Dietary Regimen During Pregnancy
March 17, 2009
Prescribed Vitamin & Minerals for Pregnant Mothers
Physicians generally prescribe trace elements like zinc, besides iron, vitamin D, folic acid, and calcium.
These supplements can be obtained from drugs you can get from the chemist’s. But, the better way is to have them from the natural sources.
Moreover, overdose of the nutrients can have an adverse effect on the patient.
Protein & Iron supplements during Pregnancy
The vegetarians can go for legumes and nuts which are good repositories of iron and protein. Others can consume meat.
Drink lots of Water during Pregnancy
Water is a natural purgative agent. It helps in getting rid of the waste materials through the anus and the urinary tract. Moreover, an expectant mother should drink lots of water. It aids the digestive process.
Remember water and wax therapies help to grease the joints.
What Not to Eat during Pregnancy
The expectant mother should not be allowed to have sour food items like curd (especially at night-time) or pickles or even or bitter items like the bitter gourd among others.
It has, however been generally noticed that most of the expectant mothers have an aversion towards coffee and fried food items. But some of them crave for sweet food. There are also cravings for abnormal food longings.
Few listed food items that not to be taken during pregnancy.
* Seafood and Raw Meats including sushi – all uncooked and seafood and rare meats should be avoided due to high risk of salmonella and listeria poisoning.
* hot dogs including Deli meats – these deli meats might be contaminated with listeria bacteria which may result in miscarriage or even a stillbirth. It’s safe to eat deli meats if you reheat them until steaming hot.
* Refrigerated smoked seafood – for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe if they are contained in cooked dishes. Canned and shelf-stable versions are safe to eat.
* Raw eggs – salmonella may present in raw eggs. Some Caesar salad dressings, homemade ice cream, mayonnaise and custards as well as Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. It is best to check with your server in a restaurant; if in doubt, it is best to avoid it. In addition, unpasteurized eggnog should be avoided.
* Fish high in mercury – avoid high-mercury fish such as King Mackerel, Swordfish, Tilefish and Shar. Also limit fish intake to no more than 2 servings per week. For more info – read Is it Safe to eat Fish during Pregnancy?
* Soft cheese – avoid the following soft cheeses: Camembert cheeses, Brie, blue-veined cheeses, and Feta, queso fresco and Panela, queso blanco. They are safe to eat if they are labelled pasteurized.
* Refrigerated pâtes or meat spreads – for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe to eat the canned or shelf-stable versions.
* Liver – liver is a rich source of iron. However it contains a high level of Vitamin A. Large amounts of Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby.
* Juices and Unpasteurized milk.
* Alcohol – many documented fetal abnormalities and birth defects have been associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.
Enjoy a healthy pregnancy!
