Eating when we are pregnant isn’t just about feeding two bodies. You are doing something far more important than fuelling up. Inside your body, there are cells which are growing and building, each one with a particular task. What you choose to eat will boost your unborn baby’s start in life. It could also reduce the risk of disease and conditions.
There are two vital places to start when it comes to your pregnancy diet. Hydration and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. When it comes to cell regeneration and development, these are your front runners of healthy eating during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, taking on enough fluid is even more critical than usual. Your body needs water to form the amniotic fluid, produce extra blood volume, build new tissue, carry nutrients, help indigestion, and flush out your wastes and toxins. If you are dehydrated, then your fetus will suffer because of it, meaning you may be creating a weaker immune system or producing lower levels of amniotic fluid which could mean your baby is less protected in the womb. This could lead to birth defects such as Cerebral Palsy (If your child is born with this condition it is important you speak to cerebral palsy attorneys as other factors may have caused it) and also could set the tone for them having a number of issues in their childhood such as digestive problems and even learning difficulties.
There are signs to look out for during your pregnancy which could hint that you aren’t getting enough fluid on board including headaches, nausea, cramps, oedema and dizziness. For baby, hydration is important from day one. However, you need to be especially careful in the third trimester as dehydration can lead to early labour.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are vital for a healthy heart and a sharp mind. So ensuring you have your daily allowance during pregnancy should be a top priority. Omega 3 is so important for the brain that research has suggested the nutrient could be responsible for healthy vision and for reducing issues such as ADHD. Brain and heart development start from week three after conception, so as soon as you discover you are pregnant make sure you are getting the right amount of Omega 3.
One thing you need to be aware of though is that fish can have a high mercury content and this could be harmful to your baby. The only way to ensure this isn’t the case is to know where your food is coming from. Fresh, wild salmon may be a better option than farmed although you could consider avoiding fish in the early stages. Add it back later in the second trimester but avoid the high mercury content fish. Opt instead to get your omega three from other sources, such as avocado, olive oil and eggs.
It is important to research the stages of your pregnancy alongside the types of food which can help give vital organs the best start in life. This is your chance to give your baby the very best start in life, so take every opportunity you can to understand how to do that.