Foods For Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a time when women suffer from unusual cravings and experience endless hunger problems. Here are some of the best foods that should be eaten by a pregnant woman.

A pregnant woman feels hungry quite often, but eating the right kind of food is also essential because it helps to develop the body as well as the growing baby's health.

Everyone enjoys the stage of pregnancy, but celebrating two lives does not simply mean that you should eat food for two people.

A pregnant woman needs approximately 300 extra calories a day compared to a non-pregnant woman. Nutrients required by a pregnant woman can be acquired from the right kind of food.

So, we've listed some of the best foods for pregnant. If you want to know more on what pregnant women can eat, read below to find out all about it.

1. Eggs
Eggs are a versatile food that help to provide a human body with high protein, low calories and different types of the omega fatty acids. It is said that a pregnant woman should consume more of eggs because it helps in developing the brain of the child and also in giving a healthy eyesight. However, you should make sure that you stay away from uncooked or raw eggs, as it may lead to immediate vomiting.

2. Avocados
Avocados are one among the healthiest foods a pregnant woman should consume. Avocados contains folic acid that helps to ensure proper development of the baby's body, and the amount of vitamin C present in the fruit also helps to offer the child with a healthy immune system. Consuming avocados is also good for a pregnant woman, as it avoids morning sickness and evades fatigue in a woman.

3. Sea Salt
There are many experts who advise pregnant women to stay away from sea salt, as it increases the blood pressure in a person. But consuming sea salt is extremely essential for a pregnant woman because it plays an essential role in foetal development. It is said that consuming the right amount of sea salt can prove to be beneficial for a pregnant woman.

4. Spinach
This green leafy vegetable is packed with nutrients, vitamins, proteins and the right amount of fibre required by the body. Spinach also contains antioxidants that help to develop the brain of the baby and also strengthen the immune system. Anaemia is a common concern during pregnancy because most of the women suffer from this problem during the pregnancy stage. Consuming one bowl of spinach every day can help to keep you healthy and strong.

5. Nuts
When you are pregnant, you always feel hungry. The best kind of food to keep snacking on all day long is nuts. Nuts are a healthy and easy-to-digest snack that contain a large amount of zinc, copper, magnesium, iron and much more. Consuming nuts decreases the chance of a misbalance of mineral in the body as well as ensures a healthy baby.

6. Carrots
Vitamin A is essential for a pregnant woman because it ensures good skin, eye, hair and bone for the baby. The right amount of vitamin A consumed by a pregnant woman will benefit with a beautiful skin and hair to the baby. Carrot is one among the best foods to be consumed during pregnancy. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and also they help keep your bowel movement healthy. Many women suffer from constipation; and if you are one among the victims, try including fresh carrots in your diet.

7. Mangoes
Mangoes are good to taste as well as for the health. Mangoes contain vitamin A and vitamin C that help in the foetal development and also improve blood circulation in a person. Mangoes are a wonderful source of potassium that helps to strengthen the immune system and reduces the stress on the body.

8. Popcorn
Can you believe popcorn is one of the best foods to consume during pregnancy? Yes, due to a large amount of fibre and antioxidants, it is the best kind of food you should consume during pregnancy. Popcorn contains selenium, and some important antioxidant compounds along with fibre that help in the development of the baby's skeletal system. Whenever you are hungry, snack on some popcorn. If needed, avoid consuming flavoured popcorn.

9. Chicken
The amount of proteins required for the foetal development is readily available in chicken and hence consumption of chicken is good. Chicken contains a large amount of vitamins and proteins that ensure a good foetal development. However, make sure that you consume chicken with no harmful flavours in it and avoid consuming heavily overcooked chicken, as it contains bacteria that are not good for your health.

10. Yogurt
Yogurt stands different and unique when compared to other food ingredients. Yogurt contains folic acid and vitamin D, which are essential for the brain and body development. Folic acid and vitamin D help to improve the nutrient absorption in your stomach. Consuming one cup of yogurt ensures the right kind of minerals, proteins, and vitamins to you and your baby's body.

11. Fish
Some of the experts say fish is extremely harmful to the body, while some say fish is beneficial for a pregnant woman to eat. Fish contains mercury and other elements that can prove to be harmful to your baby's body. However, fish like salmon and sardines contain fewer amounts of harmful ingredients and can be consumed by a pregnant woman. Due to essential elements and fatty acids, fish proves to be beneficial for a pregnant woman.

12. Edamame
Edamame has become popular during the recent years for its efficiency. Edamame is actually a Japanese snack which is somewhat like the cooked soya beans available in India. Edamame is rich in vitamins, calcium, folic acid and proteins, which help in the body's and brain development of the child. However, you should consult your doctor about the daily intake of Edamame you should be eating.

13. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is packed with mineral, copper, iron and proteins. Oatmeal contains fibre that is extremely helpful in boosting your heart's health and also in reducing cramps. Oatmeal is beneficial for a pregnant woman, as it reduces nausea and other gastrointestinal issues a pregnant woman often suffers from.

14. Lentils
These tiny lentils are packed with folate, which acts as a booster for a pregnant woman. Lentils contain a high amount of iron, fibre, and complex carbohydrates that help to keep you full for a longer period of time. It also helps keep you away from unusual craving. Lentils are also good for your baby's health, as it helps to protect your baby from neural tube defects.

15. Dairy Products
Dairy products are healthiest to be eaten during the pregnancy stage. Dairy products contain a high amount of calcium, which is important for the development of the baby. Other than calcium, dairy products also contain the right amount of minerals, fibre, vitamin A, vitamin D, etc., that are required by a pregnant woman's body.