Getting the right nutrients is important at every stage of life, but it’s especially critical during pregnancy as the food and nutrients you take will feed not only you but also the baby.
During pregnancy, macronutrient intake has to grow significantly. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is recommended to have a high protein diet with healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
Focus on nutrient dense foods like dry nuts, eggs, meat, colorful vegetables and fruits, whole dairy products, lentils and pulses, whole grains.
Things to Avoid during pregnancy
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Seafood that contain high mercury
- Processed foods with added colors, flavors and preservatives
- Deep fried foods
- Reused oils
- High sugar content foods and refined foods
Essential Micro Nutrients – Vitamins and Minerals:
It is recommended to get all of the nutrients from natural foods. If one finds it difficult to eat different kinds of foods that cover whole spectrum of essential nutrients due to various reasons, it is recommended to take nutritional supplementation from reputed brands.
- A high quality ‘Prenatal Multi-Vitamin’ supplement which covers all essential micro-nutrients. Prenatal multivitamin supplements are specially designed by various companies to meet the requirements of pregnant women.
It is important to note that all essential vitamins and minerals are important during pregnancy. However, below nutrients are relatively more important compared to others and must not be ignored.
- Vitamin B9 – Folate – Methyl Folate form is better absorbed
- Iron
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – High in DHA and EPA
- Choline
- Calcium
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
Because nutritional supplements are classified as ‘complementary medicines’, they are not scrutinized or regulated as much as pharmaceutical medicines. Hence, take advise from an expert for dosage and guidance.
*Do read the Disclaimer