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Nutrition during pregnancy
The foetus’s proper growth and the normal evolution of pregnancy is achieved with a balanced diet that prioritises quality over quantity. Diet should consist of three main meals and two snacks between, that is, a light snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Food should be easy to digest and foods that are spicy, heavy, high-fat, etc. should be avoided to keep the digestive tract working smoothly; due to hormonal causes digestion slows during pregnancy.
Drinking liquids moderately, avoiding an empty stomach, eating soft foods, avoiding spicy and rich foods are ways to help prevent NAUSEA and/or VOMITING. Try eating biscuits or something light 5 min. before getting out of bed if you are experiencing morning sickness. If you are unable to relieve the problem with dietary measures please let us know, as there are some medications that might help. Stomach ACIDITY and HEARTBURN are common in the second and especially the third trimester. As with nausea, you can take antacids, and changing your diet can sometimes help relieve or diminish symptoms.
Another major digestive problem during pregnancy which is also due to the slowing of the intestinal tract is CONSTIPATION. Adjusting diet and eating more fruits and vegetables rich in fibres can help. We also recommend taking a leisurely stroll after lunch and trying to drink plenty of fluids.
Overall, the ideal weight increase during pregnancy is between 9 and 12 kg. However, each case should be taken on an individual basis.
- Weight increases about 500 g a month during the first trimester
- Weight increases a kilo a month during the second trimester
- Weight increases more in the third trimester, about a kilo and a half per month
Overweight patients should pay special attention to diet because it is crucial that weight gain be limited. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy leads to an increased risk for complications during the last trimester of pregnancy and even during delivery.
Choice of foods
- Try to eat less saturated fats, sauces, mayonnaise, fried foods, pastries, cream, pates and smoked foods. Vegetable oils like olive oil are always better than animal fats like butter, lard and cream.
- Try to eat more fruit, even trying to eat a piece of fruit mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
- Also eat more vegetables and legumes.
- Limit eggs to a maximum of 3-4 per week.
- Meats should be lean and grilled.
- Fish should be included in the main meals.
- Avoid eating too much sugar but do not eliminate it entirely from your diet.
- Continue to include bread, rice and pasta in your diet.
- Avoid alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
- Pregnant women may still drink coffee, but in moderation.