Nutritional needs of expectant mothers
Pregnancy is a process of physiological changes in a woman’s body, and nutritional intake is crucial to the health of mother and baby. Expectant mothers need to arrange their diet appropriately according to the needs of different stages, and have adequate intake of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
In the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus\’s important organs and tissues are forming. Expectant mothers need to prioritize the intake of folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc and other nutrients. In particular, folic acid can prevent fetal neural tube malformations. It is recommended to consume 400 micrograms per day.
The second trimester is a critical period for fetal growth and development. Expectant mothers need to take in a balanced intake of various nutrients, supplement with 800 mg of calcium every day to strengthen bones, and increase the intake of iron, vitamin C and vitamin B12 to promote the formation of the baby\’s nervous system and red blood cells.
In the third trimester of pregnancy, fetal weight increases rapidly, and expectant mothers need to increase their intake of protein, iron, and calcium, as well as an appropriate amount of carbohydrates to provide energy to support fetal growth and development.
Dietary Guidelines During Pregnancy
Expectant mothers need to pay attention to the following dietary precautions:
1. Balanced diet: a combination of meat and vegetables, and a comprehensive intake of various nutrients.
2. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables: It is recommended to consume at least 300 grams of fresh vegetables and 200 grams of fruits every day to increase the intake of vitamins and fiber.
3. Increase the intake of dietary fiber appropriately: It can not only promote the baby\’s gastrointestinal digestion, but also help the expectant mother control her weight.
4. If you have less salt, pay attention to supplementing iodine: The daily intake of iodine is 200-300 micrograms. Iodine deficiency will affect the intellectual development of the fetus, so eat an appropriate amount of salt and avoid excessive consumption of salty products.
Foods to avoid
Some foods need to be avoided or limited during pregnancy, such as:
1. Raw meat, raw eggs, and raw fish: They may be infected with Toxoplasma gondii, salmonella and other diseases. It is recommended to steam and cook them.
2. High-mercury fish: such as tuna, shark, cod, etc., long-term consumption can harm the fetal nervous system.
3. Drinks and drink restrictions: For example, alcohol, drinks with high caffeine content, and drinks with high sugar content can easily cause problems such as miscarriage, premature birth, and fetal malformations.
4. Foods that are too salty, too sweet, and too oily: can easily cause edema, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other problems. Pay attention to a healthy diet during pregnancy.
The importance of nutrition during pregnancy
Dietary nutrition during pregnancy is very important to the health of mother and baby. Reasonable nutritional intake can promote the normal development of the fetus, prevent complications during pregnancy, and maintain the health of the expectant mother. A healthy diet during pregnancy can not only protect the health of mother and baby, but also reduce risks during childbirth and lay the foundation for future nutritional health of mother and baby.
In short, the diet during pregnancy needs to be balanced, diverse and appropriate, and at the same time pay attention to avoid or limit some foods that are not good for the health of mother and baby. Expectant mothers should pay attention to nutritional needs at each stage, pay attention to dietary hygiene and healthy eating, and promote the healthy growth of mother and baby.
