What should I eat during my third and fourth month of pregnancy?
As pregnancy gradually enters the second trimester, pregnant women\’s diet also needs to be adjusted for different months. Maintaining a balanced nutrition during pregnancy is not only good for the mother\’s own body, but is also crucial for the healthy growth of the fetus. This article will introduce in detail a nutritionally balanced diet for pregnant women from four aspects: which nutrients pregnant women should take in more, how to eat more fruits and vegetables in a reasonable manner, the key points of calcium supplementation, and taboo foods.
1. What nutrients should pregnant women consume more of?
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus begins to develop rapidly and requires a large amount of protein support. Pregnant women can increase their protein intake appropriately, such as milk, meat, eggs, beans, etc. In addition, a large amount of vitamins and minerals are needed in the second trimester of pregnancy, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, etc. Pregnant women can get various necessary nutrients from fruits, vegetables, whole-wheat bread, nuts, tofu, seafood and other foods.
1.1 Eat more protein-rich foods
A large amount of protein is needed in the second trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women can increase their intake of high-protein foods such as meat, eggs, beans, and milk in an appropriate amount. However, it should be noted that meat and eggs cannot be eaten raw and must be cooked or fried before eating.
1.2 Eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals
The second trimester of pregnancy requires a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Pregnant women can consume various necessary nutrients by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole-wheat bread, nuts, tofu, seafood and other foods. For example, eating a tomato salad can help supplement vitamin C, and proper nut intake can supplement vitamin E and magnesium.
2. How to eat more fruits and vegetables reasonably?
Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are good for pregnant women and babies. In the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women can choose a variety of fruits and vegetables to match according to their own tastes and eating habits to ensure a rich and diverse diet.
2.1 Add color matching
Vegetables and fruits of different colors contain different nutrients. Properly increasing color matching can allow pregnant women to consume more nutrients. For example, eating more red fruits and vegetables can supplement vitamin C and folic acid, and adding green leafy vegetables can help you absorb more calcium.
2.2 Reasonable selection of fruits and vegetables
Fruits such as oranges and grapes have high sugar content and should be consumed in moderation; vegetables such as cauliflower contain high amounts of oxalic acid, which will affect calcium absorption and should be controlled. In addition, pregnant women can also choose some fresh fruits to eat according to their own taste and needs.
3. Key points of calcium supplement
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus\’s bones begin to form, and the demand for calcium also begins to increase. Pregnant women should pay attention to supplementing enough calcium to ensure normal bone development of the fetus and prevent problems such as osteoporosis during pregnancy.
3.1 Calcium intake from food
Pregnant women can absorb calcium through food. Foods such as fish, dairy products, tofu, vegetables, dried shrimps, etc. all contain high amounts of calcium.You can choose calcium supplement foods that suit you according to your taste and needs.
3.2 Control excessive salt and sugar in the diet
Excessive salt and sugar will destroy calcium in the body, causing accelerated calcium loss in the body. Pregnant women should pay attention to controlling excessive salt and sugar in their diet, and try to avoid eating spicy, greasy and other irritating foods.
4. Taboo foods
In the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women need to pay attention to some food combinations and avoid eating foods that are too irritating and may affect the health of the fetus.
4.1 Avoid eating raw seafood
Pregnant women should try to avoid eating raw seafood in the second trimester of pregnancy. Since seafood may contain parasites, bacteria and other microorganisms, pregnant women are prone to infection after ingestion, which will have a greater impact on the health of their babies.
4.2 Avoid caffeinated drinks
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola can affect the normal life rhythm of pregnant women and fetuses, and may also cause high blood pressure during pregnancy and affect the health of the fetus.
4.3 Avoid eating raw and cold foods
Pregnant women should try to avoid eating raw and cold foods during pregnancy, such as ice cream, iced drinks, etc., which can easily irritate the gastrointestinal tract and have an impact on the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
Summary: Nutritionally balanced diet for pregnant women
In the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women need to pay attention to a balanced diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, consume more protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, and pay attention to controlling excessive sodium and sugar. In addition, avoid eating raw and cold foods, foods containing caffeine, parasites in seafood, etc. to ensure the health of pregnant women and fetuses. I hope this article will be helpful to pregnant women who are preparing to become pregnant or are already pregnant.
