Nutrition for Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers

Nutrition of pregnant women and nursing mothers plays an important role in maintaining health and ensuring the normal development of the child. It is important to note that nutrition in the first and second half of pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, has its own characteristics.

First half of pregnancy:

In the first half of pregnancy, nutrition should meet the general requirements of a balanced diet. A woman should follow a varied and balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients. It is important to consume enough protein, fats and carbohydrates.

However, in the second half of pregnancy, nutritional requirements increase. Nutrition should be not only complete, but also enhanced. It is recommended to increase your protein intake to about 2 g per 1 kg of body weight per day. Protein can be obtained from milk (0.75 to 1 liter per day), dairy products and mild cheeses. It is also important to increase fat intake to 1.5 g per 1 kg of weight.

During pregnancy, spicy and salty foods should be avoided. It is not recommended to consume dishes containing extractive substances, such as meat, fish and mushroom broths. To enhance the supply of vitamins, it is recommended to increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, juices, and if necessary, you can take synthetic vitamin preparations.

It is useful to consume 25-30 g of vegetable oil rich in vitamin E daily. Limitation should be placed on the consumption of salt (table) and liquids, which should not exceed 4-5 glasses per day. Alcoholic drinks are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy.

Meals in the first half of pregnancy are carried out 4 times a day, and in the second half it is recommended to switch to 5-6 meals a day.

Nutrition for nursing mothers:

Nutrition for a nursing mother also requires special attention. The daily diet of a nursing mother should contain at least 2 g of protein per 1 kg of weight, mainly from milk and dairy products. In addition, it is recommended to consume about 120-130 g of fat and 500 g of carbohydrates.

To cover the vitamin needs of a nursing mother, it is recommended to additionally take ascorbic acid and 15 g of fish oil per day, which ensures the need for vitamins A and D.

The total amount of free liquid in a nursing mother's diet should not exceed 2 liters per day. When cooking, you should not add spices. To meet the need for mineral salts, especially calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, the daily diet should include cottage cheese, cheese, lactic acid products, one egg and wholemeal bread. Vegetables, fruits and berries are also valuable products.

During breastfeeding, alcohol consumption should be avoided. A nursing mother should be fed 4-5 times a day, and in addition, before each feeding, it is recommended to drink milk twice a day.

It is important to remember that every woman is unique and her nutritional needs may vary. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to develop an individual diet, taking into account the characteristics of the body and general health.

Proper nutrition for pregnant women and nursing mothers plays an important role in maintaining the health of both mother and child. By following a balanced diet and doctor's recommendations, a woman can provide her body with all the necessary nutrients for the normal development of the baby and maintaining her own health.