Pregnancy is the most delicate period of an expectant mother and her unborn baby. When you are bringing a new being into this world, it is very important for you to take extra care of yourself and your unborn baby.
However, taking extra care of yourself goes beyond hygiene, what you eat will also determine how healthy you and your unborn baby will be throughout the period.
Nevertheless, you will want to look as glowing as ever despite the changes and development of your body will undergo.
In addition to the changes your body will undergo, nausea, irritation and vomiting during the first few months of pregnancy can make this very difficult especially for a first time mom-but always try to eat a well-balanced diet to keep you and your baby nourished.
Nevertheless, here are 9 recommended healthy food to keep you and your baby healthy
- Eggs
Eggs are very rich source of protein which is essential for expecting moms. Eggs help to promote cell growth in body of both mother and unborn child.
Not that alone, some women may develop allergic reactions to the smell or sight of meat or fish. Eggs are very good alternatives for this. It contains all essential amino acids needed for pregnant women.
- Avocado
Avocados are a unique source of nutrition for pregnant and Breast-feeding women. Nature has so blessed us with this rich source of good fat, folate, fibre, potassium and vitamin K.
Folate is very important especially during the early stage of pregnancy because it can help reduce the risk of defect associated with childbirth. More so, it helps prevent brain disorder and maintain the general health of the brain.
However, you will recall your doctor prescribes folic acid for you- yes? This is because folic acid is a man-made form of folate.
As a matter of fact, consuming a regular potion of Avocado will help keep you and your baby nourished during pregnancy and beyond.
- Sweet Potatoes
Every mom would want the best for her unborn child. To achieve this, you should focus more on natural foods like sweet Potatoes. Sweet Potatoes are enriched with vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, potassium and Calcium.
In addition, , all these compounds help in the development of your baby’s skin, eyes, growth and formation of their bones and teeth.
- Leafy Green vegetables
Meet the power house of Vitamins and Minerals. They contain low calories and are packed with enough Vitamins and minerals for you and your baby.
Most importantly, The rich antioxidant content will help to effectively support and protect your baby’s cell growth, immune system and also aid proper digestions in pregnant moms.
A good intake of green vegetables as part of your pregnancy diet can also help prevent your baby from developing allergic symptoms later in life.
However, leafy green vegetables are of different varieties; they include spinach, broccoli, lettuce, waterleaf, pumpkin leaf, bitter leaf. They are all rich antioxidants.
- Bananas
Bananas are instant energy providers, they help fight against pregnancy fatigue and help to reduce common pregnancy problems like leg cramps and morning sickness.
Not only that, naturally, they help reduce constipation and any other form of stomach disorder.
Besides, they are very rich source of vitamin and folate too and are best recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding moms.
- Lean meat
Do you know that your body needs twice the normal amount of iron you consume before you started expecting?
Lean meat are packed with iron needed for the development of the red blood cell of your unborn baby-and your body requires iron to make extra blood for your baby in there.
Moreover, lean meat is an excellent source of protein – which makes it a good recommendation for pregnant women.
With this, you should ensure rich intake of lean mean to reduce the risk of anaemia and to enable you meet your body’s new nutritional needs.
- Red Beans
Meet the super food for pregnancy! Red beans are very nutritious but not every woman know about its great benefit.
Eating red beans frequently can help your body balance hormones and produce enough breast milk for your baby.
Red beans have very high amount of antioxidant, extremely rich in protein, omega 3 fats, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B1-that helps strengthen the immune system and aid blood circulation.
More so, red beans are also rich in iron which can help to prevent anaemia, pale skin and constipation.
Also, Iron is also very good for the development and formation of baby’s brain and eye.
- Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna are very rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
It helps in the development of brain, cognitive enhancement and can enhance high IQ (intelligence quotient) in babies.
However, a regular intake of fatty fish can keep you and your baby healthy throughout this period.
- Oranges
This juicy fruit is loaded with enough Vitamin C and are best recommended for pregnant women. Oranges help to hydrate the body and improve your immune system including that of your baby.
Most importantly, they help in the formation of placenta and can greatly reduce the risk of infant allergic diseases.
Finally, always have it in mind that a healthy mom is a healthy baby. Don’t forget to always drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and refreshing.
As a matter of fact, stay away from stressful activities, think less, go shopping before the arrival of your sunshine, plan well and take all the rest you need.
Above all, avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoke and anything detrimental to your health and that of your baby.
