By now, we all know how important it is to take extra care of your diet and lifestyle during pregnancy. And during this phase, you will receive a plethora of opinions from people around. However, when it comes to nutrient-specific diet, regretfully the knowledge and awareness are limited. Hence, to address the issue, nutritionist Lovneet Batra took to her social media to highlight some of the key nutrients that one must add to her pregnancy diet. According to her, the first trimester is a “critical time for both you and your baby’s development”. Hence, your diet needs to be wholesome and nutrient-packed “during these initial months”. Let’s elucidate further:
Also Read: 10 Foods You Should Strictly Avoid During Pregnancy
5 Key Nutrients That Are A Must-Have In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy:
1. Folic Acid:
Folic acid is a B-vitamin nutrient, which helps prevent various adverse effects of nutritional deficiency. Speaking about it’s importance, the nutritionist explains that folic acid is a “game-changer” in the world of preganancy nutritionist. It helps your baby’s neural tube developement. “Aim for at least 400 micrograms daily through leafy greens, oranges, and fortified cereals,” the expert explains.
2. Fluids:
Staying well-hydrated is the key to overall developement in the initial months of pregnancy. During this time, your body needs extra fluid, hence you must compensate it with regular water intake and consuming hydrating foods. “Hydrating fruits and veggies, and herbal teas are your best friends for maintaining good hydration levels,” she explains.
3. Protein:
Protein is a building block, essential for developing mass and muscles. While non-vegetarians get it from various kinds of meat-based products, vegetarians can compensate for it with pulses and cottage cheese among other things. Lovneet Batra recommends around 60 grams of protein consumption per day for your baby’s growth.
4. Energy:
During this time, you may often feel low and tired. Hence, it is important to take care of your caloric needs as well, especially in the later trimesters. “Choose nutrient-dense foods to meet these increased energy requirements effectively,” she explains.
5. DHA – Omega-3s:
These are essential nutrients for your baby’s brain development. “Include Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, nuts, and seeds in your diet,” the expert suggests.
Nutritionist Lovneet Batra concludes that the right kind of nutrition in your first trimester “lays the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy”.
