Taking care of nutrition during pregnancy is a whole different ball game, as it requires a lot of concentration and research. During this phase, a woman is not eating for one but for two, and what she eats has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of her child and on her as well. This is why proper research, information, and guidance are essential to ensuring you get enough protein in your daily meals during pregnancy. Also, there are various restrictions in the phase of pregnancy that must be considered by a pregnant woman. If you are looking for pre-pregnancy counseling, pregnancy care, infertility counseling and management, laparoscopic surgery, IVF treatment, gynecology, PCOS management, fibroids surgery, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) or abdominal/vaginal hysterectomy, then get in touch with Diva Women’s Hospital.
Dos and Don’ts During Pregnancy
Dos
1: Do eat rainbow of food
When you are pregnant, it is very important for you to have a balanced diet in order to remain healthy and fit during the pregnancy period. You must look at your plate daily and ask yourself whether you are getting enough protein or not. Ask yourself: Am I eating a rainbow of foods? Our Indian diet is limited to white and brown foods, i.e., rice, dal, and roti, which is not enough at all. Eat plenty of green vegetables and fruits such as bananas, apples, broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage and so on.
2: Incorporate five essential nutrients: Iron, Folate, Calcium, Vitamin D and Zinc
There are some essential nutrients that you must add to your daily diet, which are zinc, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and folate during pregnancy. You must consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day and 27 milligrammes of iron per day. Also, the best gynecologists in Ahmedabad suggest having at least 1000 milligrammes of calcium a day and approximately 15 milligrammes of zinc a day during pregnancy. After following all the diet and healthy routines, if you feel uncomfortable or weak, you must see your OB/GYN as soon as possible.
3: Do eat a lot of Fiber-rich foods.
Fiber is very beneficial for pregnant women as it helps maintain proper digestion and good health. This also helps pregnant women with some serious dizziness, such as constipation and bloating, that can make you uncomfortable for a long period of time. Pregnant women must also aim for at least 25 to 40 milligrammes of fiber per day.
4: Do drink plenty of fluids.
Dehydration can be dangerous for a pregnant woman and can cause long term sickness and dizziness during pregnancy. Therefore, having plenty of fluids such as; water, juices, and coconut water can be helpful during pregnancy as it helps in promoting higher blood volume, fetal circulation, and the development of amniotic fluid. The pregnant women must drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
5: Do get your Omega 3s
Omega 3 fatty acids are an important nutrient for pregnant women and for their babies as they help in boosting the baby’s brain development and neurological functions before birth as well as contributing to better vision for the baby. Overall, this works as a mood booster for both the mother and child, along with reducing the risk of postpartum depression. Looking for a consultation with the best and most experienced gynecologist in Ahmedabad? Connect with Diva Women’s Hospital today.
Don’ts
1: Don’t go overboard with eating for two
There is a myth that pregnant women must eat for two. Yes, you have a growing baby inside your womb, but that doesn’t mean you need to eat for two and double your diet. You just need to change your eating routine and add a lot of nutrients and vitamins to your daily meal. You can also consult your OB/gyn about a balanced diet and exercise programme that you need to follow for an easy pregnancy and delivery.
2: Don’t overlook for safe food handling
You need to maintain proper hygiene while cooking food, and you also need to be extra careful while eating your food and getting nutrition. Also, wash and clean all utensils before using them, and cook food well so that bacteria can be killed. You must also read blogs and books, as this will help keep your mood and mind fresh during pregnancy.
3: Don’t leave long gaps between meal
As we have already mentioned in the above section, having enough protein and nutrients is required, so you must not skip meals or leave a long gap between meals. Taking nutrients and proteins on a regular basis helps keep your blood sugar level steady, preventing you from crashing or becoming sick.
4: Don’t eat junk food to curb cravings
During pregnancy, women experience cravings for different kinds of foods and drinks, which indicates that they are deficient in those particular nutrients. But you must not indulge in junk food to curb cravings, as it can be harmful for you and your baby. Looking for the best maternity hospital in Ahmedabad? Then get in touch with Diva Women’s Hospital today. We have designed our service to ensure you have peace of mind during pregnancy, from start to finish.
5: Don’t drink alcohol at all
It is almost universally known that drinking and smoking are dangerous for your health, especially for pregnant women and couples who are trying to conceive. Therefore; avoid or limit alcohol when you want to conceive, and avoid it totally when you are pregnant.
Visit Diva Hospital to learn more about precautions to take during pregnancy as we take care of all your nutrition needs during treatment.