There is nothing more important than right nutrition during pregnancy. This is not surprising considering that the growth and development of your baby depends on what you eat.

Contrary to popular belief, your diet during pregnancy is not about over-indulgence; rather it is more about eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Diet and Complications

When a mother is unable to consume a balanced diet, there are numerous complications which can affect the mother and the child.

To illustrate the case in point, it is a distinct possibility that potential mothers on a faulty pregnancy diet may contract unusual weight gain, nutrition deficiency and pregnancy complications.
On the contrary the child may be born with low birth weight complications and congenital malformations.
Statistics indicate that more than fifty per cent of expectant mothers suffer from iron deficiency anaemia.

Anaemia-My Iron Needs

Anaemia during pregnancy is important considering that it leads to various complications like low weight for date babies and maternal deaths.

The Diet Chart

If you are confused about what to eat and what to avoid during your pregnancy, rest assured that you are not alone.
The preferred option is to opt for the right diet plan depending on the stage of pregnancy.

There are three trimesters during pregnancy. All trimesters are around three months in duration and there is a very specific diet plan for every trimester of pregnancy.

The First Trimester Diet Plan

The first trimester is usually associated with the development of the nervous system. Thus it is advisable to opt for a pregnancy diet which is rich in Folate as it will prevent developmental defects in the growing baby.

 

 

 

 

 

Although your diet is rich in Folate rich food like baked potatoes and oranges, it is a distinct possibility that your doctor may advise you to take Folate supplements too.

Second Trimester

The major development that your baby will undergo during this trimester is the growth of bones and teeth.

Thus logically your second trimester pregnancy diet chart will contain plenty of calcium, Vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids.
Although Vitamin D and calcium help in the growth and development of strong bones and teeth; it is omega 3 fatty acid that really helps fight nutritional deficiencies.

The Third Trimester

If you are a mother in the third trimester of pregnancy then you would well be aware of the fact that this is that unique stage of pregnancy when energy levels are really low
Experts are of the opinion that rich sources of Vitamin K are essential to help the mother and the baby during the process of childbirth.

Bananas and bread are rich sources of Vitamin K.

Third Trimester – The Right Energy Boost

The daily calorie requirement during the third trimester of pregnancy is 300 calories extra.
Getting the much needed energy boost during the third trimester of pregnancy is best achieved by consuming a diet rich in complex carbohydrates and proteins.
One of the preferred options is to consume fruits such as apples regularly.

They are a rich source of carbohydrates which in turn converts to energy giving you the much needed boost during this trimester.
If you are in the third trimester of pregnancy then you can even opt for a protein rich diet as this will help you get that additional energy. Some of the preferred options which can give you adequate protein are cheese, yoghurt and low fat milk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this point of time your baby does not leave you with a lot of space so you tend to fill up very quickly indeed. Thus you should have small frequent meals rather than three large meals.