Eating well before and after the baby arrives is important. Pregnancy is a time of multiple physical changes that divide into three trimesters, with some phases within the trimesters.
Eating healthy foods helps your developing baby’s growth, provides energy and nutrients for your body-building reserves, supports your blood sugar levels, flushes out toxins and helps you sleep better.
We want to share some key points in choosing the best foods during your pregnancy by highlighting the nutrients needed.
What Do You Need During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you may find yourself wanting or needing to eat more than usual. You mustn’t overeat, as this could lead to weight gain and increase your risk of gestational diabetes.
If you’re having trouble eating enough healthy food, talk to your doctor about supplements or other ways to ensure that you get the nutrition you need during this special time in your life.
Most Important Nutrients During Your Pregnancy
- Iron: Iron is one of the most important nutrients during pregnancy. It maintains your baby’s health and helps your body produce red blood cells for oxygen transport.
- Calcium: Calcium helps to build your baby’s bones and teeth. It also keeps your bones strong and healthy. You need about 1,000 mg of calcium per day during pregnancy.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for the growth of your baby’s bones.
- Folic Acid: This B vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects in your baby. It also aids in the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord.
- Omega-3 Fats: These fats are important for brain development. They also help reduce inflammation, a risk factor for preterm birth and other pregnancy complications.
What Are the Best Foods to Eat During Pregnancy?
Many foods will help keep you healthy during pregnancy. Some of these include:
- Eggs: Eggs contain high amounts of protein, which is very important for growing babies. They also contain vitamins A, B12 and D, which help with brain development in your child’s body. Eggs are also rich in calcium which helps build strong bones for your child when they grow up.
- Fish: Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which helps maintain good health during pregnancy and after delivery! Omega 3 fatty acids help keep healthy joints and skin and improve memory function during pregnancy.
- Oats: Oats contain soluble fibre, which helps prevent constipation during pregnancy and reduces the risk of heart disease later on in life! Oats can be eaten raw or cooked and are a great source of iron. They also contain magnesium which helps prevent leg cramps while sleeping during pregnancy.
- Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of fibre, iron and folate which helps prevent constipation during pregnancy. They also contain magnesium which helps prevent leg cramps while sleeping during pregnancy.
- Lean Meat: Lean meat is an excellent protein, zinc and iron source. Lean meat contains all the amino acids you need to make new cells in your body, including the baby’s growing tissues.
- Dairy Products: Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and milk are an excellent source of calcium which helps prevent thinning bones during pregnancy. They also contain vitamin D, which promotes strong, healthy teeth and bones.
What Must You Remember During Pregnancy?
Eating the right food during pregnancy can help prevent many common pregnancy-related problems. It also helps the growing baby to get the nutrients it needs for healthy growth and development. You should eat a variety of foods from each food group every day. Remember to drink a lot of fluids, especially water. This will help you avoid constipation and kidney stones. Stay away from foods that contain lots of fat, sugar or salt. Although these foods may taste good, they may disagree with your body during pregnancy.
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