The primary source of the baby’s nourishment depends on what a woman eats. So there are various food and beverages which help the baby for growth and development.
Key Ingredients
A pregnant woman needs protein, calcium, folic acid, and iron in more amount than she thinks. These help in proper growth and development of the baby.
Protein
Protein is vital during pregnancy as it helps in building essential organs of the baby, which includes the heart and brain. A woman should eat a protein-rich diet and add food materials like poultry, fish, peas, eggs, meat, dried beans, and nuts. You can also opt for protein powder pregnancy kits to get enough protein for the proper growth. Consult a doctor for protein powder and increase the amount of the other food items in your diet. You can also make your protein powder but consult your doctor and then start adding it in your diet with the proper amount.
Calcium
Calcium helps in developing the baby’s bones and teeth. Many dairy products contain Vitamin D, which helps in strengthening the teeth and bones of the baby. If the pregnant woman doesn’t get enough calcium or if she won’t consume enough calcium, then calcium from her bones is drawn in the development of the baby. Many calcium-rich food items should be added in the diet, which includes calcium-fortified juices and foods, yogurt, milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables as well as salmon with bones.
Folic Acid
Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects, which means it prevents congenital disabilities of the baby’s spinal cord and brain. During pregnancy, the amount of folic acid must be increased by 600 milligrams through specific took intake. This amount is commonly found in a daily prenatal vitamins. The folic acid rich food materials usually contain bread, green leafy vegetables, citrus foods, pasta, enriched cereals, beans, etc.
Iron
Increase food intake, which contains iron during pregnancy. Deficiency of iron can cause anemia and increase the risk of certain infections. Iron helps in increasing the proper supply of blood and oxygen to the baby. A pregnant woman needs double iron than the other women. She needs 27 milligrams of iron per day. For increasing the absorption of iron, your body requires Vitamin C. Iron-rich food items that need to be added in your diet are poultry, dried beans, peas, meat, and fish.
To promote the proper growth and development of the baby, it is suggested to increase the amount of nutritious food. Increase the number of vegetables, protein, dairy products, fruits, and whole grains in the diet of the pregnant woman.
Vegetables and Fruits
Fruits and vegetables include vitamins, minerals, and fibers, which are very helpful for your body and the growing baby. Increase the intake during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are excellent sources for Vitamin D, protein, and calcium. Have these products at-least 3 or 4 times a day to provide the proper amount of nutrients to the body. Increase the intake of milk, yogurt, cheese. There are some vitamins that a pregnant woman can’t get from the food alone, so there is a need to taking some prenatal vitamins to meet all the needs of her body as well as the baby.
Proteins
Include the food items in every meal, which are good protein sources to promote the growth of the baby. Increase the intake of meat, poultry, and fishes in the diet.
Whole Grains
Add brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and oatmeal in the diet as they are rich in iron, B-vitamin, and fibers, as well as, they are the primary energy source.