Proper nutrition during pregnancy

Except in special cases, a pregnant woman does not need a special diet. The diet must be balanced and varied, comply with certain dietary standards: contain sufficient amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements. It is inappropriate to recommend a low-calorie diet during pregnancy.

Weight gain during pregnancy

The permissible increase in body weight during pregnancy is from 9 to 14 kg per pregnancy. Insufficient weight gain can negatively affect fetal development. The height and weight of the unborn child depends on the nutrition of the mother. For proper cell building, a child needs protein, especially of animal origin. To the greatest extent, the mother's nutrition affects the weight and height of the child in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is essential for proper development of the baby during pregnancy in the first trimester. It is involved in the proper formation of the neural tube of the fetus. Zinc is also needed. It helps to protect and develop the immune system of the fetus. The daily diet should include all major food groups: meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and cereals. In the second trimester, a very important point is the introduction of calcium into the diet of the expectant mother. It participates in the formation of bones and teeth of a child, reduces the risk of premature birth and the frequency of birth of small children. In the second and third trimester, the expectant mother should follow the principle of rational nutrition: mainly consume proteins, do not lose sight of fats and limit carbohydrates.

Essential vitamins during pregnancy

A lack of folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, calcium, and sodium can negatively affect fetal development. Vitamin B12 is found in fish and meat, green apples. Fish and meat are also rich in iron. Vegetarian women should take them additionally in tablets.

Caloric intake during pregnancy

The energy value of food for a pregnant woman with an average body weight is about 2,400 kcal per day.

Protein is the main building material for a future baby. It is recommended to include lean meat, milk, eggs, cheese, poultry, and fish in the daily diet.

Fats are a source of energy, fat-soluble vitamins, and are involved in building the cell wall. Excessive fat intake should be avoided, as pregnancy does not increase the body's fat intake. Moreover, during this period, cholesterol levels rise due to an increase in hormone levels.

Carbohydrates are energy suppliers. There are "healthy" or complex carbohydrates and "unhealthy" or simple carbohydrates. "Harmful" carbohydrates are found in sweets, they are immediately absorbed by the body and stored as fat reserves, so we recommend limiting the consumption of foods containing a lot of sugars. In the second trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of gestational diabetes, which is associated with the risks of polyhydramnios and the birth of a large fetus. Therefore, in the second trimester, a blood test for latent diabetes mellitus and restrictions on carbohydrate intake is mandatory.

The diet should include a sufficient amount of fruits, berries, fresh vegetable juices, and compotes. Foods rich in carbohydrates are: bread, root vegetables, cereals, legumes.