Diet for pregnant women: foods and habits that are allowed and not recommended
What is the diet for pregnant women that ensures the well-being of both the mother and the fetus?
Nutrition is one of the most influential factors in a person's health—regardless of their age, physical condition, or personal situation. This is no different during pregnancy. However, during this stage, it takes on even greater importance, as it will affect not only the mother's well-being but also that of the fetus.
One of the first objectives that the diet must meet is the maintenance of a weight suitable for pregnant women. This should not gain less than 10 or more than 15 kg.
On the other hand, hydration is essential. Having enough fluid in your body will help the pregnancy progress properly. It will also play a role in important issues such as the formation of amniotic fluid and temperature regulation. Therefore, we recommend: drink between 4 and 8 glasses of water a dayThat is, 1 to 2 liters daily.
Likewise, should be a basic part of your diet:
- fruits and vegetables in abundance,
- the bread,
- whole-grain rice and pasta
- or legumes (the latter in moderate quantities).
The contribution of Calcium should be significantly increased by the intake of:
- orange juice,
- broccoli –if you don't suffer from gas-,
- sardines…
- and the consumption of ½ or 1 liter of skimmed milk per day or its equivalent in yogurt or fresh cheese.
Diet for pregnant women: foods and habits to avoid during pregnancy
Just as important as following a balanced and varied diet is avoiding certain foods, cooking methods, and unhealthy habits, such as:
- Reduce consumption of fatty foods of animal origin: bacon, butter, sausages…
- Reduce consumption of sugary foods, especially pre-made ones: cakes, sweets, candies, chocolate…
- Limit the consumption of shawl and use herbs and spices as seasoning.
- Avoid consumption of those Fish whose risk of being contaminated by mercury It is larger –they tend to be large-: swordfish, shark, dogfish, pike and bluefin tuna.
- Avoid consuming raw fruits and vegetables that have not been washed previously.
- not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish y avoid fried or battered foods.
vitamins during pregnancy
Vitamin complexes are intended to ensure optimal levels of nutrients and minerals. Obstetricians will prescribe the most appropriate supplements based on your needs; the most recommended are:
- Folic acid.
- Iodine.
- Vitamin B Complex.
- Iron.
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
Is following a healthy pregnancy diet enough?
Pregnancies often proceed normally, but monitoring is essential to ensure the well-being of both the fetus and the mother. Therefore, the answer to this question is no. No, it's not sufficient, although it is very important.
El objetivo the prenatal consultation It is necessary to prevent or diagnose as early as possible any alteration that could interfere with the progress of the pregnancy. It is also necessary to prevent this from influencing diseases that develop before or during pregnancy. Blood pressure and weight gain should be monitored, and quarterly blood tests should be performed.
The reviews, carried out periodically -initially monthly and from week 38 until delivery weekly-, are very effective when it comes to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality rates, This being the fundamental objective of modern Obstetrics.
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- Psychology and pregnancy
If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a nutrition expert, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling 917303673. make an appointment for an in-person consultation Or make an appointment for an online consultation if you prefer remote consultations—always with the best specialists.