You need to be at the best of your health to ensure a smooth pregnancy. A good wholesome diet is the best place to begin.
- Fragment your meals into small, frequent meals evenly spaced throughout the day.
- As I’ve mentioned before, enrich your diet with food rich in Folic Acid.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink up to 3 – 4 litres of water, tender coconut water, buttermilk, and veg soup.
- Spinach is packed with nutrients and Aloe Vera is a rich source of Vitamin C, make sure to include them in your diet.
- And if you feel like snacking, go ahead. Cucumber sticks, carrots, sprouts and chenna sundal are healthy options you can enjoy.
There are however, a few foods that are preferably avoided.
- While banana in moderation will help relieve constipation, it along with other high calorie fruits like Sappota, Grapes and Custard Apple increase the chances of getting a throat infection.
- Avoid fruit juices as they increase the risk of diabetes in the later stage of pregnancy.
- Stay away from mango, jackfruit, pineapple and papaya as they increase body temperature and sometimes cause mild uterine contractions.
And finally, some medication to supplement your diet, if required.
- Folic acid 400 mg daily
- Anti-emetic if you suffer from nausea and vomiting
- Progesterone supplement if indicated
NOTE: During the first trimester, specifically between weeks 11-14, screening tests are done to rule out Down’s Syndrome. Ask about NT Scan and first-trimester screening blood test. The more informed you are, the better.