Having a balanced diet during the pregnancy period is much better than just escalating how much one eats. Intakes must also be considered. While one need near about 300 additional calories per day. Specifically at the later stage of pregnancy when the baby is developing rapidly, you need extra calorie. Those calories must come from the healthy foods so can be contributed for the growth and development of the baby. It is normal that the weight of one woman varies with other when they are pregnant and usually they gain 30-35 pounds on an average and a new born baby weighs merely a portion of that. This is how the pound adds up:
Average baby's weight: 7.5 pounds
Excess accumulated protein, fat and other nutrients: 7 pounds
Other excess body fluids: 4 pounds
Excess Blood: 4 pounds
Enlargement of breasts: 2 pounds
Enlargement of uterus: 2 pounds
Amniotic fluid surrounding the baby: 2 pounds
The placenta: 1.5 pounds
Obviously, the prototype of weight gain may differ during pregnancy. Its normal if gained less and if one gains more of weight that indicates the woman has a twins or triplets.
The key source of nourishment for the baby is what the would-be mother eats and drinks during pregnancy. Actually the connection between what the mother consumes and the development of the baby is more tough than one assumed. This is the cause why doctors say no to alcohols during pregnancy, as it is risky.
The excess food consumed is not the merely an empty calories, it should provide nutrients that the developing baby requires. Just take an example, like calcium associates in keeping bones and teeth strong, and at the time of pregnancy one needs additional requirement of calcium, which is for the growing baby. In the same way the pregnant woman needs more significant nutrients than she used to take before she was pregnant. Pregnant women should incorporate the following nutrients for the growth of her baby.
1. Carbohydrates are required to produce energy; foods that are enriched with it are cereals, pastas, fruits, vegetables, rice, breads etc.
2. Foods enriched with iron, which helps in producing red blood cells are spinach, whole grain breads and etc. It also aids in preventing anemia.
3. Vitamin A helps to maintain the glow of the skin, helps in keeping a good eye sight. Sweet potatoes, dark leafy green vegetables are good source of vitamin A.
4. Vitamin C keeps gums, teeth and bones healthy. Supporting with iron supplements like fresh fruits, tomatoes and extract of fruits.
5. Vitamin B6 helps to form red blood cells. Use of protein, fat, carbohydrates pork and whole grain cereals and bananas are good source of vitamin B6.
6. For the production of blood and protein, folic acid is essential. For the function of enzymes, green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits are significant.
7. Restrict intake of fat to 30% or less of the total calorie intake.
According to doctors, six to eight ounce cups each day of coffee, tea, soda with caffeine would not harm the baby. It's wise to evade the consumption of caffeine. Intake of caffeine may result in miscarriages.
