Women must remain conscious of their dietary intake during pregnancy to avoid complications that can affect the health of the child. Pregnant women can consult a competent and reliable nutritionist in Karachi for guidance regarding the needs of the baby essential for healthy development and avoiding correlating complications.
Pregnant women must remain vigilant regarding their health during the first trimester to prevent miscarriage or other problems that can lead to a complicated pregnancy. The guidelines for dietary intake during early pregnancy are:
- Consume Folate, Calcium, and Zinc: The mother must consider eating a balanced diet rather than binge eating. It helps provide the body with the necessary nutrients to improve the health of the mother and enhance the development of the baby. Women must include dairy items in breakfast to fulfill their calcium needs. However, pregnant women who struggle to keep a balanced diet must take supplements as per the guidance of the nutritionist.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol: Alcohol is the reason behind physical and mental health problems. Thus, individuals must remain mindful of the consequences and avoid consuming alcohol. Women who consume alcohol during pregnancy are at a higher risk of giving birth to a child with Fetal alcohol syndrome. The condition decreases the development of the child and causes behavioral problems. Thus, it is necessary to eliminate alcohol from the lifestyle to reduce complications during early pregnancy.
- Take Multivitamins: Women during pregnancy require vitamins to enhance bodily functions. However, it is difficult to fulfill the needs through diet. Working women should consult their dietician or physician to take multivitamins proven safe during pregnancy to prevent complications.
- Don’t Consume Raw Meat: Individuals who consume raw meat are at a higher risk of suffering from foodborne illness, which can affect the health of the mother and the child. Thus, to decrease the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester, it is a must to avoid consuming raw meat. Also, women who consume eggs for breakfast should eat hard-boiled eggs.
- Reduce the Intake of Caffeine: Pregnant women must decrease their consumption of caffeine to 60mg per day, as it travels to the placenta and causes an increase in the heart rate of the child. Thus, women who consume coffee and tea multiple times a day must make a conscious effort to limit their intake to prevent problems that can be life-threatening.
- Consume Fresh Fruits: Women must avoid consuming junk food to enhance their health. It is necessary to eat nutritious food items to balance health and mood. Eating fruits such as bananas help provide potassium to the body. Thus, including yogurt and bananas in breakfast helps the mother get calcium and potassium to have a strong pregnancy without the risk of suffering from physical health-related problems.
- Consume Food Multiple Times a Day: Cravings during pregnancy can affect the mother’s ability to make rational food choices. Thus, pregnant women eat in small portions and inculcate foods enriched with zinc, calcium, phosphate, and potassium. It helps counteract the unhealthy food choices made during the day.
- Take Ginger Tea Rather than Medication: Women must avoid consuming medications during the first trimester, as they can cause side effects. The best way to deal with the nausea is to take ginger tea. It helps the women normal during pregnancy. Furthermore, it has no side effects.
- Avoid Spicy Foods: Eating excessive spicy foods can cause heartburn and discomfort. It can lead to extreme distress; thus, it is best to avoid eating spicy food at night before going to bed. The feeling of uneasiness can increase the risk of insomnia and anxiety.
Women struggling with nausea or other complications during early pregnancy must remain vigilant regarding their dietary intake. A balanced diet will help them feel strong and avoid complications. Pregnant women must visit the best nutritionist in Lahore for guidance regarding the required BMI and dietary guidelines beneficial for the healthy development of the baby.