Doctor explains how food can contribute to a healthier pregnancy
When a woman becomes pregnant, one of the first concerns is food, because from that moment everything she eats will also feed the baby. Each nutrient is important to promote the good formation of the fetus and some substances present in certain foods can damage its development.
According to the doctor. Liliane de Melo Guimarães, gynecologist and obstetrician, a nutritional assessment at the beginning or before pregnancy allows you to identify risk factors and bad eating habits, which can be corrected to ensure good fetal development and the well-being of the pregnant woman.
Changes that occur in the digestive system
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes various modifications, including the digestive system. “Both the stomach and intestines, and also the gallbladder, work more slowly, slowing down digestion. There is an increased tendency for heartburn and reflux, and the intestines become sluggish,” says the doctor.
For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant women adopt a fractional diet, i.e. eat more meals a day, with smaller portions in each. “The pregnant woman should try to eat slowly, chewing her food well, and never lie down after meals, avoiding heartburn and reflux”, advises Dr. Liliane de Melo Guimaraes.
food care
A balanced diet is essential for the mother to ensure adequate intake of all nutrients required for good health. gestationadds Dr. Liliane de Melo Guimaraes. “All food groups must be part of a balanced diet, being combined with each other to meet the specific needs of the pregnant woman,” she points out.
The gynecologist explains that ideally every meal should contain at least one food from each group: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, mineral salts, fibers and water.
First months of pregnancy
Each stage of pregnancy requires specific care. According to the doctor. Liliane de Melo Guimarães, in the first trimester of pregnancy, women often suffer from nausea and vomiting, mainly due to hormonal changes.
«In this phase it is worth avoiding heavier and fatty foods such as fried foods, sauces and sweets, favoring fruit and vegetables. Another tip is the intake of juices and acidic fruit, which minimize the symptoms during this period », he advises.
Nutrition in the second and third trimester
The second and third trimesters of pregnancy are more stable than food. The woman is again able to control weight gain, water retention and adequate consumption of iron and micronutrients.
“Based on the food pyramid, we recommend moderation in salt and sugar, a good consumption of water, favoring fruit and vegetables”, recommends Dr. Liliane de Melo Guimaraes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
