Home »  Pregnancy & Family »  Food and Nutrition during Pregnancy Food and Nutrition during Pregnancy plays a vital role for the mother and the child. The mother and the child require adequate amount of the nutrients. The requirement for the nutrient increases during pregnancy because of the fetal growth.

About Food and Nutrition during Pregnancy

The placenta and the fetus require nutrients for the proper development of the fetus. The carbohydrates are required for the production of the energy. The intake of adequate amount of carbohydrates ensures that the energy is not extracted from the proteins and the fats.

The intake of the fat is reduced by patients suffering from gestational diabetes. It is advisable to consult the doctor if the patient suffers from gestational diabetes. Cereal, rice, wheat, bread are rich sources of carbohydrates.

Information on Food and Nutrition during Pregnancy

So if you want to know what to eat during pregnancy then you should have food items which have the following vitamins and nutrients in it.

It is very important that proteins be consumed by pregnant women. Proteins contain amino acids that are required for the formation of the cells and the tissues of the baby. Eating habits during pregnancy should be a healthy and nutritious one so do follow what the doctors prescribe you to eat.

The proteins also help in the development of the brain and the nervous system of the child. The essential amino acids cannot be prepared within the body. There are 8 types of essential amino acids that have to be supplied from outside. Eggs, milk, cheese, meat are rich sources of food and nutrition during pregnancy which should be consumed by the mother who is expecting.

Some of the vitamins should also be consumed by the pregnant women. Some of the vitamins that are consumed by pregnant women are vitamin B12 or folic acid, and vitamin C. Folic acid is required for the formation of the red blood cells. Folic acid also helps in the development of the spine and the brain of the baby.

Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron. Some of the minerals that should be taken by the pregnant women are calcium, magnesium, iron etc. Iron helps in the formation of the hemoglobin that helps in the transport of oxygen through blood to various parts of the body. The various sources of iron are spinach, guava etc. So do feed the expecting mother with all the food and nutrition during Pregnancy which you can lay hands on.

Calcium is required for the development of the bones and the teeth of the babies. The intake of calcium during pregnancy also prevents osteoporosis. Milk and dairy products are the richest source of calcium. So provide the mother with Food and Nutrition during Pregnancy which is rich in calcium. Chromium is another mineral that helps in the proper functioning of insulin. Insulin helps in regulating the amount of glucose in the body. Some of the other minerals that are required by the pregnant women are magnesium and iodine.

The food and nutrition during pregnancy should be rich in nutrient content. A pregnant woman should take a diet that contains a balanced proportion of the carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and the minerals as everything is required so that a new life can be successfully created in the mothers womb.

The pregnant women should not consume excess of fatty food as it can be bad for health. The Food and Nutrition during Pregnancy which is required by a woman should have a balanced diet contains a perfect blend of the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fibers, proteins. The pregnant women should avoid eating food that is high in calories with little nutrient content.

Anything not taken in moderation or in excess amount than the prescribed one can be harmful for both the mother as well as the baby. So the mothers and the family members have to be very careful what is being consumed. Dont overeat or binge on food. Avoid junk food. You would have to eat good food and nutrition during pregnancy in moderate quantities since the age old tradition of eating for two persons is not much valid these days.

Food Cravings during Pregnancy

It is quite common and known that you have cravings for food when you are pregnant and the cravings are pretty bad as you want to have specific food. It is believed or as doctors think may be the particular food item has a particular nutrient which the womans body is lacking.

Food and Nutrition during Pregnancy play a vital role hence you cannot just randomly pop in something when you are having one of your cravings. The craving can differ from person to person and from time to time. The food items vary from ice cream to chocolates to spicy food.

Comfort food items like cereals, breads, mashed potatoes and fruits are also popular among some expecting mothers. But do consult your doctors as to what you eat during these cravings as some of the food items may not be good for you as well as your baby. Healthy eating habits and Food and Nutrition during pregnancy would ensure a fit mother and child hence it is very important to eat well.

Food and Beverages to avoid during Pregnancy

This is a common question as to what to eat during pregnancy. But how many do ask what we should not have. We should not have alcohol and smoke when one is pregnant. But this we all know that they are harmful to the baby as well as to the mother. Tea, soda and coffee are best if not consumed. But do not consume the following Food and Nutrition during pregnancy as that might harm your unborn fetus.

• Fish which has high mercury content like mackerel, and shark.
• Food containing raw eggs should be avoided. For example mousse and tiramisu (dessert).
• Processed food items are also not good for you during your pregnancy.
• Uncooked or raw food items should not be taken.