By Tracy Liverpool
Maintaining good nutrition and a healthy diet during pregnancy is crucial for both the mother and the unborn child.
Dietitian Avanelle Thomas emphasizes that focusing on the quality of food is paramount, highlighting the importance of consuming nutritious foods with high nutritional value while avoiding harmful options.
Healthy eating during pregnancy is essential to support the growth and development of the baby.
Avanelle Thomas advises expectant mothers to diversify their diet by incorporating foods from various food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products.
She acknowledges that cravings and aversions to certain foods are common during pregnancy but underscores the need to ensure a balanced intake of essential nutrients.
During the second and third trimesters, expectant mothers may require an additional 350–500 extra calories per day to support the nutritional needs of both the mother and the developing baby.
Avanelle Thomas recommends consuming at least three cups of low-fat dairy products daily, such as yogurt, skimmed milk, or cheese.
She also emphasizes the importance of incorporating whole grains, protein sources like meat, fish, eggs, peanut butter, and beans into the diet.
However, Avanelle Thomas cautions against overindulging in cravings, particularly for chocolate, sweets, and salty foods, as excessive weight gain can lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery, including the need for a cesarean section.
Additionally, inadequate food intake can result in low birth weight for the baby.
Given that blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy, maintaining proper hydration is crucial.
Expectant mothers are advised to stay hydrated to support their body’s changing needs and ensure optimal health for both themselves and their babies.
As pregnancy is a sensitive period in a woman’s life, Avanelle Thomas stresses the importance of avoiding harmful foods and beverages that could potentially jeopardize maternal and fetal health.
In conclusion, ensuring adequate nutrition and adopting healthy eating habits are essential components of a successful pregnancy journey.
By prioritizing nutritious food choices and staying mindful of their dietary intake, expectant mothers can support the well-being of themselves and their babies throughout the pregnancy journey.