The goal of proper nutrition during pregnancy is to provide the nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals) and the energy required for normal development of the fetus and placenta, in addition to meeting the needs of the mother.
A good diet will also prevent problems of premature deliveries and low birth weight, or infections.
During pregnancy it is normal for fattening women 9 to 12 kilos. During the first quarter, the increase will be 1.5. to 1.8 kilos., about 3.5 kilos extra on the second and the remainder in the third (about 0.4 kilos per week).
During pregnancy you need:
* Protein: meat, fish, eggs, milk and derivatives. Especially in the last two months. They provide the necessary amino acids to the developing fetus and placenta and the enlarged uterus and breasts. Do not forget the protein intake of vegetables, grains and nuts. Within a vegetarian diet, it is necessary to combine plants (legumes) and grains or cereals and nuts (rice with nuts) to obtain protein of high biological value.
* Vitamins: with a varied and balanced diet supplements are not needed, except perhaps of folic acid. Supplementation is recommended for women who have had previous pregnancies or who have recently taken oral contraceptives. The vitamin deficiency is linked to growth retardation, megaloblastic anemia (low red blood cell count in blood) and the development of spina bifida. Folic acid is found in leafy (spinach, chard, chicory), liver, cheeses and beer yeast. Taking too much vitamin A, D, E leads to an accumulation, which may cause malformations in the fetus, so that supplementation is only by prescription. Hence the importance of not self-medicate. Foods rich in these vitamins are: Vitamin A (important for fetal development): liver, cod liver oil, viscera, fruit and vegetables, yellow-orange, egg yolks, margarine and butter. Vitamin D: (involved in bone growth): oily fish (sardines, herring, salmon …), liver, eggs, cod liver oil, margarine, butter. Vitamin E (antioxidant against free radicals) margarine, whole grains, nuts.
* Minerals: special attention to calcium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, and in the third quarter, the iron. The calcium and phosphorus increased during lactation by its presence in breast milk.
Tags: mineral, mother, nutrition, Pregnancy, protein, vitamin
