The changes that the body of the woman undergoes during pregnancy and lactation require special care. In this period, food must be varied and particularly suited to the
needs of pregnant women to provide all necessary nutrients for the
health of the mother and baby.
The intake of protein should be
slightly increased, as it is from them that comes the formation of new
tissue in women, as the placenta and other developing new ones as the uterus and
breast, in addition to formation and growth of the baby. the sources of protein food should be varied, preferring the thin meat, chicken and fish,
beans and vegetables such as soybeans, fruits and nuts and nut oil, and
dairy and eggs. Fats supply energy to pregnant and the fetus. It is
used for the growth of the baby and to form stockpiles of energy that
the mother uses during the period of lactation. Some fats such as Omega 3 and
Omega 6 are essential for the development and functioning of the
nervous system and the organs of the fetus in general, regulation of
blood pressure if it manifests itself during pregnancy, reducing the
risk of premature birth and also helps reduce the problems of
post-partum depression that many women suffer.
They are found in oils of maize, sunflower, in olive oil, fish like
salmon, tuna, sardines and flaxseed. Through carbohydrates consumed by the mother, the embryo and fetus have its energy needs filled, and
these are very high now that they need to meet growth and maturation of the
baby. When the consumption of carbohydrates is low during the
pregnancy, the newborn is likely to be born with a deficit of weight.
Approximately 60% of total caloric intake by the mother should come
from carbohydrates that are found in fruits, vegetables, whole
cereals such as rice full, bread and biscuits full, bars of cereals. On
whole cereals as well as carbohydrates complete, we have vitamins,
minerals and fiber that help in combating the evil common to pregnant women: constipation.
The pregnant should make 6 small meals a
day. Thus can vary more food, supplying the need of minerals like iron,
calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin D.
Remember that pregnancy is not the appropriate occasion to restrictive
diets, unless it is recommended by the doctor. The diets can cause
shortcomings in calorie needs and / or in specific nutrients, which
could lead to serious consequences for your baby, as spontaneous
abortion or neonatal death.
It is not recommended "eating for
two": too fat during pregnancy can cause serious complications for
mother and child, like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes
and obese children.
The consumption of alcohol, and tobacco,
should be excluded from the habits of the women as they may cause
serious injury to the fetus.
The salt should be used sparingly because the excess liquid retains causing edema and hypertension.
It is recommended an intake of at least 2 litres of water a day, keeping
pregnant should always hidrated. Do not take too much coffee, soda the basis of
glue, guarana and mate and black teas, it contains much caffeine, may
cause tachycardia and hypertension peaks .
The food should always be well washed, boiled and then stored in the refrigerator ready to be eaten.
During the period of breastfeeding the new mom should continue with a
balanced diet. Remember that everything we eat will go to her baby
through breast milk.
Abuse of fruits, juices, vegetables and greens. Make dishes always very colorful, thus ensuring good health to your baby.