Diet For Pregnant Women

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A well balanced diet is more important for pregnant women, because it serve the needs of both the mother and baby in the womb. A nutritious diet should have enough proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. A pregnant woman requires around 300 k cal energy per day. Pregnancy is measured in trimesters; in first trimester the baby growth will be very less as a result there is no significant weight gain. Where as in second and third trimester growth is fast and weight gain by 5 kg at each trimester. If they ignore diet leads birth weight defects of the baby

Folic acid Supplements 400mg per day, helps to prevent neural tube defects in the new born; rich source of folic acid include orange juice, cereals, spinach, bread and legumes are also good sources of folic acid.Iron Supplements helps to increase amount of blood and sources include potatoes, dates, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals.Calcium Supplements helps for the development of bones and teeth of baby, sources include milk, cheese and green vegetables.Protein Supplements helps for growth of new cells and replacement of old cells, sources include meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, milk, eggs and nuts.Water carries the nutrients to the baby and prevents constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract infections.Vegetables including carrots, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and red sweet pepper; they provide vitamins A and C , minerals and fiber which helps to relieve constipation during pregnancy.Fruits including melon, mangoes, bananas, apricots, oranges and apples provide vitamin C helps to build a strong placenta.Nuts, cereals including oats, beans, peas and pulses etc provide fiber helps to avoid piles.Dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt and meat, poultry provide protein.

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