Protein is crucial for fetal growth, especially in the second and third trimesters, and can be sourced from various pulses, legumes, and dairy products.
VERIFIED By: Dr Arti Bhalerao, Chief Dietician and Clinical Nutritionist, Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Pune
Written by Tavishi Dogra |Updated : October 17, 2024 3:12 PM IST
Nutritional Needs for Pregnant Women: Pregnancy is a transformative journey that places unique demands on a woman’s body. In our country, where dietary practices and nutritional challenges are diverse due to varying regional, cultural, and socio-economic factors, understanding the nutritional needs of pregnant women becomes even more critical. This section covers the vital nutrients required during pregnancy, their roles, and practical dietary recommendations tailored for Indian women, considering local food habits and availability.
Importance Of Nutrition During Pregnancy
Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for several reasons. It supports fetal growth and development, ensures maternal health, prevents congenital disabilities, and establishes a foundation for the child’s long-term health. For Indian women, this becomes especially significant due to the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies like anaemia, vitamin D deficiency, and calcium insufficiency, which mitigate these deficiencies and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Key Nutrients Essential For Pregnancy
Certain nutrients play a particularly vital role during pregnancy due to their specific functions in fetal development and maternal health:
- Folic acid should be supplemented in addition to being consumed from natural sources like spinach, fenugreek, and citrus fruits.
- Iron is crucial for making haemoglobin and preventing anaemia, a common issue among Indian women.
- It is best absorbed with vitamin C-rich foods for a baby’s bone and teeth development.
- Calcium can be sourced from dairy products, ragi, and almonds, while Vitamin D is best obtained from sunlight and fortified foods.
- Protein is crucial for fetal growth, especially in the second and third trimesters, and can be sourced from various pulses, legumes, and dairy products.
- Other essential nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, such as chia seeds, mainly found in iodized salt, seafood, dairy formation, and nervous system development. Vegetarians may require supplementation.
- Fibre is abundant in legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Lastly, fibre is crucial for digestive health and managing blood sugar levels. It can be sourced from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which is particularly beneficial for managing gestational diabetes among women.
Hydration: An Often Overlooked Necessity
Water is fundamental during pregnancy. Proper hydration aids in nutrient absorption, helps form amniotic fluid, supports increased blood volume, and helps manage common pregnancy issues like constipation and swelling. Pregnant women should aim for at least 8-10 cups (2-2.5 litres) of water daily. This intake may need to be higher in hot and humid climates, especially during summer. Including water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and tender coconut water can also help boost hydration.
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