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With the changes your body goes through during pregnancy, it is essential to be on a healthy diet plan for you and your baby. The health and well-being of both mother and baby in the womb depend on the mother having a wholesome nourishing diet.
There are a number of snacks that you can munch on that are healthy and fat-free. Some tips for your nutrition that are great for the next nine months!
Food Your Pregnancy Diet Plan Should Include
It is essential to have a general idea of how to structure your pregnancy diet plan for the next nine months. It should include servings of fruit, vegetables, fiber and protein. If you are a vegetarian you get your ‘protein’ from options like eggs and nuts. Also incorporate milk, yogurt, and other dairy products in your diet. In addition, vitamins and minerals are essential during your pregnancy. You can consult with the experts at our nutrition and dietetics hospital in Kharadi, Pune regarding your diet plan.
Pregnancy Tips for Minerals Needed During Pregnancy
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Calcium
Calcium is needed for the development and strength of bones and teeth. Calcium also helps in regulating the heartbeat and ensures regular nerve and muscle function. Dairy food, bony fish, legumes, milk, cheese, yogurt and soy products are a rich source of calcium
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Iron
Foods containing iron such as spinach, beans, cereal, and certain meats must be included in your diet. Iron is essential to prevent anemia. Mothers with anemia have babies with growth retardation, increased susceptibility to infection, and neonatal death. Mothers with anemia are also likely to have heavy bleeding after delivery, which can also lead to maternal death. Consult with our dietician in Kharadi, Pune to have your diet plan ready.
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Iodine
Amongst necessary minerals, iodine intake is crucial for the development of your baby’s nervous system and brain. Women with a deficiency of iodine have a risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or babies with congenital anomalies. Babies born to mothers with iodine deficiency have an increased risk of mental deficiency, cretinism, and movement disorders. You can get the necessary amount of iodine from dairy products, potatoes, beans, and some seafood like salmon and prawns.
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Vitamin C & Vitamin A
Make sure you have sources of Vitamin C and Vitamin A in your diet plan. You can get these from fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, papaya, cauliflower, mustard leaves, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, and carrots. A lot of different saag (a preparation made from different vegetable leaves) can be a good source of these vitamins as well. Dairy products, fish, liver, kidney, and eggs are also rich in Vitamin A. In the fetus, it regulates the development of the spinal cord, vertebrae, limbs, and heart.
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Folic acid
Folic acid is needed for preventing neural tube defects in the fetus. Yeast, beans, and legumes are good sources of folic acid
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Vitamin B12
It is essential for DNA synthesis. It is found in red meat, dairy products, fish, chicken, eggs, and pork
This is a great time for you to focus on your health and ensure normal fetal development. Follow a pregnancy diet plan and tips for a simple and organized way to have a safe pregnancy and delivery. Drop by our hospital for consultation for further details on what to eat during pregnancy from our diet specialists.
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune
