Of course… when pregnant, a mother’s food intake naturally increases. But nourishing the baby in the womb is not just about eating good, nutritious, and complete foods. Supplementing certain nutrients in higher amounts… is something you must memorize! Let’s clearly divide how mothers should focus on eating during each stage of pregnancy?
What should pregnant mothers eat in the 1st trimester (1-3 months) of pregnancy?
Since this is the period of organ formation for the baby, mothers who are 1-3 months pregnant should focus on eating foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The vitamin to especially emphasize is folic acid, a nutrient that helps build red blood cells and reduce brain defects in the fetus. It is found in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and sour fruits.
Tip: For mothers experiencing morning sickness and frequent vomiting daily, it is recommended to divide meals into smaller portions but eat more frequently. Avoid fried foods or those with strong odors, and drink warm or sour-tasting beverages to help relieve symptoms.
What should pregnant mothers eat in the 2nd trimester (4-6 months) of pregnancy?
After organ formation in the first trimester, the second trimester is the period of organ growth, including brain development which is 4 times greater than in the first trimester. Mothers therefore need 300 more calories per day, along with an emphasis on iron, which helps nourish the blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and iodine, which helps reduce the risk of brain abnormalities. These nutrients are abundant in meat, organ meats, liver, blood, shrimp, shellfish, fish, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and ivy gourd leaves.
What should pregnant mothers eat in the 3rd trimester (7-9 months) of pregnancy?
In the final trimester, the baby develops rapidly with noticeable progress. The mother’s abdomen grows larger, and the baby moves more frequently. Mothers need to learn about childbirth and increase protein intake and energy by an additional 300 calories per day. At the same time, mothers must “control sugar intake” to stay within a proper range to reduce the risk of diabetes.
Tip: Besides eating enough to support the growth of the fetus, mothers also need to nourish their bodies by increasing nutrients during the last trimester… to prepare for milk production after delivery!
