Pregnancy is a stage in life where a woman experiences a wave of new emotions accompanied by physical changes in the body. In India, there is a lot of emphasis on the need for quality maternity care. In the journey to becoming a mother, the focus of women suddenly shifts to ensuring proper nourishment, care, and comfort for the unborn baby.
Getting intake of food supplements is of high importance, apart from regular health check-ups and exercises. A healthy diet for pregnancy should be planned out with great care, considering the individual’s needs. In this crucial time, a woman requires an additional dose of vital nutrients.
We tell you some healthy food options to choose from during pregnancy.
Milk Products
Calcium for bone health and proteins fulfil the need for the development of the baby. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are excellent calcium-rich foods. Besides providing nourishment to the baby, it is the best food for pregnant woman that meets her calcium requirements in the best possible way. Moreover, probiotic, curd, or yogurt helps in the digestion process.
Healthy Snacks
It is difficult to overcome cravings, yet it is also necessary to consume healthy meals to prevent any risk. Pregnant women should take plenty of fruits in their meals as they contain various micronutrients. Also, they are healthy snacking options for expecting mothers. Some fruits to have in pregnancy are mangoes, oranges, pomegranates, and bananas. For snacks, a pregnant woman can take groundnuts and dry fruits such as almonds and walnuts. They contain protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for the body.
Green Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek or methi, cabbage, and kale, contain antioxidants. Additionally, they are high sources of iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins as well as fibre to aid digestion. Moreover, dark leafy greens are a vital part of the diet with pregnancy foods, as stated above, since they are high in iron content. Iron is a mineral needed for the production of haemoglobin - a protein in the red blood cells - that transfers oxygen in the body.
Whole Grains
To meet the daily calorie needs, a woman should choose whole grains over refined grains. Sweet potatoes have good nutritional value and contain the right amounts of carbohydrates. Whole oats are another healthier option as they are gluten-free. Moreover, it contains antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and high amounts of fibre.
Takeaway
Pregnant women may feel anxious or stressed. It is necessary to lower the stress levels by eating well and practising meditation or yoga. The foods mentioned above are the recommended diet for pregnancy planning. Each trimester of pregnancy is crucial and requires dedicated medical care. However, one should decide on an ideal diet plan after consulting a doctor. A pregnant woman requires constant energy and proper nutrition for her health and that of the unborn baby. To conclude, a woman should remember that eating regular meals, maintaining the right body weight, managing stress, and staying active will ensure a safe pregnancy.
The medical costs of pregnancy are quite high in India. Make the right choices when it comes to your family’s well-being. Opt for the maternity health insurance cover, Joy, by Care Health Insurance, which would protect you by lowering the burden of medical expenses. Avail of benefits such as in-patient hospitalisation, cover for pre-and-post hospitalisation expenses, and new-born baby cover for a maximum period of 90 days.
Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Maternity expenses is subject to policy terms and conditions.
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