A Diet For Pregnant Women
A pregnant woman can be thought of eating for two people, for herself and for the baby inside her. Her pregnancy diet, therefore, will be composed of the types of foods that will ensure her health and the sound development of the baby. There are certain types of foods that she must consume in great amounts, there are certain foods that she must eat in limited amounts, and there are specific foods that she must completely avoid.
A pregnant woman needs more vitamins and minerals in her body to keep herself strong and safe throughout her pregnancy, and to make sure that her baby is healthy and develops progressively. She will need iron for her blood, calcium for her bones, and folic acid for the baby’s development. A pregnant woman with insufficient iron may suffer anemia.
She may also be prone to osteoporosis and other bone disorders if she doesn’t take enough calcium. And with very little folic acid, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, the baby may develop several brain and spine birth defects. Thus, a pregnant woman must significantly increase her regular servings of fruits and vegetables – rich sources of vitamins and minerals.
The foods that a pregnant woman may eat in limited amounts are the foods that contain dietary fat. Milk may be okay if taken a couple of times a week, but fruit juice is infinitely better. Coffee and tea are not advisable, too. The caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness, and insomnia. Finding a comfortable position to sleep while your tummy is heavy with child is difficult enough without having to contend with caffeine.
A craving for sea foods is normal, but doctors still recommend that a pregnant woman should limit her consumption of white tune or albacore (up to six ounces per week only) because these may contain dangerous levels of mercury.
Other fishes, such as shark swordfish, king mackerel, and the golden snapper, should be avoided, for the same reason that these may contain mercury. This chemical will always find its way towards the brain. High doses of mercury can interfere with the development of the baby’s nervous system. Even adults who have ingested high mercury doses suffer from nervous system disorders (such as the “ouch-ouch” disease) and breakdown.
Other foods that a pregnant woman must avoid are those that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer). MSG can cause headaches and upset stomach. Since Chinese restaurants are notorious in using generous amounts of MSG, a pregnant woman must forego Chinese food for awhile. And then, there are traditional forbidden foods for pregnant women, such as junk food and alcoholic beverages.
Pregnancy may not be easy, especially if it is your first child. But it can be a lot safer if you stick to the health foods.