Yes, it is possible for women to develop diabetes during pregnancy, this is called Gestational diabetes. This kind of diabetes not only affects the mother but also affects the baby by risking their chance of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity later on in their lives. This is mainly caused when a proper diet is not followed by the mother during pregnancy. It is advised to follow a diet plan as soon as possible. When it comes to the adverse effects of not following a proper diet during pregnancy, this is just the tip of the ice berg and there are a lot other complications. In this blog, we’ll be discussing about proper pregnancy diet which must be followed by the mothers in order to lead a healthy pregnancy.
Nutrition:
Nutrition plays a crucial role when it comes to the health of both mother and the baby. So, including a diet with adequate nutrition required for healthy pregnancy is a must.
Key Nutrients:
Iron:
Including iron rich food is very important as it helps the body to produce more blood which supplies oxygen to the baby. Iron helps in the prevention of maternal anemia and supports fetal growth.
Source: Apricots, Dark green leafy veggies(cooked), Beetroot and etc…
Folic Acid:
Folic acid, a type of vitamin B9 prevents Neutral Tube Defects which affects the spinal cord and brain of the baby and also prevents congenital heart defects. It even helps in preventing miscarriage. So never miss out on this!
Source: Green leafy veggies(cooked), Legumes, Citrus fruits and etc…
Calcium:
Calcium is very much required for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. It also helps in the maintenance of the mother’s bone density. It is highly recommended to drink a glass of milk twice in a day.
Source: Milk and milk products, Tofu, Fig, Leafy greens(cooked) and etc…
Protein:
Protein is the key element when it comes to the development of the baby’s organs and muscles. It also supports the growth of tissues in both mother and the baby.
Source: Non-veg, Pulses, Mushroom and etc…
Omega-3 fatty acids:
It is very important for both the mother and the baby as it is critical for the development of eyes and brain for the baby while supporting the heath of the mother’s heart. So never hesitate to add a bit of “healthy” fat in your diet!
Source: Salmon, Cod liver oil, Chia seeds, Walnut and etc…
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is one of the under rated nutrient which can be easily gained with a bit of sunlight. This vitamin plays an import role as it helps in the absorption of calcium in our body.
Source: Sunlight, Mushroom, Egg yolks, Beef liver and etc…
Iodine:
Iodine has a lot of benefits like supporting the development of brain and nervous system of the baby, prevention of intellectual abilities and even prevents maternal hypothyroidism.
Source:Iodized salt, Seafood, Eggs and etc…
Vitamin C:
The all-time favorite vitamin C is not just for skin but also aids in iron absorption, boosts the immune system and supports placental health!
Source: Citrus fruits, Spinach, Cabbage, Tomatoes and etc…
Vitamin A:
One of the primary functions of vitamin A is to support the development of the baby’s eyes and vision. It also has other functions like the promotion of lung development and tissue health.
Source: Carrot, Liver, Pumpkin, Dairy products and etc…
Hydration:
No wonder why water is called the elixir of life cause a pregnant woman’s blood volume increases by 50% to support the growing fetus and water is essential to support the increased blood volume. It also maintains the amniotic fluid level which protects the baby in the womb. Thus, drinking adequate amount of water is necessary during pregnancy.
Foods to avoid:
When it comes to the health of both the mother and the baby it’s ok to compromise a bit on our favorite foods. So, here comes the list of foods to avoid:
Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption must be avoided entirely! And there is no safe amount of alcohol. It can lead to miscarriage, still birth and can even lead to disabilities.
Raw or undercooked meat:
Meat is capable of containing parasites which can be dangerous to the baby as their immune system is still not fully developed. Consumption of undercooked meat can cause infections, miscarriage and even stillbirth. So, it is advised to cook meat over 70 degree Celsius.
Spicy foods:
Try to reduce the consumption of spicy food as it might cause indigestion, nausea and stomach discomfort. During pregnancy digestive system becomes more sensitive and can cause discomfort to the mother. Spicy foods aren’t a threat to the baby so if the mother can tolerate it, it’s safe to eat spicy food.
Pro tips:
Dr. Niraj Mahajan is a distinguished gynaecologist who excels in the field of women’s health care and these are some of the dietary tips recommended by him:
- It is highly recommended to drink a glass of milk twice in a day.
- Green leafy vegetables(cooked) must be included in the diet.
- All kinds of fruits can be eaten during pregnancy as they are in fiber and vitamins.
- Avoid eating very spicy and oily foods during the first trimester as it can increase the sense of vomiting.
Real time questions:
These are some of the real time questions asked to Dr. Niraj Mahajan by his patients:
- Is it safe to consume papaya during pregnancy?
Yes, contrary to the popular belief, all fruits including papaya can be consumed during pregnancy.
- What to eat during pregnancy to keep the baby healthy?
Eating more fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables is good for the baby. Alongside this, protein must be included in the diet which is available in fish, milk, curd, walnuts and etc…
- Is it safe to drink saffron milk during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to drink saffron during pregnancy. However, it must be consumed in moderation as it may reduce blood pressure, increase mood swings and uterine contractions. One or two strands of saffron to a glass of milk is more than enough.
- Will saffron influence my baby’s complexion?
No, contrary to popular belief, saffron cannot influence the baby’s complexion and there is no scientific evidence supporting the claim.
- Can I eat roasted pistachios during pregnancy?
Pistachios are one of the very nutritious kind of nuts so it can be consumed. However, if there is a strong family history for nut allergy, it is safe to avoid all kind of nuts from your diet until the baby is born.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day everybody’s body is different and everyone’s nutritional requirement is different. So, consulting a doctor for a customized pregnancy diet is very much recommended. Get yourself a customized pregnancy diet plan from expert gynecologist Dr. Niraj Mahajan. Do not compromise on regular doctor checkups as the health of the mama and the baby is something which can’t be compromised.