Eating During Pregnancy

Never in the past have, I been so careful about my diet, what I am eating and avoiding! Pregnancy and motherhood really change you so much.

Gastrointestinal Problems in Pregnancy

1. Heartburn and Acidity
2. Nausea and Vomiting
3. Early satiety in advanced pregnancy
4. Constipation
5. Aggravation of pre existing piles (Hemorrhoids)

While none of these can be prevented, they can be largely tackled with good care

Food Do's during Pregnancy

1. Eat non spicy non greasy food, every 2 hourly
2. Drink plenty of fluids- water, juices, milk and milk products
3. Eat foods rich in proteins, calcium, carbohydrates, iron and vitamins
4. Eat fiber rich fruits and vegetables
5. Have a 2 to 3 glasses of milk/buttermilk 

Food Don'ts during Pregnancy

1. Avoid eating raw uncooked food, sushi, mithai prepared outside
2. Avoid eating refined food- maida. Maida lacks fiber, and aggravates constipation
3. Avoid roadside chaats and foods. Risk of serious infections is high in pregnancy
4. Avoid prolonged fasting. Hunger aggravates nausea
5. Avoid spicy and oily food. Worsens acidity and heartburn
6. Avoid deep sea fishes (high mercury) particularly first trimester. Refer here for details.

Good Foods to eat during Pregnancy

The list is long and endless. Here's what I have been eating

1. Rotis, especially fortified with Ragi/Soyabean flour. Rice and dal, Dal khichdi
2. Fresh seasonal fruits. Wash properly before eating. Have home made juices or packaged juices if unable to eat solids, first trimester
3. All vegetables, leafy vegetables, pulses and sprouts in form of vegetables and salads
4. Dry fruits and nuts, dates. Keep in a small box, and carry along to work place as well!
5. Peanut jaggery chikki and ladoos as in between munchies
6. Milk, buttermilk, curds or lassi. Homemade milk products please
7. Kurmura Bhel made at home, corn bhel, sprouts bhel make good snacks
8. Soups made at home- avoid powders available in market. No nutrition, loaded with chemicals
9. Poha, dosas, upma, oat porridge, sandwiches have been my breakfast staples