Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s body spends a lot of additional energy and essential substances. Therefore, she needs to eat well in order to provide herself and the child with the necessary microelements and vitamins.
In the early stages of pregnancy (first half of pregnancy), nutrition is not much different from usual. But at this time it is necessary to monitor its diversity.
Food should contain a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fats. Sometimes you can eat something salty or spicy – such a desire often appears in the early stages. The normal diet (daily) in early pregnancy is 2500 kcal.
Nutrition in the early stages
One of the essential substances during pregnancy is iron, the need for it increases during this period. A sufficient amount of iron is the key to normal hemoglobin levels, which transport oxygen to tissues. If a pregnant woman develops anemia, the fetus will experience oxygen starvation (hypoxia).
Iron is also involved in the destruction of microbes and ensures normal muscle contraction. Iron, which is easily absorbed, is found in red meat, fish, and egg yolk.
For proper growth and development of the fetus it is necessary protein. The main sources of protein are meat, seeds, and nuts.
Fats serve as a source of energy. It is necessary to combine vegetable and animal fats in the diet. In addition, they are involved in the formation of prostaglandins – substances that affect the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
A pregnant woman’s diet should be rich calcium. It is necessary to ensure that the expectant mother does not lose bone mass during pregnancy, since a large amount of calcium will be spent on building the fetal skeleton. The main sources of calcium are milk, almonds, and seeds.
Complex carbohydrates – potatoes, beans, oatmeal. If there are not enough carbohydrates, proteins begin to be used to replenish energy. Accordingly, fewer of them reach the fetus, and development may worsen.
In our medical center (Kaluzhskaya metro station), nutritionists will be able to choose the right nutrition for you based on your individual characteristics.