Pregnant women not only need to maintain the nutrients required for their own metabolism, but also need to supply the growth and development needs of their fetuses. It is necessary for pregnant women to plan a reasonable diet and dietary nutrition during pregnancy, which is not only beneficial for the baby in the belly, but also for effective management of their own body shape. Pregnant women are the key protected objects of the family. Some pregnant women do not go to work after pregnancy and choose to rest at home, eating whatever they want and whenever they want. As a result, they become overweight and suffer from high blood pressure and high blood sugar during pregnancy, which is detrimental to both the pregnant mother and the fetus. At present, there are still many expectant mothers who do not have sufficient knowledge about nutrition during pregnancy. The following is a popular science on nutrition during pregnancy to help expectant mothers know what nutrients need to be supplemented during pregnancy.
1. Dietary Guidelines for the Entire Pregnancy
(1) Dietary Guidelines for Early Pregnancy (1-3 Months): During this period, many pregnant women may experience symptoms of early pregnancy, such as varying degrees of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and picky eating, which can easily affect their appetite. Some pregnant women may even experience nausea and vomiting when they smell some irritating odors. At this time, it is necessary to have a light diet, eat small meals frequently, and strive not to reduce the total intake. Pregnant women also need to supplement folic acid in early pregnancy, as it is related to the development of the fetus's nervous system. Many natural foods also contain folic acid, such as green vegetables, animal liver, beans, bananas, and other foods.
(2) Dietary guidelines for the second trimester (3 months to 6 months): At this stage, many pregnant mothers' early pregnancy reaction has ended, and their appetite has gradually recovered. Because the pregnant women's demand for calories in the second trimester is more obvious than that in the first trimester, it is necessary to properly add staple foods such as rice and steamed bread for pregnant mothers, as well as high-quality protein such as meat, eggs, milk and bean products. It is necessary to achieve meat and vegetable mix and nutrition balance, prevent pickiness and preference, and avoid the lack of minerals and trace elements.
(3) Dietary Guidelines for Late Pregnancy (6 Months - Baby Birth): In late pregnancy, the fetus grows faster and needs to store more nutrients in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to diversify the diet as much as possible, expand the sources of nutrients, and ensure the supply of nutrients and calories.
2. Five types of nutrients that need to be supplemented during pregnancy
(1) Calcium: In order to successfully pass the entire pregnancy, sufficient intake of calcium substances is the first hurdle. As the baby continues to grow, the demand for calcium substances in pregnant women continues to increase. In the early stages of pregnancy, 1000-1200mg of calcium substances need to be supplemented, in the middle stage of pregnancy, 1200-1500mg of calcium substances need to be supplemented, and in the late stage of pregnancy, 1500-1800mg of calcium substances need to be supplemented. Pregnant women can choose milk with high calcium content for supplementation, or choose milk powder with high calcium content for supplementation. (2) Iron supplements: If there is a lack of iron during pregnancy, pregnant women are prone to anemia. Therefore, pregnant women can eat more iron rich foods in their diet, such as various grains, spinach, and other foods. (3) Vitamins: Vitamins help maintain normal physiological functions in the human body and are crucial for pregnant women. It is especially important to supplement with vitamins B and C, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of vomiting in pregnant women. However, pay attention to the amount of supplementation to prevent poisoning. (4) Folic acid: Folic acid should be taken 3 months before pregnancy and supplemented throughout the entire pregnancy period, in accordance with the doctor's advice. (5) Protein: High quality protein can be supplemented from milk, yogurt, and meat to ensure sufficient and balanced nutrition for pregnant women.