Diet during pregnancy

Diet during pregnancy is an important condition for bearing a strong child, as well as maintaining the health and endurance of the expectant mother. Such an issue as proper nutrition during pregnancy must be treated with all responsibility, giving preference to exclusively natural products that will saturate the woman's body with essential vitamins, microelements and various nutrients.

You should eat in such a way that the mother's body has the appropriate material at the right moment to "build" a little person, lay the foundation for his internal organs, nervous system, immunity, as well as full intrauterine development. That is why it is so important to build the right diet for a pregnant woman.

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Diet menu during pregnancy

The diet menu during pregnancy involves introducing into the diet of the expectant mother products necessary for the normal course of pregnancy, the coordinated work of the woman's body and high-quality intrauterine nutrition of the baby. Such a menu is also aimed at avoiding problems with extra pounds, which often arise both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

A pregnant woman must take care of a balanced diet, which should include a variety of products and dishes. At the same time, one should remember about the norms and certain dosages in food intake.

The following products and dishes should be included in the diet menu during pregnancy:

• first courses (in the form of vegetable, milk soups and broths);
• lean meat and a variety of meat dishes (beef, chicken, turkey, veal, red meat);
• milk and various dairy products (low fat);
• bakery, flour and pasta products;
• cereals (mainly as an addition to first courses);
• eggs (the dosage during pregnancy is several pieces per week);
• fish and seafood;
• vegetables, berries, fresh herbs, fruits and dried fruits;
• water and non-carbonated drinks;
• oil (butter, vegetable), etc.

The daily norm of first courses during pregnancy is 200-250 grams. The best option in this case will be vegetable soups cooked in water or low-fat broth with the addition of several potatoes. As additional ingredients when preparing soups, you can use small amounts of pasta or cereals. First courses are usually seasoned with low-fat sour cream or cream, as well as fresh chopped herbs.

As for meat consumption during pregnancy, in this case the expectant mother is recommended to give preference only to its lean varieties, primarily poultry (chicken or turkey), rabbit, as well as veal and beef. The daily dose of meat dishes is 150 grams. Nutritionists advise steaming such dishes, as well as baking in the oven, after boiling in water. The optimal dishes for the expectant mother will be steamed puddings and cutlets, meat rolls, meat and vegetable zrazy, as well as quenelles, meatballs, etc.

Consumption of bread and other flour products during pregnancy should be carried out under certain control and amount to approximately 100-150 g per day. The expectant mother should give preference to dietary salt-free breads, rye bread or bread with bran, as well as bread made from coarse flour or wheat flour of grades I-II. It is advisable to use yesterday's baked goods or dry them slightly immediately before use. Among flour products there should be no baked goods, it is recommended to replace them with unsweetened cookies or biscuits.

The proper diet of the expectant mother should include whole milk and dairy products. Their daily dose should be 200 grams. However, one should remember the situation when a pregnant woman has an allergic reaction associated with lactose intolerance contained in milk. In this case, the intake of dairy products should be limited or stopped. Milk can also be added to tea, porridge, vegetable soups; among dairy products, it is preferable to choose low-fat kefir, cream, unsweetened yogurts, sour milk.

During pregnancy, egg consumption should be limited to 1-2 eggs per week. As for egg dishes, it is best to stick to steamed omelettes, as well as soft-boiled or poached eggs.

The daily intake of fish, as well as seafood and fish dishes during pregnancy should be approximately 150 grams. It should be emphasized that a pregnant woman is categorically not recommended to eat fatty fish. The best option in this case would be dishes from navaga, pike perch, ice fish or cod. From these varieties you can prepare steamed fish cutlets, meatballs, steam soufflé, fish rolls with vegetables, quenelles, fish puree and other dishes.

It is best to use cereals and various pasta products (spaghetti, vermicelli, noodles) as additional additives to soups and only occasionally use them as a side dish, while reducing bread consumption.

Consumption of butter during pregnancy should be limited to 15 grams per day (while vegetable oils are recommended to be used only as additives to main dishes).

A pregnant woman should remember about the daily norm of drinking water consumption, which is not less than 1.5-2 liters. As other drinks, you can use unsweetened fruit and berry compotes, weak tea (with a small amount of milk added), rosehip decoction, as well as juices-puree from all kinds of berries and fruits, previously diluted with warm boiled water.

Fresh vegetables, as well as various fruits and berries, are products that should be present in the diet of a pregnant woman on a regular basis. They can be eaten raw, or used as a base for other dishes, such as vegetable or fruit puree, steamed soufflé, berry pudding, etc. All kinds of vegetables are useful for the expectant mother, especially tomatoes, different types of cabbage, bell peppers, cucumbers, and melon. Many useful substances are also contained in lettuce, pumpkin, and zucchini. It is advisable to eat fresh vegetables (in particular, carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, or kohlrabi) in grated form. Radishes, beans, green peas, boiled carrots, and beets should be used in moderation. Fresh dill and parsley, lettuce leaves, and chopped green onions should mainly be used as additional components and seasonings for main dishes. In addition to soufflés and puddings, unsweetened compotes can be made from berries and fruits (including dried fruits).

The diet during pregnancy is aimed, first of all, at using in the diet of the expectant mother only healthy products that will saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and nutrients - both for herself and for the baby preparing for birth. A pregnant woman should avoid excessive use of hot spices and strong seasonings when cooking. Instead, it is recommended to use finely chopped dill, lettuce and parsley, as well as cinnamon, cloves and bay leaf - in small quantities.

A pregnant woman will have to limit her consumption of baked goods and sweets due to the possible risk associated with excessively rapid weight gain. The main principle in rational nutrition for the expectant mother should be moderation. The main condition for the correct construction of the expectant mother's diet is, first of all, the quality of food, its variety and balance.

Salt-free diet during pregnancy

Diet during pregnancy can be very diverse, but in all cases it is aimed at rational, balanced nutrition. Many nutritionists advise pregnant women to limit their salt intake. In this case, they are recommended a salt-free diet during pregnancy.

It should be noted that salt itself is a necessary element for the smooth functioning of internal organs and systems, but its excess can cause irreparable harm to human health. On average, daily salt consumption should not exceed 12-15 grams. However, it should be remembered that we also eat a variety of salt-containing foods (bread, sauces, mayonnaise, meat, canned goods, fish, cereals, fresh vegetables), along with which the body gets about 10 grams of salt. Thus, to fully satisfy our body in salt, we need to add only 5-7 grams to this amount. Visually, this looks like one incomplete teaspoon. Unfortunately, in most cases, people "exceed" this norm in salt consumption by two to three times, or even more. Such an "excess norm" can be extremely dangerous for the body and cause negative consequences in pregnant women, in particular, edema, gestosis and placental abruption.

A salt-free diet during pregnancy is aimed at completely eliminating the use of salt in its pure form, allowing it to enter the body only with other products: bread, vegetables, meat, etc. Among the basic rules of a salt-free diet, the following can be noted:

• predominantly cooking food using steam;
• exclusion from the diet of fried foods, marinades, as well as all kinds of smoked and pickled foods;
• limiting the consumption of various confectionery products (including cakes, pastries), cereals and pasta.

When following a salt-free diet, bread consumption is reduced to 150-200 g per day. It is recommended to cook soups on vegetable or low-fat fish broth. Only low-fat varieties of fish and meat are allowed. Pregnant women can eat fruits both raw and boiled, without any special restrictions. In addition, it is recommended to eat fresh fruits, berries, as well as eggs, fermented milk products, butter (10 grams daily), low-fat cottage cheese, and tea.

So, a sample menu for a salt-free diet for pregnant women might look something like this:

• Breakfast No. 1. Semolina porridge, tea, cocoa.
• Breakfast No. 2. Fresh fruit (orange, apple, banana).
• Lunch. Soup, pasta with a piece of meat, fruit (apple).
• Afternoon snack. Cookies with warm milk.
• Dinner. Potatoes, steamed fish cutlets, dairy products or regular milk.

When following a salt-free diet, it is also very important to remember the main rule: it is better to undersalt food than to oversalt it.

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Cottage cheese diet during pregnancy

Diet during pregnancy is based, first of all, on the woman's concern for the child she is carrying. This is the main reason for the correct, balanced nutrition of the expectant mother. Many nutritionists have developed their diets based on the benefits of individual products, their proper combination and absorption by the body of a pregnant woman. However, today there are disagreements between specialists regarding some food products and recommendations for their use by pregnant women. But there are things that do not cause the slightest doubt. For example, the undeniable benefits of eating cottage cheese products.

The cottage cheese diet during pregnancy (including dairy products) plays a positive role, first of all, due to the rich calcium content, which is very necessary for both the body of the expectant mother and the child. This type of diet can also be characterized as low-calorie, low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-protein.

In addition to calcium, curd products contain B vitamins and protein. Eating low-fat dairy and curd products will help maintain a healthy weight. Naturally, this type of diet should be used wisely, without delaying it, since the body of a pregnant woman also needs other substances.

The very name of the diet – “curd” – indicates that the main component of the diet is curd and dairy products (in particular, kefir). However, nutritionists do not recommend being on this diet for more than a week. This also applies to pregnant women who want to protect their weight from extra pounds. The curd diet should be used within strictly limited time frames.

There are many variations of the cottage cheese diet menu. According to one of them, the expectant mother should eat no more than 350-400 grams of low-fat cottage cheese during the day, adding wheat bran to it. It is recommended to divide the meal into 3-4 equal portions. To diversify such a menu, you can add vegetables, fruits (or dried fruits), honey to the cottage cheese. You need to drink 2 glasses of fermented baked milk or kefir daily. In addition, other drinks are allowed: rosehip decoction, green tea, compotes.

It is important to remember that such a diet can be dangerous. In particular, the cottage cheese diet is contraindicated if the pregnant woman has problems related to the gastrointestinal tract, as well as liver pathologies or kidney dysfunction.

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Japanese Diet During Pregnancy

A diet during pregnancy implies rational, balanced nutrition, which is one of the main conditions for normal fetal development and favorable pregnancy. Naturally, the body of the expectant mother requires much more vitamins and nutrients, because a new life is developing inside it. The diet of a pregnant woman should consist only of fresh products and freshly prepared food. It is best to replace sucrose with glucose, fructose, honey. Food should be as varied as possible, but at the same time balanced.

Many nutritionists believe that the expectant mother should eat small portions up to five times a day. This method of nutrition improves metabolism and promotes stable weight. Greens, fruits and vegetables should be present in the menu of a pregnant woman without fail. In this case, it makes sense to give preference to the Japanese nutrition system, aimed at consuming only natural products that are beneficial to human health.

The Japanese diet during pregnancy involves the complete exclusion of salt and sugar in their pure form, as well as various confectionery and pasta products from the diet of a pregnant woman. Between main meals, it is recommended to drink unlimited amounts of clean water (filtered, mineral or boiled), as needed. Usually, the Japanese diet menu is calculated for 13 days, but if necessary, it can be extended to 13 weeks. For optimal results, it is necessary to follow all recommendations and not change a certain sequence of eating dishes, since all components are selected by specialists very carefully. At the same time, it is imperative to remember that all food, according to the Japanese diet, should be prepared without adding salt or any seasonings. What foods are allowed in the Japanese diet? First of all, these are all kinds of protein foods: boiled meat, fish, fresh vegetables, eggs, juices. This menu includes a variety of vegetable salads, bran bread, boiled beef, as well as hard cheese (in small quantities), fresh fruits (except grapes and bananas).

It should be taken into account that the Japanese diet during pregnancy is unbalanced, so it requires additional intake of multivitamins during the period of observance. The menu of such a diet implies the use of freshly prepared natural coffee, which is largely contraindicated for pregnant women, so before starting to use the Japanese diet, it is necessary to consult a nutritionist or doctor.

Apple Diet During Pregnancy

The diet during pregnancy should be as balanced and correct as possible, so as not to harm the health of the expectant mother and her baby. The use of various nutrition systems should be agreed upon by the gynecologist observing the pregnant woman. This is especially true for those diets that involve the use of fasting days. For example, such is the apple diet, which is quite common among women watching their weight.

The apple diet during pregnancy is recommended for those expectant mothers who, in addition to excess weight, have a tendency to edema, sudden weight gain, and late gestosis. According to this diet, you need to eat only green fruits. Usually, eating green apples is combined with drinking kefir. There are several options for the apple diet menu. One of them is to eat half an apple every hour during the day, washing it down with half a glass of kefir. According to the second option, you need to eat about 2 kilograms of apples during one day. In addition to these fruits, eating anything else is strictly prohibited. At the same time, you should remember about the obligatory use of liquids. Mineral water and herbal teas are ideal for this purpose. The third option involves using the juiciest variety of apples in the menu without drinking liquids. You can bake apples in the oven, but only without adding sugar to them.

The apple diet during pregnancy is allowed only after 30 weeks of pregnancy, that is, at a time when the main organs of the child have already formed. The "advantages" of this diet are not only effective weight loss, but also in terms of preventing hypertension and atherosclerosis. In addition, it should be taken into account that an apple is an extremely useful product containing all the necessary elements and vitamins for the full functioning of the body. However, it is impossible to allow the use of such a mono-diet on a permanent basis.

Protasov's Diet During Pregnancy

A diet during pregnancy consists, first of all, in switching to proper nutrition and changing the lifestyle of the expectant mother. At the same time, you should not rely solely on weight loss. You cannot deprive the future child of the necessary nutrients and vitamins for full intrauterine development and the correct formation of its nervous system and internal organs. If the baby does not receive the necessary microelements and vitamins for its development, there is a high probability of complications during childbirth, and the risk of delays in its growth and development increases. Of course, using diets for weight control is a noble cause, but this process should be carried out without harm to the little creature, completely dependent on the mother. Nowadays, the Kim Protasov diet is very popular among pregnant women, which consists of eating a large amount of fruits, vegetables and various dairy products.

The Protasov diet during pregnancy is designed for 5 weeks. The diet of the expectant mother should be maximally enriched with useful microelements and vitamins, therefore it includes the consumption of vegetables and fruits. This process leads to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, the breakdown of subcutaneous fat deposits, strengthening the immune system and effective weight loss. The Protasov diet excludes exhausting hunger strikes, on the contrary, it allows the intake of "permitted" products in unlimited quantities. This, in turn, excludes stress and tension associated with mono-diets. The "plus" of such a nutrition system for pregnant women, first of all, is its unburdensome nature. In addition, observing such a diet, a woman will feel a surge of vitality, energy and vigor.

The Protasov diet during pregnancy does not dictate any strict restrictions in food. All the "permitted" ingredients are easy enough to remember. The main thing is that for breakfast, lunch and dinner the expectant mother can choose whatever she wants. The main rules of the Protasov diet include the following points:

• eating a lot of raw vegetables;
• daily intake of dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese) with 5% fat content;
• mandatory daily consumption of liquid in an amount of at least 2 liters;
• Avoid overeating, eat at least 5 times a day.

During the first week of the Protasov diet, you should eat only raw vegetables, as well as yogurt, cottage cheese and hard cheeses. Green tea, non-carbonated mineral water, and natural coffee in limited quantities are allowed. You can eat 1 hard-boiled egg per day.

The second week of the Protasov diet is no different from the previous one, but you need to exclude eggs from your diet. In the third week of the diet, you need to add boiled or baked poultry (fish) to your main food products at a rate of 300 grams per day. It is also recommended to reduce the intake of dairy products, in particular, cheeses and yogurt.

At stage 4 and 5 weeks of the Protasov diet, a pregnant woman will feel lightness in the body, a surge of strength, vigor and energy. During this period, it is important to refrain from eating various sweets, and give preference to vegetables, apples, yogurts, eggs, cheese, tea and natural coffee (in limited quantities).

During the sixth week of the diet, it is recommended to stick to the diet of the 5th week with the gradual introduction of cereals and unsweetened fruits.

Buckwheat diet during pregnancy

A diet during pregnancy involves eating only those foods that are good for the health of the expectant mother and the normal development of her baby. Many women prefer to use mono-diets aimed at quickly burning fat and normalizing weight. The term "mono-diet" itself indicates that the diet is based on eating one product. For example, the buckwheat diet is very popular, which means eating buckwheat as a staple food.

The buckwheat diet during pregnancy should be short-term and last on average no more than one or two weeks, since the body of the expectant mother also needs other useful substances for its proper functioning. This diet is based on the use of buckwheat porridge together with liquids: kefir, non-carbonated mineral water, and green tea. Supporters of this diet are convinced that it promotes effective weight loss and cleansing the human body of harmful substances, including toxins. The beneficial properties of the buckwheat diet include its simplicity, affordability, and long-term satiety. Regarding the combination of "buckwheat plus kefir", the following point should be noted. Buckwheat is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, micro- and macroelements, and also contains folic acid and B vitamins. Kefir also contains a number of vitamins, a small amount of carbohydrates and protein, so it goes well with buckwheat.

What are the main principles of the buckwheat diet? The first rule states that during the entire period of such a diet, you need to eat buckwheat porridge prepared according to a special recipe. First, pour boiling water over the buckwheat and leave it to steep overnight. The next day, the first day of the diet, you must eat only buckwheat porridge, washing it down with 1% fat kefir (no more than one liter per day), and you can also drink water and tea in unlimited quantities. Daily intake of 1-2 fruits or 150 grams of low-fat yogurt is allowed.

It is necessary to remember other important rules of the buckwheat diet:

• It is forbidden to add sugar, salt and spices, as well as butter to buckwheat porridge;
• Dinner should be no less than 4 hours before bedtime, however, if a pregnant woman experiences a strong feeling of hunger, she can drink a glass of kefir at night;
• It is recommended to take multivitamins both during the buckwheat diet and for some period after it;
• It is important to remember the contraindications, in the presence of which this type of diet cannot be used: gastritis, stomach ulcer, recovery period after illnesses, etc.

The expectant mother should remember that any mono-diet, including buckwheat, cannot be 100% useful, because eating just one product cannot provide the body with all the necessary microelements and nutrients. Therefore, such types of diets should be treated with particular caution, being fully aware of and regularly consulting with a doctor.

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Diet for weight loss during pregnancy

Diet during pregnancy – is it possible? This question is asked by many women who are literally “scared” by doctors’ words about the negative consequences of excess weight. There are certain limits for weight gain that are acceptable during pregnancy, and going beyond them is considered a pathology from a medical point of view. This norm is 8-12 kilograms. If a woman is rapidly gaining excess weight, it is necessary to take measures, because obesity has a negative effect on both the health of the expectant mother and the intrauterine development of the child.

A diet for weight loss during pregnancy does not in any way imply exhausting starvation in order to quickly lose weight. This is, first of all, a system of rational nutrition, including frequent meals in small quantities. During pregnancy, you need to be especially careful with mono-diets, because they are unbalanced and deprive the body of additional nutrients contained in other products.

Doctors recommend that expectant mothers control their weight with the help of so-called "fasting days", which should be arranged 1-2 times a month. As products for the fasting menu, you can use fresh fruits and berries (apples, oranges, watermelons). However, not every woman can withstand such a strict diet, especially "in position". Therefore, the optimal method for weight control is proper nutrition, which implies the exclusion of high-calorie foods from the diet, or at least their limitation. The expectant mother should in no way be guided by the traditional "rule" that states that a pregnant woman should eat for two.

A diet for weight loss during pregnancy is, first of all, the exclusion of salt, fried foods, smoked foods, and sweets from the diet. The diet of the expectant mother should not be high in calories and abundant, it is best to give preference to frequent, fractional 5-meal meals. It is recommended to eat more caloric food in the first half of the day. It is necessary to increase the consumption of fresh vegetables, as well as meat, eggs, and fish, since the developing body of the child really needs protein. Of the meats, it is best to eat beef, veal, or chicken, both baked in the oven and boiled.

Proper nutrition, moderate physical activity and "smart" gymnastics for pregnant women will give good results. It is useful for expectant mothers to walk, swim in the pool, and do exercises to maintain muscle tone. All these actions contribute to the timely burning of excess calories and safe weight loss.

Don't be upset if you gain more than 12 kilograms during the entire period of bearing a child. By the time you are discharged from the maternity hospital, 10 kilograms will have "burned off", and the remaining extra kilograms, with proper nutrition, will go away during the first months after the most important event in your life - the birth of your baby.

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Diet in early pregnancy

The diet during early pregnancy, as well as in the following two trimesters, should be balanced. It is necessary that the diet of the expectant mother includes the required amounts of fats and carbohydrates, as well as proteins, vitamins, and useful microelements. In this way, the body of the pregnant woman will cope with all the upcoming load, which is caused by bearing a baby.

The diet in early pregnancy should consist of 10% protein foods (meat, fish, eggs, legumes, dairy products), 30% fats (nuts, butter, milk and dairy products). The remaining 55-60% are carbohydrates (pasta, fruits, potatoes, buckwheat, rice, oatmeal).

The expectant mother should pay close attention to her diet even at the stage of pregnancy planning. In the first trimester, she should avoid semi-finished products, as well as food products with “empty” calories and sweets. She should also limit her consumption of flour products, giving preference to whole grains, which have a beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman and the development of the fetus. This benefit is explained by the content of fiber in whole grains, which helps the intestines cope with their main functions. Thus, the body will fully absorb nutrients and promptly remove decay products.

To avoid rapid weight gain, a pregnant woman should not get carried away with traditional weight loss methods. It is enough to simply follow the rules of rational nutrition, including daily consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits containing a minimum amount of calories. Do not take into account the well-known saying that a mother needs to eat for two - this is wrong. The expectant mother simply needs to control the process of eating and use fractional nutrition, which guarantees optimal metabolism and stability in shape.

Diet during pregnancy is aimed at controlling the woman's weight, since excess body weight has a negative impact on both her health and the development of the baby. Therefore, the expectant mother must completely rethink her lifestyle, as well as her diet. The components of a successful pregnancy are proper nutrition, drinking enough clean water, moderate activity and a positive attitude.

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Diet during pregnancy in the 1st trimester

A diet during pregnancy involves including foods rich in nutrients, useful microelements and various vitamins in the menu of the expectant mother. However, a woman should eat correctly and consistently even before conception. In particular, do not drink alcoholic beverages or take any medications without consulting your doctor in advance, know about the symptoms of early toxicosis and ways to overcome it, and carefully review your diet to exclude harmful and too high-calorie foods.

The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by frequent manifestations of toxicosis in the expectant mother. The main rule of nutrition for a pregnant woman at the first signs of early toxicosis should be the following: it is necessary that the food is not too hot and gives pleasure to the expectant mother. It is recommended that a pregnant woman eat little and often (at least 5 times a day).

The diet during pregnancy in the first trimester includes a varied diet. If a pregnant woman wants something salty (pickled cucumber, sauerkraut, soaked apple, a piece of herring), this is not bad, because such products stimulate the appetite. It is necessary to eat fresh vegetables and fruits every day, but "wisely", without overeating. It is imperative to eat boiled meat and fish, because the baby's body needs amino acids, which are usually found in animal proteins. It is also necessary to eat fermented milk products, because they contain calcium - an element that is useful for both the mother and her baby. Products such as hard cheese and cottage cheese will help out if the pregnant woman does not like whole milk.

When choosing dishes and food products, it is recommended not to give preference to smoked foods, as well as canned goods, fried foods, coffee, and semi-finished products. Nutritionists advise expectant mothers to drink mineral water, freshly squeezed juice, compote, fruit drink, and other drinks, since the expectant mother's body needs more fluid. To avoid problems with bowel function, pregnant women are recommended to include beets, prunes, and drink a glass of purified cold water on an empty stomach and kefir at night.

It is important to remember that the bulk of vitamins useful for the human body come from outside, with food or pharmacy complexes. Vitamin C is very useful for the expectant mother in the early stages of pregnancy, which improves the immune system of the pregnant woman, fights the manifestations of early toxicosis, and also strengthens the fetus's heart.

Folic acid, zinc, selenium and copper help prevent various birth defects in the fetus, including the risk of abnormal formation of the spinal cord and spine.

Magnesium, as well as vitamins E and B6, effectively affect the reproductive function of the female body, thereby reducing the risk of miscarriage, which is especially pronounced in the first trimester, at 9-12 weeks of pregnancy.

Vitamins of group B are also vitally important; a deficiency of these can lead to various developmental defects in the baby and manifestations of early toxicosis in a pregnant woman.

Vitamin PP plays a very important role, providing the expectant mother and her child with cellular respiration. Cobalt and iodine are microelements that participate in the development of the baby's thyroid gland at 11-12 weeks, and also help the woman fight the signs of early toxicosis, preventing attacks of uncontrollable vomiting.

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Diet during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester

A diet during pregnancy is aimed at choosing a special diet, which would include the use of only healthy foods necessary for the body of the expectant mother and the correct intrauterine development of her baby. In order to know what you can and cannot eat during pregnancy, you need to consult a nutritionist who will select the optimal nutrition system in a specific case. You need to remember the features of the diet at different stages of bearing a child.

The diet during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester includes adherence to the following nutritional rules:

• Limited consumption of liquids and salty foods in any form. Excessive consumption of these products prevents the absorption of iron into the blood - an essential element that plays an important role in the process of normal intrauterine development of the fetus.
• Introducing lean meat into the diet of the expectant mother, baked, boiled or stewed, as well as lean fish and other foods containing protein: dairy products, eggs, cottage cheese.
• Eating freshly prepared vegetable and fruit salads without dressings (as "light" snacks), as well as apple juice with celery, which contains an element that is very useful for the female body - folic acid. It plays a vital role in the formation and development of the child's nervous and circulatory systems.
• Eating foods that contain the maximum amount of iron, such as liver, apples, tomato juice, buckwheat porridge.
• Minimize the intake of sweets, pasta and flour products for optimal weight control.
• Introducing rosehip decoction into the diet of a pregnant woman - a source of vitamin C, which acts as an element vital for the development of the placenta, as well as regular consumption of foods containing vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, sources of which are cottage cheese, dairy and fish products.
• Taking vitamin A, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy. It has a beneficial effect on the fetus's genetic system and stimulates genes responsible for the baby's growth, development of bone tissue, skin, eyes (in particular, the retina) and mucous membranes. Sources of vitamin A include such foods as egg yolks, parsley, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, apricots and butter.

The diet during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester should be as balanced and carefully thought out as possible so that the expectant mother does not have health problems, as well as excess weight, the problem of which is very relevant in our time and worries many women.

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Diet during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester

Diet during pregnancy is of great importance for normal bearing of a child and prevention of excess weight in a woman. In addition, a balanced diet has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body of the expectant mother, bowel function, and immunity. To know how to eat properly during such a crucial period in the life of every woman as pregnancy, you need to understand what problems can arise at one or another stage of bearing a child.

In the third trimester, pregnant women often experience problems associated with the increased growth of the uterus. This organ begins to press on the stomach, and progesterone (the so-called "pregnancy hormone") helps to reduce the tone of its smooth muscles, including the esophageal sphincter, which causes excruciating attacks of heartburn. Another, no less urgent problem in the second half of pregnancy is gestosis. This disease manifests itself in the form of increased blood pressure in a pregnant woman, the occurrence of edema, and kidney problems. Many symptoms of gestosis occur due to a deficiency of micronutrients and unbalanced nutrition. Therefore, the diet during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester plays a special role for the expectant mother. The child's body is constantly developing, its needs are constantly increasing, the body is gaining weight, and hence - the emergence of all sorts of health problems for the mother.

A rational diet during the final period of pregnancy consists of following simple, but at the same time very important rules and advice. The expectant mother's diet needs to be adjusted a little, even if she feels fine overall.

Doctors recommend that women at this stage limit their salt intake and completely eliminate pickles, smoked foods, canned foods, spicy, fatty, fried foods, spices and sweets in the form of chocolate, cakes, and candies from their diet. It is necessary to give up citrus fruits, as well as peanuts and sour dishes.

On the contrary, meat is simply necessary for a pregnant woman during this period of bearing a child, as well as lean fish, which contains iodine and a large number of useful polyunsaturated fatty acids for the body. You should not limit yourself in food, but it is best to eat low-calorie foods rich in fiber. They stimulate the intestines and prevent constipation. These are the following products and dishes: vegetable salads, porridge, steamed cutlets, stew, yogurt, dried fruits (best steamed), fermented baked milk, kefir, as well as raw carrots, prunes, figs.

In the final stages of pregnancy, women are not recommended to drink more than 2 liters of liquid per day (including juices, soups, dairy products). If swelling is observed, it is necessary to reduce water consumption to 1 liter.

To prevent heartburn, expectant mothers are advised to eat small portions, at least five to six times a day. Very useful for women's health are products with pronounced alkaline properties, which are otherwise called "food antacids": poultry, soft-boiled eggs, cream, cottage cheese, sour cream, as well as fish, slightly dried bread. Vegetables are best eaten boiled, and if heartburn does not go away, it is recommended to rub them or make mashed potatoes. In this case, it is better to bake fruits.

The diet during the third trimester of pregnancy should include the intake of micronutrients: vitamins C, D, E and K, as well as calcium, iron, and iodine.

Calcium is necessary for the development of the baby's bone tissue, iron prevents the baby's cells and tissues from oxygen starvation, and also helps reduce the woman's blood loss during childbirth. Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels, and E prevents the threat of premature birth and takes part in the development of the baby's lungs. It should be remembered that excessive enthusiasm for vitamins is fraught with negative consequences. Everything needs moderation and timely consultation with a doctor.

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Diet for the 8th month of pregnancy

A diet during pregnancy should be aimed at preventing excess weight in a woman and consist of products that are most beneficial for her body. In the last months, it is especially important to take this issue into account, since quite often expectant mothers experience late toxicosis. It is mainly caused by improper nutrition. If the symptoms of late toxicosis increasingly bother a pregnant woman, she needs to contact her gynecologist as soon as possible in order to take timely measures to suppress unpleasant sensations.

The diet for the 8th month of pregnancy involves excluding flour products, sweets, and fatty foods from a woman's diet. Food of animal origin will also be unfavorable during this period.

Often, late toxicosis is associated with such a problem as the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues, which provokes the occurrence of edema. They negatively affect the placental supply of blood to the fetus. As a result, the child begins to receive insufficient oxygen and important nutrients necessary for the final stage of its development. Due to these problems, a pregnant woman may experience heaviness in the stomach, malaise, in particular, her blood pressure may increase. If you observe such symptoms, you must definitely consult a doctor, but in no case take measures to lower the pressure on your own.

The diet in the last months of pregnancy should include healthy food supplements containing minerals and vitamins. Vitamin preparations for a pregnant woman should be prescribed by a doctor.

At this stage of pregnancy, it is necessary to ensure that the expectant mother receives sufficient iron. This vital element stimulates the blood circulation of the mother and her baby, while maintaining the correct blood composition. Products rich in iron: spinach, dill and parsley, apples, cabbage, liver, beef.

A pregnant woman needs to support her body with such essential vitamins as vitamin E, C, A, B1 and B2. The body of the mother and child also needs folic acid and calcium. Vitamin E is found in large quantities in vegetable oil. It helps a woman get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of late toxicosis, prevents premature birth, and also stimulates the processes of intrauterine development of the child.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, as well as tomatoes, lettuce leaves, sweet peppers, black currants, and rose hips. It is advisable to consume foods that contain vitamin C after short cooking or raw.

Vitamins B1, B2 stimulate muscle work well, which in turn helps improve future labor. These elements are found in cereals, yeast, hard cheese, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and liver.

A pregnant woman should make sure that fish is present on her table. It contains phosphorus, which promotes better absorption of calcium in the body. Folic acid is contained in vegetables and fruits that have a yellow color: carrots, peaches, apricots, sweet peppers, dried apricots. This element plays an important role in the development of the child's brain.

To prevent heartburn in the last months of pregnancy, expectant mothers are advised to follow the following rules and tips.

• Fractional nutrition. It is necessary to eat food in small portions and often. In this way, the gastric juice will not "eat away" the gastric mucosa.
• Avoid fried, fatty, smoked foods, and do not drink coffee or strong tea.
• Eat slowly, chewing each bite thoroughly. This prevents swallowing air along with food, which can cause heartburn or bloating.
• After eating, do not go to bed immediately. You need to make sure that your stomach is in good shape and working properly at this time.
• Proper distribution of food products. In the first half of the day, it is best to eat meat, cereals, fish, and in the second half, dairy and plant foods. In no case should you eat “heavy” food at night, ‒ this can cause heartburn, poor health, insomnia.

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Diet for the 9th month of pregnancy

The diet during pregnancy in the last, ninth month should consist of complete nutrition. The total weight gain of the expectant mother according to medical parameters should not exceed 12 kg. Sometimes the norm is up to 15 kg, however, if the indicator exceeds this figure, we can talk about such a problem as excess weight.

The diet for the 9th month of pregnancy includes the intake of products saturated with all the necessary minerals, microelements and vitamins. During this important period, overeating should not be allowed, since excess weight of a woman can provoke difficult labor and various postpartum complications. And the condition of the newborn is largely associated with the diet that the mother followed in the last month. For example, low-calorie food, as well as a lack of nutrients in the food that the mother ate in the last months of pregnancy, negatively affect the development of the child's brain. A lack of folic acid, in turn, can provoke a curvature of the spine in the baby.

The enhanced nutrition of the expectant mother in the 9th month includes, first of all, eating more vegetables, fresh fruits and berries, as well as lean meat and fish products. If a woman adheres to all the rules of healthy eating, then such ailments as cramps, constipation, nausea, heartburn will bother her less often. It is necessary to remember that the mother's starvation leads to intrauterine starvation of the child. After all, the fetus receives food even when the pregnant woman does not eat. Regular nutrition is necessary for the child, like oxygen, so expectant mothers should monitor their diet and not skip a single meal.

In the last month, pregnant women are advised to consume a sufficient amount of healthy fiber, which is mostly found in vegetables, dried beans, potatoes (especially "in their skins"), green peas, and fresh fruits. The beneficial properties of fiber are that it prevents the development of diabetes in pregnant women.

Instead of fatty and fried foods at this stage, you need to choose low-fat products (chicken meat, fish, dairy products). It is best to steam food or bake dishes in the oven. It is important to give preference to high-calorie, nutritious food that could saturate the body without harm in the form of extra pounds. These are dried vegetables, avocado, nuts, dried apricots, raisins, prunes.

It is important for a pregnant woman to take into account that eating sweets will not bring any benefit, since these are “empty” calories, and they often provoke the development of caries, heart disease, and diabetes. Instead of sugar in its “pure” form, it is best to eat fruits, as well as fruit and vegetable juices.

As an exception, it should be noted that cases when a pregnant woman needs an increased amount of calories due to a serious lack of body weight. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of high-calorie foods in cases where a pregnant woman is overweight. Very young girls need good nutrition due to the growth of their bodies. Women carrying twins or triplets also need additional calories, approximately 300 for each baby.

Diet during pregnancy makes no sense if a woman takes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or medications. Such extremely negative factors in most cases lead to irreparable consequences. Therefore, before planning a pregnancy, you need to reconsider your lifestyle and give up bad habits.

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