Producer: Priyanka Das Editor: Sujata Singh
During delivery, pregnant women face many physiological changes as the mother’s body nurtures the growing baby within.
Ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients becomes paramount for both the mother’s well-being and the child’s development to cope with these changes.
To give birth to a healthy baby without any problems, both the mother and the baby in her womb must have a healthy development.
Adequate folic acid intake is essential during the early development of the baby’s neural tube, which forms the brain and spine. Folic acid is abundant in green leafy vegetables, beans, and pulses.
Vital for bone strength, pregnant women require increased calcium intake to support the baby’s bones to grow. Adding almond or oat milk, broccoli, and collard greens to the diet can boost bone growth in children.
Iron is one of the most important nutrients during pregnancy and essential for oxygen transportation through red blood cells. Iron intake prevents anaemia during pregnancy. Including beans, greens, and collard greens in the diet ensures adequate iron levels.
Magnesium helps maintain a healthy heartbeat and heart function and protects against heart disease. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and avocados are rich in magnesium.
This special nutrient helps in the absorption of calcium in the body and boosts the immune system of the mother and baby. Include foods which are rich in Vitamin D including breakfast cereals, fish, etc.
Omega-3 plays an important role in the early development of children and is important for eye and brain development. It also helps protect the unborn child from developing asthma and allergies.