How to have a Healthy Pregnancy:7 eating tips to keep your baby nourished

Changing your eating habits and switching to a better lifestyle is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Many women lack nutrients, vitamins and other essential minerals which can be harmful for the child. “Never in a women’s life is nutrition so important as when she’s pregnant and nursing”, says Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, author of Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy. What a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy plays an important role for the baby’s nourishment and development.

So, let’s have a look at 6 tips all pregnant women must follow.

Include Folic Acid in your diet during Pregnancy

Folic acid helps your child become healthy than ever. It reduces the chance of neural tube defects including spina bifida. Stick to grains which are fortified with folic acid including breakfast cereals, rice, pasta etc. This acid is crucial in helping to prevent birth defects.

Breakfast Cereal

Lots of Calcium                                   

Calcium is essential for building the baby’s bones. Stick to Vitamin D and dairy products like yogurt, cheese, milk etc.

Choose Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are filled with fiber, nutrients and minerals which are essential for a healthy pregnancy. These colorful fruits and vegetables are low in calories and provide the right amount of nutrition.

Fruits and Vegetables

Add more Iron to your diet

Pregnant women need double the amount of iron as compared to a woman who isn’t expecting. Iron is important to make sure that the blood supply is proper to the baby along with oxygen. Lack of iron during pregnancy can cause anemia. Include a good source of Vitamin C and iron fortified foods like meat, dried beans and peas, fish etc.

Limit Caffeine and Avoid Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol both are extremely unhealthy for your baby. Stick to decaffeinated coffee or tea. Avoid soda. Don’t consume alcohol if you want to have a healthy pregnancy and make sure your child is healthy.

Coffee

More and more Fluids

Your body needs a lot of fluids to keep up with the extra demands of pregnancy. Drink as much water as you can. Add flavor to your water by putting cut out fruits in it. Don’t consume soda or sugary drinks. Choose natural juices.