There is no better feeling than getting to know that you are about to have a baby. Especially, you have been trying to fulfill your dream of parenthood for a long time. With the increasing adoption of the modern practices of lifestyle, many couples are suffering from infertility. There are various reasons for the increasing rates of infertility in the country. These include changing diet and sleep patterns, having kids at a later age in life, adopting wrong practices like smoking or drinking. The infertility issue can arise in both women and men and is not fixed to any sex.
There are many medical treatments available nowadays. These include the various procedures of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is one of the most successful treatments of the ART. However, after an IVF treatment induced pregnancy you have to take care of your health and maintain your diet. During the time of pregnancy, your body demands additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
A women’s body needs 350-500 calories extra during the second and the third trimester. A diet missing the necessary nutrients can have a negative effect on the baby’s development. That is why it is advised by gynecologists to indulge in good eating habits and proper rest for the overall development of the baby. Nutritious food will help to ensure the health of you and your baby both. This will also help you to lose the pregnancy weight after you’ve given birth.
This guide will help you to indulge in the necessary nutritious foods when you’re pregnant so as to give birth to a healthy and strong baby.
- The importance of dairy products:
It is very important for pregnant women to consume extra protein and calcium so as to meet the needs of the growing fetus. There are two different types of proteins in dairy products, casein, and whey. Dairy products contain calcium, phosphorus, various B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. Pregnant women should consume Greek yogurt for the as it contains a good amount of casein and is good for digestion as well. Its digestive bacteria improve digestive health and work great for lactose intolerant women as well.
- Green legumes:
legumes include lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, and soybeans. Legumes are great sources of fiber, proteins, iron, and folate. These minerals are very important for pregnant women during their pregnancy. Folate saves the baby from any neural defects later.
- The richness of sweet potatoes:
The most amazing source of beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are known for the essential growth and differentiation of cells and tissues. It also promotes the healthy development of the fetus. Sweet potatoes are good sources of Vitamin A which improves the digestive health and mobility of pregnant women.
- The essential fatty acids in salmon:
Salmon contains omega-3-fatty acids which are essential during pregnancy. These are generally present in seafood and helps in the development of the brain and the fetus of the child. Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D and helps in improving bone health and immune function.
- Eggs:
Even if you don’t like having eggs, you should consume them as they are rich sources of high-quality proteins and fat. Eggs also contain choline, which is good brain development and health. Choline helps in removing the risk of neural tube defects and decrease brain function in the fetus.
- The leafy green vegetables:
These include the broccoli and dark leafy greens like kale, spinach containing fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, iron, folate and potassium. They are a rich source of antioxidants that benefit the immune system and digestion. The high fiber content is good for pregnant women as it also prevents antioxidants.
- The high-quality proteins in lean protein:
The sources include beef, pork, and chicken, which are good sources of iron, choline and vitamin B. Iron is one of the good minerals that are used by red blood cells as a part of hemoglobin. The iron content increases the blood volume of pregnant women and is important during the third trimester. In order to increase iron absorption, consume foods like vitamin C.
- The healthy variants of berries:
They contain high amounts of vitamin C, water, healthy carbs, fiber, and antioxidants, which are good for skin health and immune, function. These are low in calories so you will not gain any weight after consuming them.
- Avocados:
These are good sources of monounsaturated fatty acids and are high in fiber, vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Avocados are good for the building of skin, brain, and tissues of the fetus and neural tube defects. They help in relieving the leg cramps and improve fetal health as well.
- Dry fruits:
These are good sources of fiber and other vitamins and minerals and are very high in calories as well. Consuming dry fruits in the third trimester helps in facilitating the cervical dilation and reduces the need for induced labor delivery of the baby. They are high sources of calories and their good nutrient base makes them good food for pregnant women.
Conclusion –
More than energy and food, you are required to stay happy and content while you’re pregnant. Your food habits also influence the health and development of the baby. Choose foods that are nutrient rich and don’t worry gaining pregnancy weight is normal.
