Nutrition for Pregnant Women
Natalie Roberto
Research Paper: Child Development
Nutrition “Must-Knows” for Pregnant Women The single most important thing that you can do for your baby is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet is one that includes foods from all food groups in appropriate amounts, to ensure proper nutrition. One of the most important times to be healthy is the time before and during pregnancy. Pregnant women should know what to eat, what not to eat, and the vitamins and minerals that are needed. While pregnancy is a normal alternative condition for the female body, all nutritional essentials need to be met. For a healthy pregnancy, the mother's diet needs to be balanced and nutritious - this involves the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and consuming a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. A woman should aim for five portions of fruit and/or veggies per day. They may be in the form of juice, dried, canned, frozen, or fresh. Fresh and frozen fruits usually have a higher vitamin nutrient content. Fruit regulates bowels and helps to prevent constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy (MayoClinic.com: Pregnancy Nutrition: Healthy-Eating Basics). The vitamin C in fruits are crucial for the baby's bones and teeth, as well as the collagen in the baby's connective tissue. It is important to have a healthy daily intake of calcium. Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese, milk and yogurt are rich in calcium. During pregnancy, the developing baby drains the mother of many resources, including calcium. Your baby needs as much calcium as possible for proper growth and development of bones, muscles and blood clotting abilities. For these essential needs to be met, the baby starts pulling the calcium from your body. Lastly animal-sourced proteins include fish, lean meat and chicken, as well as eggs are needed too. These proteins are essential for your baby's brain growth along with aiding in muscle growth and repair. The World Health Organization
Research Paper: Child Development
Nutrition “Must-Knows” for Pregnant Women The single most important thing that you can do for your baby is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet is one that includes foods from all food groups in appropriate amounts, to ensure proper nutrition. One of the most important times to be healthy is the time before and during pregnancy. Pregnant women should know what to eat, what not to eat, and the vitamins and minerals that are needed. While pregnancy is a normal alternative condition for the female body, all nutritional essentials need to be met. For a healthy pregnancy, the mother's diet needs to be balanced and nutritious - this involves the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and consuming a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. A woman should aim for five portions of fruit and/or veggies per day. They may be in the form of juice, dried, canned, frozen, or fresh. Fresh and frozen fruits usually have a higher vitamin nutrient content. Fruit regulates bowels and helps to prevent constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy (MayoClinic.com: Pregnancy Nutrition: Healthy-Eating Basics). The vitamin C in fruits are crucial for the baby's bones and teeth, as well as the collagen in the baby's connective tissue. It is important to have a healthy daily intake of calcium. Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese, milk and yogurt are rich in calcium. During pregnancy, the developing baby drains the mother of many resources, including calcium. Your baby needs as much calcium as possible for proper growth and development of bones, muscles and blood clotting abilities. For these essential needs to be met, the baby starts pulling the calcium from your body. Lastly animal-sourced proteins include fish, lean meat and chicken, as well as eggs are needed too. These proteins are essential for your baby's brain growth along with aiding in muscle growth and repair. The World Health Organization