Every pregnant woman should make healthy food choices. Because through their diet, the fetus will receive nutrients that are essential for growth and development.
For a healthy pregnancy, your diet needs a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Yet, some foods and drinks can affect your health and also your developing baby.
Here is a list of what to eat and what to avoid for a healthy pregnancy.
What to Eat during 6th-month Pregnancy
1. Vitamin C
Consume a good amount of vitamin C-rich foods during this month, as you may experience bleeding gums due to the high volume of blood in your body. If this condition persists, it might lead to gingivitis.
So, make sure to include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and tangerines, which are rich in vitamin C. There are also other sources of vitamin C such as strawberries, grapes, cabbage, and sweet potato.
2. Fibre
Pregnancy can bring digestive problems like indigestion, hemorrhoids, and constipation. Eating fiber-rich foods will help in providing a healthy digestive system…
Make sure to include the below categories in your diet to get your daily recommended intake of fiber.
- Fruit (apples, raspberries, pears)
- Vegetables (broccoli, peas, artichokes)
- Whole grains (brown rice, cooked barley)
- Legumes (black beans, chickpeas, lentils)
3. Fluids
Pregnant women should consume a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. Additionally, you can also add smoothies and juices to your diet for your overall wellness.
Taking extra fluids also aids in keeping the stools smooth and making sure to have easier bowel movements.
4. Folic acid
Folic acid is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in building new cells. It is necessary to incorporate foods rich in folic acid into your diet during the second trimester as your baby brain undergoes rapid development at the end of the 24th week.
Certain foods that are rich in folic acid are whole-grain bread, cereals, green vegetables, okra, peas, dry fruits, grapes, and bananas.
What to avoid during 6th month pregnancy?
1. Caffeine
High amounts of caffeine intake can result in restlessness and sleeplessness in newborns. Mothers who consume more caffeine will cause increased fetal heart rate.
However, experts suggest a pregnant woman limit the caffeine intake to take less than 200 milligrams that is 1 cup of coffee daily.
2. Soy
Soy is a good source of phytoestrogens, which are used to boost fertility. These hormones are useful for women attempting to conceive.
But, if you are already pregnant, phytoestrogens can affect fetal brain development, sexual organs, and immune system.
3. Fast food
Fast food is not a good choice for pregnant women. Because these foods contain excess amounts of salt, added sugars, and unhealthy fat, which can bring on health disasters.
Hence, consuming healthy fats as it plays a key role in the health of both mother and baby.
4. Soft cheese
Imported soft cheeses like brie and camembert can contain a bacteria called listeria, which can lead to miscarriage. When consumed, listeria can pass through the placenta and infect the baby, which is fatal for both mother and baby.
Bottom line
Cravings are a natural part of pregnancy. But a nutritious diet is important for both the mother and the developing baby. To understand your cravings and quench them in a healthy way.
