The nutritional status of a mother affects the developmental and nutritional status of the baby in the womb. So, it is necessary to eat proper nutritional food during pregnancy. During pregnancy various changes take place in the body of the expectant mother. These changes are both anatomical and psychological. It being a very crucial time for both the mother and the baby, pregnancy nutrition becomes an unavoidable necessity.

A typical pregnancy nutrition diet would include proteins, vitamins, calcium, fat and energy, minerals and iron or folic acid.

Proteins

Proteins are the most vital elements of pregnancy nutrition. It is during the stages of early and mid pregnancy that proteins start getting stored in the body of the expecting mother. These proteins are utilized during the late pregnancy days when the foetus starts developing.

Fat and Energy

Fat deposits take place in the mother’s body during pregnancy. These fat deposits are later used for the formation of milk during lactation. This fact raises the calorie requirement of the mother who is expecting to deliver a baby. Thus pregnancy nutrition will include a major in take of food that would have rich deposits of fat and energy.

Vitamins

Regular Vitamin intakes are a necessary part of pregnancy nutrition. Vitamin A is essential to maintain the nervous equilibrium. It also improves vision. So it is advisable to take vitamin supplements if the mother’s diet does not include essential vitamins. However, overdose of vitamins should be avoided as it is harmful for the development of the baby.

Minerals

Among the minerals Calcium and Phosphorous stand as the most vital elements that are required for pregnancy nutrition. Calcium is necessary for the formation of healthy teeth and bones. During pregnancy the need of calcium is especially higher because the foetus also needs it for the healthy formation of bones and teeth.

Iron

Iron is essential for body development. Regulated intake of iron is an important part of pregnancy nutrition as it is plays a major role in the development of body of the foetus. However care should be taken to take regulated amounts as overdose of any thing is harmful for the baby.

Dieting during Pregnancy

Dieting during pregnancy should be strictly avoided as it is harmful for both the mother and the developing baby. Pregnancy nutrition is incomplete without the proper intake of all the essential minerals like calcium, phosphorous and iron, and proteins and necessary fats. Infact gaining weight during pregnancy is a good sign and indicates healthy pregnancy. Women who eat a proper nutritious diet during pregnancy and gradually gain weight are likely to have healthy babies. An expectant mother should have fresh and wholesome meal every two to three hours. A healthy diet for pregnancy nutrition would include lots of carbohydrates, plenty of fruits and vegetables, adequate amounts of proteins and a small amount of fats and sugar as well.