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Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
Why Calcium is Important
Calcium is a very important nutrient that provides your baby with strong bones. During the third trimester, the need for calcium is the greatest, when your baby's bones develop and strengthen. Besides proper bone formation for your baby, adequate amounts of calcium helps preserve your bone strength.
If you aren't getting enough calcium in your diet, the calcium needed by your developing baby is drawn from your bones, possibly leading to osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis causes dramatic thinning of your bones, resulting in weak, brittle bones that can easily be broken. Another benefit of getting enough calcium during pregnancy is your risk of developing pregnancy induced hypertension (preeclampsia) is significantly reduced.
The best sources of calcium include dairy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt and pudding. Other sources of calcium include dark green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli and spinach), dried peas and beans, calcium-added orange juice, nuts, seeds, tofu and even seafood.
Why Water is Important
It is very critical to get extra fluids, especially water, during pregnancy. Water can help prevent some common pregnancy discomforts, including constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling (edema) and even urinary tract infections (or UTIs).
Consuming an adequate amount of water will also prevent you from becoming dehydrated. Dehydration during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester can lead to uterine contractions and possibly preterm labor. The extra fluid in your body will help with making amniotic fluid and will feed your increased blood volume. It is recommended that you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
Why are Dairy, Iron and Protein Important?
Why is Calcium and Water Important?
Folic Acid and Pregnancy
Foods to Avoid
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