14 Foods To Eat During Pregnancy For Healthy Baby

Pregnancy, though one of the happiest phases in a woman’s life can impose its own set of psychological, and physiological stresses. It is, therefore, important for pregnant women to care for themselves during this phase of their life. On the subject of care, diet and nutrition, what foods to eat during pregnancy take special prominence. A pregnant woman is required to eat for herself and her babies in order to meet the nutritional requirements of both.

A pregnant woman requires three hundred to five hundred extra calories per day. This added caloric requirement is accompanied by the need to consume up to one thousand two hundred milligrams of calcium, six hundred to eight hundred micrograms of folate along with twenty-seven milligrams of iron.

A diet that would include all of the above nutritional requirements might seem daunting; the good news is that it is not as difficult as it sounds to obtain the extra nutrients. Our nutrient intake depends largely on the choice of food we make. Read on to learn about fifteen essential food choices during pregnancy.

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List of 14 Healthy Foods for Pregnant Women

Given below is a list of healthy pregnancy foods that are necessary for a healthy baby.

1. Eggs

Eggs, considered as superfoods, provide protein, vitamins and minerals. The amino acids that make up the proteins in eggs are crucial for the regeneration and repair of cells and are particularly essential for a healthy baby.

A single large egg contains up to 80 calories besides the essential proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the growth and development of babies. Additionally, a single egg also contains a hundred and twelve milligrams of choline which is a quarter of the recommended amount of choline required for pregnant women. Choline is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system.

Eggs are one of the easiest available nutritious food during pregnancy to help with the increased nutrient intake.

Tip: It is relatively easy to whip up a tasty omelette every alternate day or three times a week using only two eggs at a time. The addition of vegetables and cheese will not only add more flavour but will also increase the nutritional value. If you wish to avoid fried food, then hard-boiling several eggs and storing them in the fridge is a handy way to incorporate them into your diet. Grab a hardboiled egg every time you feel hungry and have it whole, you may even consider making a boiled egg salad. Some women are known to avoid meat during pregnancy, and eggs are the best foods to substitute for meat proteins.

2. Fortified Breakfast Cereals

The health benefits of cereals have been known and established for quite some time, especially multi-grain cereals. Fortified cereals are those cereals that are fortified with additional vitamins and additional minerals including iodine.

Cereals, particularly whole-grain cereals, are rich in dietary fibre and hence very filling. They are important during pregnancy as hormonal changes can induce unexpected hunger pangs. Besides the added benefits of minerals and vitamins, fortified cereals can assist pregnant women to add milk to their diet and the benefits that come with it.

Tip: To add fortified cereals to your diet, it is first essential to choose the right kind of fortified cereals. Pregnant women should opt for cereals that have a high content of fibre and folic acid and low sugar content. The cereals you choose should also contain an optimum balance of carbohydrates which provide the necessary fuel and energy for the body. While it is not expected of one to have cereals for breakfast every day, a bowl of cereals twice or thrice a week should suffice. Cereals can be had plain or with milk. You can also add nuts, berries, or fruits of your choice.

3. Bananas

Bananas are one of nature’s greatest gifts and the best food for a pregnant lady. A single banana contains over one hundred calories and is a great source of folic acid, vitamin B6, calcium and potassium. Additionally, bananas are rich in antioxidants and are a fantastic energy booster.

Tip: A pregnant woman can consume 1 to 2 bananas per day and effectively deal with the hunger pangs that pregnancy will inevitably induce. A glass of milk accompanied by a single banana is considered a complete meal; you can also whip bananas and milk for a tasty, wholesome smoothie.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain fibre, folic acid, vitamin C and beta-carotene. The compound beta-carotene present in sweet potatoes is particularly important for the unborn baby. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, which is very important for the growth, repair and differentiation of cells and tissues. It also helps in the restoration of cells and tissues damaged during the process of giving birth.

Tip: Sweet potatoes can be had in various ways; one of the simplest ways to eat them is by baking them. Simply peel and slice the sweet potatoes as you would while making regular French fries, place them on a baking tray and bake for forty-five minutes or until tender. Baked sweet potatoes can be consumed after drizzling some olive oil on them or with a variety of dips and sauces.

5. Lean Meat

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to tiredness and exhaustion. Pregnant women are required to ensure ample iron intake as their bodies require twice the amount of iron to cope with increased blood volume. Lean meats are a rich source of iron and proteins; chicken (without skin) is an exceptional source of protein. Beef and pork also provide B vitamins, choline and iron.

Tip: Processed meats and cold cuts should be avoided as they can cause infections. Grilled chicken is an excellent choice for a filling and tasty bite. Steak made from prime cuts like flank steak renders themselves as a tender and flavorful meal.

6. Whole Grain Bread

Whole grain bread has more fibre, zinc and iron compared to its white bread counterpart. The additional fibre, iron and zinc are all essential nutrients for a pregnant woman.

Tip: The recommended daily intake of fibre for pregnant women is thirty-five grams or more per day. Changing to whole grain bread can easily assist in acquiring the required intake of fibre. A simple vegetable sandwich can easily be prepared at tea time three to four days a week.

7. Nut Butter

Many of us would have fond memories of peanut butter sandwich that we savoured during our school-going days. A lot of people are not aware that other nuts can be made into healthy butter too. Almonds, coconut and brazil nut all can be made into a healthy butter that provides the necessary unsaturated fats. The intake of fats is essential for pregnant women as they help them to feel full. Furthermore, fat intake is necessary for proper brain development of the unborn baby.

Tip: The daily intake of nut butter should be restricted to no more than two tablespoons on account of their high caloric value and fat content. A sandwich made quickly and easily from peanut butter, or another nut butter of your choice is an effective and healthy way to tackle unexpected hunger pangs.

8. Oatmeal

The intake of complex carbohydrates is essential for our bodies; even more so for pregnant women. Carbohydrates provide almost instant energy to fuel our day to day activities. Oatmeal is not only a good source of energy but also helps lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, oatmeal is also rich in selenium, calcium, Vitamin B1, and phosphorous.

Tip: The easiest way to incorporate oatmeal into your diet is to boil it with some milk and eat when hungry.

9. Salmon

Salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and proteins can also be included in measured proportions in your pregnancy diet, but only after consulting your nutritionist. It consists of fatty acids such as omega-3, which are essential for the development of the nervous system and the brain of the unborn baby.

Tip: The easiest way to incorporate salmon into your diet is to pan sear salmon filet in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and have it once a week if your dietician/nutritionist deems safe for you to have it.

10. Greek Yoghurt

Pregnant women who do not have an adequate intake of calcium may face further depletion to provide calcium for the baby. Greek yoghurt is the best source of calcium among dairy products; as such, it will not only support the mother’s body through the pregnancy but will also help the baby develop strong bones and teeth. Furthermore, the bacteria in Greek yoghurt is known to improve digestion.

Tip: Add finely cut tomatoes and cucumber to yoghurt, mix well and have it as a quick snack daily if possible.

11. Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in potassium, iron, folate, vitamin A, C, and K. Broccoli is also known to contain antioxidants and to strengthen the immune system. Pregnant women, who consume broccoli frequently, will reduce the chance of their babies being born of low birth weight.

Tip: Cooked broccoli can be added to pasta along with other vegetables and meats to make a tasty and healthy meal.

12. Non-Fat Milk

While children are told to have their daily glass of milk for adequate calcium, most adults are deprived of the same. As mentioned above, calcium is essential for the growth and development of unborn babies. Non-fat milk will provide the necessary nutrient intake, and the low-fat content would prevent unnecessary weight gain.

Tip: A single glass of milk can fulfil twenty-five to thirty per cent of the daily calcium requirement. Pregnant women should try and have a glass of non-fat milk daily.

13. Beans

Beans are a rich source of protein and fibre, and their high potassium and magnesium content can also be useful for pregnant women. Beans are known to prevent constipation which is one of the common complaints in pregnancy.

Tip: Baked beans and bread are good to indulge every once in a while. Cooked beans with rice (Rajma Chawal) are also a tasty option for pregnant women.

14. Cottage Cheese

Cheese is again a great source of calcium and also contains milk proteins. While some types of cheese are not recommended for pregnant women, paneer or cottage cheese is a great way to add calcium into the diet.

Tip: To incorporate cheese into your diet, go for homemade paneer dishes, such as paneer tikka, palak paneer, etc.

The required nutrient intake considerably increases during pregnancy. The added nutrients are required both, for the mother’s body to cope with the stresses and strains of pregnancy and to provide the necessary nourishment for the developing baby in the womb. The good news is that the increased nutritional requirements can be easily met with incorporating certain foods. Even more exciting is the large variety of foods that can be added for this purpose.

Also Read: What Medicines To Avoid When Pregnant