Oct 11, 2024
Crafting a balanced pregnancy diet: Key considerations for each trimester
Siddhartha JanaAssessing pre-pregnancy health, including BMI, dietary habits, and any allergies, is crucial for creating a trimester-specific diet plan.
Source: Canva
In the first trimester, small, frequent meals can help with nausea, and folic acid intake is important for development.
Source: Canva
During the second trimester, an increased appetite calls for gradual calorie increases, focusing on protein, iron, and vitamin D intake.
Source: Canva
The third trimester requires attention to heartburn and constipation, with a focus on calcium, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Source: Canva
For vegetarians, it is vital to ensure adequate protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and zinc intake through fortified foods or supplements.
Source: Canva
Customised meal planning should consider cultural preferences, food variety, and healthy cooking methods to meet nutritional needs.
Source: Canva
Common misconceptions, like needing to double calorie intake and avoiding all seafood, often lead to misguided dietary practices during pregnancy.
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A balanced diet, along with prenatal vitamins, supports maternal health, prevents complications, aids postpartum recovery, and ensures quality breast milk.
Source: Canva
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