subject: Diet during Pregnancy – How to Ensure That You and Your Baby Remain Healthy [print this page] Diet during Pregnancy How to Ensure That You and Your Baby Remain Healthy
A woman who is carrying a baby has the responsibility of taking good care of her health and that of her child. The best way she can do this is by ensuring that she eats the right food and also by staying away from certain substances that are harmful to her health and to that of her unborn child. A good diet is necessary for men and women at all times of their life but it is especially important during pregnancy.
The diet a woman follows during pregnancy has many important roles to play. One important thing is that it should contain all the nutrients necessary for the growing child. The child grows at a rapid pace and requires a whole lot of vitamins and minerals so that it reaches the potential that its genes offer. In fact, different parts of the body develop at different stages of the pregnancy and a whole lot of nutrition is required.
Folic acid is a very vital nutrient pregnant women need because it is essential for the development of the child's nervous system. This is a B vitamin that is essential for the prevention of defects of the neural tube of the child as well as diseases of the heart. A very common problem that occurs due to the lack of folic acid is Spina Bifida. Mothers to be have to eat lots of dark-green leafy vegetables as well as dried beans because these foods contain the require amounts of folic acid. It is best if greens like kale and spinach are steamed rather than cooked for a long time since this preserves the vitamins in it.
Calcium is essential for the proper development of the baby's bones. A pregnant woman needs to consume a lot of calcium in the form of dairy products. If the woman cannot eat dairy products then she should have lots of green leafy vegetables. One thing to be ensured is that she should have low fat dairy because excess fat in her diet will cause her to put on lots of weight and will also adversely affect the health of the unborn child.
Iron is also essential during this important period in a woman's life. Iron is found in red meats as well as in whole grain cereals and green leafy vegetables. Make sure that you include these foods in your diet in adequate quantities so that you do not become anemic at any time. The meats you contain should only be lean cuts because you need plenty of it because it also provides you with plenty of protein. Eggs are also a very efficient source of protein and should be consumed every day if possible.
The food you eat during this time should also be high in fiber as well as water content. This will help keep your weight under control and you will also not suffer from common problems such as diabetes or constipation. You can be satisfied that you have done the best for your child if you follow a balanced diet.
