Pregnancy demands for a lot of attention and precautions. A pregnant woman has to be really careful about what she eats. She should eat healthy and nutritious food and avoid eating anything that could harm her or the baby.
There are certain foods which are really good for pregnancy and the mother-to-be should include them in her diet. These include following
- Fruits and vegetables
- whole grains
- Dairy products
- Lean proteins
- sufficient amount of water
1. Fruits and vegetables
Pregnant women should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as they are a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Fruits and vegetables help in the development of the baby and also keep the mother healthy.
2. Whole grains
Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre. They help in the development of the baby and also keep the mother’s blood sugar levels under control.
3. Dairy products
Dairy products are a good source of calcium, proteins and vitamin D. They help in the development of strong bones and teeth in the baby and also keep the mother’s bones strong.
4. Lean proteins
Lean proteins are a good source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They help in the development of muscle tissue in the baby and also keep the mother’s blood sugar levels under control.
5. Water
Water is essential for the mother as well as the baby. It helps in the development of the baby and also keeps the mother hydrated.
Foods to avoid
Pregnant women should avoid eating certain foods as they can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. These include
enlist food items pregnant women must avoid:
1. Raw or undercooked meat
2. Raw or undercooked eggs
3. Raw or unpasteurized dairy products
4. Certain fish that contain high levels of mercury
5. Caffeine
6. Alcohol
7. Certain herbs and spices
8. Food additives
Pregnant women should also avoid eating processed food as it is high in sugar, salt and fat.
Raw or undercooked food
Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish and eggs can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. These bacteria can also be passed on to the baby and cause serious illness.
Raw or unpasteurized dairy products
Raw or unpasteurized milk, cheese and yogurt can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. These bacteria can also be passed on to the baby and cause serious illness.
Certain fish that contain high levels of mercury
Fish such as swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel can contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to the baby. Pregnant women should limit their intake of these fish.
Caffeine
Caffeine can be harmful to the baby and should be avoided.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be harmful to the baby and should be avoided.
Certain herbs and spices
Herbs and spices such as sage, oregano, ginger, garlic and cinnamon can cause heartburn and indigestion. Pregnant women should avoid these.
Food additives
Food additives such as artificial sweeteners, flavours and colours can be harmful to the baby and should be avoided.
Pregnant women should eat a balanced and healthy diet to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
Consult a doctor
Before making any changes to your diet during pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a registered dietitian. He or she can help you achieve a balanced plan that is beneficial for you and your baby’s health. Moreover, in case of any complication you should never keep it hidden from your health care advisor since this can cause dangerous results for your pregnancy. You can visit a gynecologist doctor in lahore or you can visit Hashmanis Hospital in Karachi for treatment.
