Making a decision to have a child--it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
There is only one pretty child in this world…..and every mother has it!!!
A mother carries a child in her stomach for nine months, in her arms for 3 years and in her heart till the day she dies.
Being a mother is not only a mystifying and spiritual experience, there is certainly something audacious about it. To make this moment more conscientious, you need to cautiously look after your well-being so that the tiny being inside you is nurtured well to face this world in good health and with joy.
To begin with, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow to be bale to provide good care to your baby and yourself. Well-balanced, nutritious diet is one of the foremost requirements for a healthy baby birth and enjoyable and comfortable pregnancy term.
The food consumed by the mother is the main source for growth and development for the foetus that grows inside the woman’s womb. That’s why it is vital for the mother to take necessary food products in her routine diet. Here, I display a brief information about what, why and when is required for a pregnant woman to consume.
A required diet includes sufficient amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, vitamins and water.
A good intake of Protein in standard diet helps in cell growth and blood production. Fish, peanut, tofu, lean meat, poultry, egg whites and pulses are very rich in protein.
Food with carbohydrates aids in producing energy that is required by the human body. Bread, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits and vegetables are good examples of rich sources of carbohydrates.
Food rich in calcium is a vital necessity during this phase for both mother, as well as the baby. It helps in the development of strong bones and teeth of the baby. It also helps in muscle contraction and proper nerve functioning. Milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, sardines or salmons with bones carry high amounts of calcium. For the mother, calcium intake prevents the loss of calcium from her own bones during the baby’s growth.
Iron is a good element that helps in the production of red blood cells that avoids anemia. Lean red meat, spinach, cereals and iron fortified whole grain breads supply a lot of iron to the body. Vegetables like drumsticks and beetroots are also very rich in iron.
Vitamin A provides of healthy skin, good eyesight and also aid in developing strong bones. Carrots, dark green leafy greens and sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin C is required for healthy gums, teeth and strong bones. It also helps to keep cold and other infections at bay by developing immune system of the baby. Citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices are carriers of handsome amount of vitamin C.
Vitamin B6
Food rich with vitamin B6 like pork, gram, and whole grain cereals and bananas supply this type of vitamin for the body. The vitamin not only aids in the formation of red blood cells but also for the effective use of protein, carbohydrates and fat by the body.
Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells and helps to keep the nervous system healthy. Meat, fish, poultry and milk provide this vitamin.
Vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium and in the development of bones and teeth. Fortified milk, dairy products, cereals and breads are all important sources of vitamin D.
Folic acid is one of the most important requirements of a pregnant body especially during the first trimester. It helps in blood, protein and enzyme production. Folic acid also helps to prevent neural tube defects that occur during the early stages of pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, peas, beans and nuts are all rich in folic acid.
What not to eat during Pregnancy
Alcohol and smoking are strictly advised against during pregnancy. Caffeine is also better avoided as its consumption during this phase can cause miscarriages in the early stages.
Any unpasteurized milk and milk products can do a lot of harm to the mother as well as the baby.
Raw eggs and food containing raw eggs too can be harmful as raw egg might contain infections that are really bad for the foetus.
Non-vegetarian items need to be consumed with a lot of care as unclean meat can grow bacteria Staphylococci, which can lead to diarrhea. Some fish contain traces of mercury, which is highly dangerous. Hence, be sure what fish you are consuming.
The craving for non-food items during pregnancy is called pica. Some pregnant women surprisingly have a tendency to consume non-food items like clay. Such craving should not be entertained as consumption of non-food items can prove to be dangerous for the foetus. It is important to consult the doctor if the urge arises.
Hence eat healthy, be healthy during and after pregnancy as your little infant thrives on your diet for a healthy living.
