone involved, from the parents and families to the fetus. Thus, everything done during that period must be aimed at the health of the baby and mother. Proper nutrition is a major determinant of how healthy the mother and child will be during and after the pregnancy period.
This article highlights some of the most nutritious foods for pregnant women. During pregnancy, it is important for the mother to consume higher quantities of protein, calcium and vitamins amongst other essential nutrients. Here are some of the best sources of the essential nutrients for pregnant women.
Dairy products
Dairy products contain a lot of calcium, protein, vitamins, phosphorus and magnesium. Another benefit of dairy products is the probiotic bacteria which they contain. Probiotic bacteria in dairy products improve the intestinal immune system and reduces the chances of complications during childbirth. Dairy products also reduce the chances of developing allergies.
Cereal
Breakfast cereals contain a lot of folate which is a nutrient that is even more important during pregnancy. Folate is a type of vitamin which is highly recommended for pregnant women. Cereal is a fortified food that provides folate. The quantity of folate recommended per day for pregnant women is 400 mg, and this quantity can be gotten from fortified foods or vitamin supplements. Others sources of folate black-eyed peas and asparagus. Increased consumption of folate has also been linked to the proper development of the nervous system of the baby and prevention of neural defects.
Eggs
Eggs are an essential part of the diet of pregnant women for several reasons. Firstly, eggs are sources of proteins which are made up of amino acids which build up and repair cells. Since the baby will be developing new cells for every part of their body, the mother’s diet has to include a lot of protein. Eggs also contain choline, a nutrient essential for proper development of the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
Beans
Beans is a notable source of protein, and this is one of the reasons why it is an essential part of the diet of pregnant women. Beans also contain essential nutritional components such as iron, potassium and essential fatty acids which both the mother and child need critically at the period of pregnancy. Beans also contain a lot of fiber which aids digestions and prevents constipation.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are essential parts of the diet of pregnant women because of their nutritional components. Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A which is necessary for healthy development of the fetus.
Vitamin A is needed for the proper development of the fetus and increased consumption of sources of vitamin A should be prioritized during pregnancy. Sweet potatoes also contain fiber which is essential for ease of digestion.
Pregnancy diet is aimed at ensuring that all goes without a hitch. The food which pregnancy women consume should be aimed at providing them with strength and nutrients needed for the proper all-round development of the child.
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