A pregnant woman needs a healthy diet during pregnancy. A diet that is rich in nutrients should be an importance if you want to have a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy. Diet that is reach in the following should be carefully and abundantly eaten.
Folic Acid. Don’t you know that folic acid should be taken by a woman who is capable of giving birth even when she is not pregnant? When a girl reaches fifteen years old up to her gestational age, probably about forty four years of age, a folic acid should be included in her diet. It is not necessarily that we take folic when we are already pregnant. In fact the earlier we take it the better. Folic acid or B9 prevents birth defects in early pregnancy. ‘Folic acid’ or what we call ‘Vitamin B9’ or we also call it ‘folate’ are the same and should be taken prior to pregnancy or during the very first month of pregnancy because it is where the fetus is prone to birth defect.
Iron. Often times, Iron and Folic are misinterpreted as the same. But the two are different. Folic is responsible for preventing birth defect. Iron is responsible for developing red blood cell.
Protein. Protein is responsible for the development of fetal growth. There are foods that are rich in proteins, foods such as Nuts, Beans and eggs.
Calcium. Calcium is responsible for bone formation and the development of baby’s teeth. It helps muscle to stay strong. During the third week of pregnancy, the fetus needs more calcium. So, when a pregnant mother lacks supply of calcium to the fetus, the fetus gets calcium from the mother’s body. That is the reason why when you are pregnant, your teeth get weak and prone to cavity.
Water. Water is essential to keep skin healthy and glowing. By the time the fetus reach its third trimester, the amniotic fluid sift out more liquid in preparation for delivery. You will notice when you reach eight and night months, your legs become swollen (edema). This is because of fluid retention. To prevent edema, you should drink more liquid (water, fruit juices and milk). Soda, coffee and tea are not advisable because of caffeine content.