Rahima is fond of foods with sour taste. One day, she prepared a mix of tamarind and green papaya and ate a lot of them, an action that caused her too much of stomach pain and ultimately abortion. Ignorance is something that makes such unwanted things happen. A balanced diet is always essential, especially when you are pregnant because you have to ensure that the baby inside is getting the right kind and quantity of nutrition. So, a woman should know what she should eat and what not during her pregnancy.

Which foods to eat?

Fruits and vegetables:

Vegetables are more conducive to health than fruits. Try to fresh fruits and vegetables 5-7 times a day. You can drink juice and smoothie. But, these drinks may cause increase in blood sugar level or tooth decay. Do not drink them too much.

Starchy foods:

Include potatoes, red rice, bread, pasta, etc, in your daily meal plan. These foods offer carbohydrate that gives you energy.

Protein foods:

Foods like meat with zero fat, chicken, fish, eggs, green peas, lentils help produce new tissues in the baby’s body. Try to eat fish at least twice a week. Oily fishes like sardine or salmon can be eaten once a week.

Dairy products:

Foods rich in fat like milk, cheese are a good source of calcium, but you need to make sure they contain less fat and sugar. Dairy foods help build your baby’s brain cells. They along with sea foods are also a great source of iodine. Since the activity level of a woman with pregnancy remains high, she does not need extra calorie. However, you should eat whenever you feel hungry.

Which foods should be avoided?

Raw egg:

In spite of being a nutritious food, egg when eaten raw can be harmful due to a kind of bacteria named salmonella found in raw egg. So, eat eggs after boiling them properly.

Half-boiled meat:

Meat that is half boiled may contain bacteria. Also, packaged meat like sausage should be avoided. Cook the meat well before eating.

Unpasteurized milk:

Unpasteurized milk or any food made of that like soft cheese contain Listeria, a kind of bacteria. Heat the milk before drinking.

Liver and liver based foods:

Intake of retinol, an animal Vitamin A found in liver or liver based foods may be harmful for your baby.

Caffeine:

While caffeine, found in tea or coffee removes tiredness, intake of excessive caffeine may cause the birth of an underweight baby or even miscarriage. Do not take more than 200 grams of caffeine a day.

Sea fishes:

These are good for health. Containing ingredient like mercury, sea fishes if eaten too much can cause harms to the baby’s neural construction.

Green or half-ripe papaya:

Pregnant women should not eat green papaya or half-ripe ones as they can lead to abortion.

Sushi:

This Japanese meal is very popular although it uses half-boiled meat or sea fishes which contain bacteria, the cause of many diseases.

Harvard School of Public Health published a handbook named “Harvard Healthy Eating Plate” that emphasizes on whole grains and recommends consumption of healthful vegetables. It also suggests that dairy products be taken not more than 1-2 times. Red meat can be eaten but not too much, and processed meat is completely avoidable. Loaf or rice from refined grains is not recommended. Water needs to drunk in plenty. Sugar based foods should not be eaten. Physical exercise on a regular basis is recommended.

A list of ideal foods for pregnant women:

Morning:

Due a feeling of nausea in many women with pregnancy, a cup of green tea along with biscuits can be good. After a little while, two pieces of breads and vegetables can be eaten. With them, a properly boiled egg is recommended. From 10 am to 11 am, a glass of milk without cream or juice or peanuts can be taken.

Noon:

Eat one bowl of rice with fish or meat, vegetable curry, greens, dahl, salad prepared from fresh fruits and vegetables. After that, curd can be eaten.

Afternoon:

Do not indulge yourself in fried foods available outside. Instead, try to eat snacks or cakes that are healthy and homemade. You can also eat baked peas. A glass of juice can also be drunk.

Night:

Your dinner can be much like your lunch except greens. Do not forget to drink a glass of milk free of cream before going to sleep.

Those who have diabetes should eat food as recommended by doctors. Diabetic patients should avoid eating carbohydrate or sugar based foods. Women with issues in blood pressure should avoid eating too much salt.

Contact our call center to consult doctors at SuperMom for any children and maternity affairs from 9am to 5pm from Sunday-Thursday (except Government holidays). Call at 08000-888-000.