A pregnant mother may have been advised that she is now consuming food for two people instead of just herself. However, this doesn’t mean that she should be eating just about anything. It’s recommended to have a good and balanced diet that prioritises your health and optimises your bodily functions to accommodate the new baby. Additionally, having a good diet affects the growth of your baby in many factors.
It may seem too tiring to constantly prepare healthy food while pregnant, as you’ll get exhausted easily. That is why you can opt to dial a Chinese confinement food in Singapore delivery whenever you feel low and not in the mood to cook. So, why is a good diet essential for pregnant mothers? Here are the reasons.
Prevent congenital disabilities
The health of your baby depends on the food you consume. During pregnancy, you need high quantities of Vitamin C and folic acid. You will get these from fruits and vegetables. Folic acid will promote the development of a healthy fetus and prevent any neural tube defects.
Your sources of folic acid will include green leafy vegetables, legumes and some black beans. Vitamin C will help you fight infections; you don’t want to keep taking medication during pregnancy.
It will also help prevent mental impairment and help your unborn baby to develop well. Additionally, Vitamin C will facilitate the absorption of iron. Take four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruits or more to get all the nutrients from them.
Caloric needs
Pregnancy is a gruelling journey. The nine months will take a toll on you. Feeding well and getting adequate nutrients is essential for the journey. You need the calories to support the pregnancy and carry on with your regular activities. As the pregnancy advances, you are likely to feel tired and weak. Take your carbs especially from whole grains. Talk to your nutritionist to get advice on your daily caloric requirements depending on your weight. Companies that offer confinement meals in Singapore have a way of ensuring a balance of all these nutrients to meet your specific needs. You can get one of the service providers who can prepare your food as required.
For adequate calcium
As the fetus grows, your bones tend to weaken. The unborn child requires high levels of calcium for proper bone formation. Therefore, the fetus draws all the calcium needed no matter how little is in your system, and this leaves you exposed and with little calcium for your bones.
This may lead to back pains and leg cramps as the pregnancy advances. Apart from the bones, calcium is also essential for normal blood clotting, nerve and muscle function. You will require a healthy serving of calcium daily to meet these needs. Sources of calcium include green vegetables, cheese, milk, yoghurt, dried peas and seafood.
Proper cell development
A diet filled with proteins will help your developing baby to build cells and their soft tissues. For your baby to form nails, hair, bones and other essential organs, she requires high levels of protein. During the second trimester, you will require high levels of protein since this the stage when your baby is growing fast. Your body needs to adjust and accommodate the growing baby. Your breasts are preparing to form milk in preparation for breastfeeding. Get your protein sources from foods such as lean meat, poultry, and fish.
As you plan your confinement meals, purpose to include supplements in your diet especially folic acid and calcium. They will bridge your dietary gaps and supply your body with all the nutrients you require for a healthy pregnancy.
