Top-9 most useful products during pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Baby nutrition begins already from the moment of conception and therefore it is very important for a pregnant woman to know what foods should be included in the diet to provide the necessary vitamins and microelements not only her body, but also the baby's body.
Eggs
Eggs contain more than 12 vitamins and minerals, and a lot of quality protein, which are important for building the cells of the baby's body. Eggs are also rich in choline, which contributes to the health of the child's brain and helps to avoid neural tube development defects. In addition, the eggs have omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the development of the brain and the vision of the embryo.
Pregnant women with normal cholesterol levels in the blood can consume one or two eggs a day as part of a balanced diet with low saturated fat.
Salmon
Salmon belongs to those species of fish that contain a relatively low level of mercury. However, in order to avoid supersaturation of the body with mercury, nutritionists do not recommend consuming more than 340 grams of salmon per week. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, which contributes to the development of the child's brain.
Lean meat
Nutritionists recommend that pregnant women avoid fatty meats and pay attention to beef and low-fat pork. In addition to high-quality protein in these types of meat contains choline. However, pregnant women should refrain from using hot dogs or similar products. This increases the risk of infection by parasites and bacteria.
Beans
Black beans, lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas - all of these bean family cultures contain high amounts of fiber and protein. We have already talked about the benefits of protein, but fiber helps pregnant women cope with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, with constipation.
Walnuts
Some women may not like fish or eggs, therefore, walnuts will help to supply essential omega-3 fatty acids to the body.
Sweet potato
Carotenoids that are contained in sweet potatoes are converted in our body into vitamin A. Also sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, folic acid and fiber. By the way, excessive infatuation with such products as milk, eggs and liver can lead to an overabundance in the body of vitamin A. However, there is a caveat: a large number of ready-made vitamin A, obtained from the above products, can do harm, but carotenoids do not.
Whole-grain products
Whole-grain products are very useful for the body, especially during pregnancy. They contain nutrients and fiber, selenium, vitamin E, as well as phytonutrients - substances that protect the body from harmful effects. For whole grains, buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl barley, whole grain bread, as well as popcorn.
Greek yoghurt
Greek yogurt - a very nutritious product, similar to sour cream, but much easier and more useful. This is an excellent source of calcium, which is very important for the formation of bone tissue and baby teeth.
Leafy vegetables
Cabbage, spinach, and lettuce leaves contain nutrients that can provide the body of a pregnant woman with vitamins K, A and C, as well as folic acid.