Pregnancy is the time when the body demands and requires more than usual. A new life now exists inside, the optimal growth and development of whom is vital too. During this time, the food for pregnant women should emphasize both health and weight management. This can be achieved via a properly prepared diet plan. A tailored plan that focuses on the well-being of the expecting mother, taking care of apt calories, tasty and nutritional meals, essential vitamins, and above all satisfaction.
In this article, we will discuss what food for pregnant women lays a strong foundation for a nourishing pregnancy diet.
A Quick Overview of Food for Pregnant Women
In the following section, we will highlight the essential food sources recommended for pregnancy. However, while deciding on food for pregnant women, expecting mothers must also understand the significance of the quantity to be consumed in different trimesters.
Here, it is essential to take guidance from a seasoned and certified nutritionist. Such an expert can offer a valuable dietary plan to expecting mothers that emphasizes the management of weight, energy, health, and other factors.
Now let’s quickly explore the food sources.
Dairy Products
Dairy products play a significant role in pregnancy as they support the growth and development of the baby inside the womb. Not only does the baby benefit from pure dairy products, but mothers too, in terms of energy and immunity.
Dairy products are rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. Products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk are the most recommended for pregnancy.
Fruits & Veggies
Fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables are included in the nutrition rich food for pregnant women. These foods offer minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers for the overall well-being of pregnant women. The fibers maintain the digestion of expecting mothers and prevent constipation. The antioxidants support the growth and development of the fetus and the health of the mother.
Whole Grains, Pulses, Etc.
Whole grains and rich in carbohydrates and serve high energy levels to expecting mothers. Pulses, nuts, and cereals are other plant-based sources that fulfill the protein demands during pregnancy. Women who do not eat meat should include it in their diet plan to get adequate protein, avoid complications, and support their and their baby’s health.
Healthy Fats
When it comes to maintaining the necessary energy levels, food for pregnant women must include healthy unsaturated fats. Foods like peanuts, eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc. contain healthy unsaturated fats.
These fats support the baby in the growth of his eyes, brain, and nervous system. On the other hand, it helps mothers lead an active time, reduces inflammation, diabetes, and also chances of preterm delivery.
Traditional Nutrition
Of course, the traditional way of growing during pregnancy never leaves Indian women alone. A significant and memorable part of these traditions is the homemade pure ghee laddu for pregnancy. These laddus are typically made with wheat, dry fruits, ragi, Gond, badam, methi, and other nutrient-rich foods. They help support the energy, immunity, and digestion levels of mothers-to-be and also the growth of the baby in the womb.
While there are ladoos for pregnancy period, there even are post pregnancy ladoo, that most women consume after the delivery. At Maa Mitahara’s official website, you can find both antenatal and postnatal ladoos, made with love and care.
Consumption of Liquids
While we’re talking about the food for pregnant women, we must not forget about the consumption of liquids during pregnancy. Staying hydrated during this time is of utmost importance. Adequate hydration means consumption of approx. 10-12 glasses of water each day. This:
- Helps keep the expecting mothers hydrated
- Promotes healthy digestion,
- Prevents constipation,
- Prevents urinary infections
- Regulates the body temperature, and
- Maintains a shielding fluid around the fetus.
Foods You Must Avoid During Pregnancy
Now, there are even those that pregnant women must avoid during this crucial period. These include:
- Junk food
- Stale food
- Raw sprouts, eggs & fish
- Uncooked meat, fish, etc.
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Old water
These items do not include the best food for pregnant women. Hence, they must abstain from consuming these.
Wrapping Up – Food For Pregnant Women
So, this was a quick overview of the foods to be and to not be consumed during pregnancy. It is advisable to eat based on the tailored diet chart prepared by your nutritionist and the guidelines given. An expert nutritionist can offer you the best dietary plan based on your health, body, and trimester. If you’re fond of laddus, then you can easily get pregnancy dry fruits laddu on Maa Mitahara. Explore our exclusive range of laddus, made for pregnant women, new mothers, and everyone who wants to have nutrient-rich delicacies.