Pregnant women should have protein in their diet

When a woman finds out she is pregnant, one of the first questions she asks herself is what and how she should eat to ensure the normal development of the baby. One of the key elements of a healthy diet is protein. Proteins play an important role in the formation of tissues and organs of the fetus, and also ensure the full growth of the mammary glands, uterus, placenta and other formations necessary for normal intrauterine development.

According to the Medicine for All calendar, a pregnant woman’s diet should strive to ensure that animal proteins predominate. About a quarter of the protein requirement should be met from meat, a fifth from eggs. Complete, easily digestible proteins of animal origin, containing amino acids and calcium salts in the required proportions, are found in milk, kefir, cheese and cottage cheese. Meat, fish, and eggs are rich in animal proteins. Plant foods such as bread, buckwheat, rice, and beans also contain proteins, but their nutritional value is slightly lower than that of animal sources.

It is important to understand that the second half of pregnancy is a period when the expectant mother’s body experiences special stress. Therefore, in order not to impede the functioning of the liver and kidneys, fried meat, fish and meat broths should be excluded from the diet and meat and fish should be eaten boiled.

In the end, we should not forget that a pregnant woman’s diet should be balanced and varied. In addition to proteins, it is important to consume enough carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. By following simple rules of healthy eating, the expectant mother will be able to provide her child with everything necessary for normal development and the birth of a healthy baby.