Pregnancy and diet need to go hand in hand if you want to ensure that you are giving your unborn child every chance to be born happy and healthy.
The well-being of your child is highly dependent on the nutrition that you provide for him for the full nine months of your pregnancy.
- A good pregnancy diet will also help you, the mother, as it will ensure that your own energy levels are being maintained, both for the duration of the pregnancy and the birth.
- A good pregnancy diet will be sourced from wholesome natural foods, full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and folic acid.
- A good pregnancy diet minimises the chances of developmental defects for the baby, as well as low birth weight and miscarriage.
During pregnancy and diet, there are certain foods to be avoided, as follows:
- Certain large fish can contain high levels of mercury that can harm the nervous system of your baby.
- Such fish include shark, sword fish and king mackerel.
- Also try and avoid raw fish like sushi and oysters, which can contain listeria, a bacterium that can harm your unborn child.
Liver is an excellent source of nutrients for your baby but needs to be taken in moderation, as it is very high in vitamin A, and too much vitamin A can harm your baby.
Unpasteurized foods can also contain the bacterium listeria, so always check the labels of the foods that you are buying to ensure that its ingredients are Pasteurised. Such foods include milk, some juices, and soft cheeses like brie, feta, camembert and blue cheese,
Eggs are to be avoided as they can contain the dreaded bacterium salmonella, which can cause food poisoning and infection. Also avoid foods like mayonnaise and salad dressings, which also contain eggs.
Alcohol should be avoided altogether as too much alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical defects, learning disabilities and emotional problems for the child.
Some studies have shown a link between caffeine and miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight. While these studies are not definitive, caffeine should be avoided where possible, as it’s a diuretic which means it eliminates fluids from the body. This can result in water loss from the body and lead to dehydration for both mother and child.
Fast foods, junk foods and highly processed foods are to be avoided as they give little or no nutritional value to you or your baby. Yes they may fill you up, but that’s all they will do.
- Try to eat five or six small meals a day, as opposed to two or three large meals.
- This ensures that your baby is getting a steady flow of nutrients.
- Also it is easier for the mother to digest these meals, and minimises the possibilities of heartburn and indigestion.
Pregnancy and diet does not need to be a chore. With a little knowledge and application, you can be happy knowing that you are doing all you can to give your baby its best start in life.
