Making sure that you and your baby are getting the right nutrition during pregnancy is often a concern for mothers-to-be.
Whether you are pregnant for the first time, or pretty experienced at the whole pregnancy thing, here are five foods to boost nutrition during this special time and give your baby the best start possible in life.
1. Avocado
Avocado is a very healthy, versatile fat which is nice and filling. Pop it in a nice big salad, or even have it on toast – it’s a great alternative to butter.
Avocado is a good source of nutrition during pregnancy because it’s packed with folate, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6, which aids your baby’s tissue and brain growth and reportedly can even ease morning sickness!
2. Vita-Weat 9 Grains
These crackers are particular good for those ladies unlucky enough to suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy (which unfairly isn’t always limited to the morning!) and who can’t stomach much food.
These crackers have a low glycaemic index (GI), which means that the nutrients are slow-releasing and can help boost your own energy levels for longer. In addition, all the goodness from the (funnily enough) nine grains means that even if you can only stomach crackers for a while, you can be sure that your baby is still getting some goodness.
3. Fish
Fish is potentially something to eat in moderation during pregnancy, but has significant nutritional benefits for mamas to be.
High in Omega 3 (good for brain development), a good source of protein and iron… fish is GREAT during pregnancy. We particularly advise eating salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring and trout.
However, certain fish often contain high levels of mercury, so are best eaten infrequently. These fish include tuna, shark and swordfish.
4. Berries
Jam-packed (no pun intended) with antioxidants, berries are tolerated by most peoples’ digestive systems and can be eaten hot or cold as a snack or with a main meal. Unlike some frozen fruits during pregnancy, you are generally OK to buy frozen berries and keep in the freezer for when you need them.
5. Walnuts
A great source of protein, fibre and healthy saturated fats. Pop them in your salads, breakfast muesli, stir fries or just have them on their own as a snack.
The omega fats in walnuts are good for your baby’s brain and eye development.
Alternative foods for pregnancy
Yes, we said we’d give you five foods to boost nutrition during pregnancy, but we’re feeling generous! Spinach, eggs, legumes and pepitas are all full of nutrients which will benefit both you and your growing baby.
An important note
Yes, it’s important to eat healthy foods during pregnancy, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do that for a little while.
Your body is amazing. Even if you can only bear to eat hot chips from McDonald’s for six weeks, it will still give your baby essential nutrients. Pregnancy is a really exciting time and it’s good to enjoy it as much as possible and keep stress levels down. Your baby will thank you!
If you would like to speak with Jess in more detail about nutrition during your pregnancy, get in touch.