PREGNANCY DIET

A well balanced diet is more important when you are pregnant, since what you eat has to meet your unborn baby's needs as well as your own requirements. The first three months of pregnancy is important as most of the physical and mental growth of the baby takes place during this time. The principal organs both external and internal and the nervous system of the baby form within this period. So it is important to eat well from the beginning itself even if you have discomforts like nausea etc.
 
A nutritious diet with enough proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins are essential during pregnancy. Your diet should consist of a variety of foods selected from the five basic food groups. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products like breads or cereals, meat, fish or other protein alternatives, milk and other diary products etc provide a nutritious diet. Keep off canned and processed foods, spicy foods, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sugary foods such as cakes, cookies, candies, sodas and colas and reduce your salt intake as far as possible.

Eat as wide a variety of food as possible but in moderation. Too much of any one food can even be harmful if it leads to excessive gain in weight. A total up to a total of 2,200 or 2,800 calories is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnant mothers always wonder that what they should eat & what not. When you will consult with a doctor they will say a pregnant mother must take a balanced diet. Not only had this but balanced diet also meant to keep track on the proper quantity, quality & reaction or allergy of any food on mother. Following tips will help you and your baby stay healthy.

As it has been strictly prescribed by doctors that intake of Vitamin A must be controlled because it may cause damage to embryo.

Reduce brinjal, yam, papaya from your diet. You must remember that those who have previous history of abortion better they must avoid these. Those who suffer from constipation, gas, bloating must avoid potatoes.

Indian women try to carry out fasts during pregnancy which is not good for health.

Do not eat left over, frozen & deep-frozen food.

Avoid cold drinks, alcohol, smoking, tobacco, betel nut, pan-masala but tea, coffee & ice-creams can be taken in small quantity.

Remember, the baby inside depends on you for proper nutrition. So, if you will take healthy & balanced diet your child will become healthy.

During pregnancy, mother must focus on nutrients while maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. They must get a list of healthy Indian foods and meal planning tips from a dietitian to eat well during a pregnancy.

Indian women must maintain a high quality diet during their pregnancy to get a healthy, fit & fine baby. Now start following your diet chart to become a healthy mom.

Gain weight gradually :
Weight gain varies amongst individuals and depends on many factors. The average weight gain during pregnancy seems to be between 8 kilos and 15 kilos. Concentrate on eating a healthy diet: plenty of carbohydrates, lots of fruits and vegetables, reasonable amounts of protein, and just a little in the way of fats and sugars. However, your doctor may advise a diet customized for you.

Occasional treats are okay :
You don't have to give up all your favorite foods just because you're pregnant. But processed or canned foods and snacks and sugar-packed desserts shouldn't be the mainstay of your diet, either. So as far as snacks are concerned, try a banana rather than luxury ice cream, or badam / kesar milk instead of a gajjar halwa dripping with calories. But don't feel guilty if you fancy the occasional chocolate. Enjoy every bite!

Sometimes special conditions during pregnancy require special dietary instructions such as in cases of :

1. Anemia during pregnancy
2. Gestational Diabetes
3. Hypothyroid during pregnancy

Article Topic :
Pregnancy Diet

Article Compiled BY :
Dr. Simran Saini ( Dietician & Nutritionist)
AASHIRWAD HEALTH CARE CENTRE
5/12, West Patel Nagar, West Delhi. +91 9811613182

ASSOCIATED WITH FORTIS JESSARAM HOSPITAL, KAROL BAGH AS A WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTANT.
ASSOCIATED WITH FORTIS SHALIMAR BAGH HOSPITAL, AS A WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTANT.
ASSOCIATED WITH DR CHARU SHARMA’S GORZEOUS LOOKS WELLNESS CLINIC AS A WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTANT.