After a woman is pregnant, the food she eats every day, in addition to the nutrients needed to maintain her own body metabolism, must also supply the growth and development needs of the fetus in her body. Research shows that malnutrition during pregnancy is related to miscarriage, premature delivery, dystocia, stillbirth, teratogenesis, low birth weight, fetal macrosomia, anemia during pregnancy, calcium malnutrition, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, etc. Therefore, ensure the health of pregnant women. Nutritional needs, guiding pregnant women to reasonably consume protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, etc., are very important for improving maternal and child outcomes and prenatal and postnatal care.

Nutritional needs during pregnancy

1. Heat energy

The total heat energy requirement increases during pregnancy, including providing fetal growth, placenta, maternal tissue growth, protein, Storage of fat and increased heat energy required for metabolism. There is no need to increase energy in the early stages of pregnancy. After 4 months of pregnancy until delivery, an additional 200kcal of energy per day is required on the original basis. The main source of heat energy for Chinese residents is staple food. Pregnant women should consume about 200-450g of staple food every day.

2. Protein

The demand for protein increases during pregnancy. There is no need to increase protein in the first trimester. Fetal growth accelerates in the second and third trimesters, so protein needs to be increased. In the second trimester, 15g/d is needed. In the late stage, increase 20g/d. The main source of protein is animal foods such as eggs, dairy products, etc. Pregnant women should consume about 200-300g of animal foods and 250-500g of dairy products every day.

3. Carbohydrates

are the main substances that provide energy and should account for 50% -60% of the total calories. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, just increase the amount of staple food by approximately 35g per day.

4. Fat

Fat accounts for 25% to 30% of total energy. Excessive intake can lead to overweight and easily cause pregnancy complications. However, long-chain unsaturated fatty acids have been confirmed to be beneficial to the body. It is helpful for the development of the fetal brain and eyes, so you should eat more fish and aquatic products (especially marine fish), walnuts and other foods.

5. Vitamins

Vitamins are necessary for regulating body metabolism and maintaining a variety of physiological functions. They are also necessary for fetal growth and development, especially in the early stages of embryonic development, when the supply is insufficient or Excessive amounts may lead to the risk of fetal malformations. The rapid growth of the fetus in the second and third trimester of pregnancy also requires increased vitamin intake, so vitamin intake needs to be increased throughout pregnancy.

6. Inorganic salts and trace elements

Calcium, magnesium, and trace elements such as iron, zinc, iodine, etc. in inorganic salts are essential nutrients for fetal growth and development. It can lead to poor fetal development, and early deficiency can easily lead to malformations. Blood volume increases during pregnancy and physiological anemia is more likely to occur. Therefore, trace elements must be increased throughout pregnancy.

7. Dietary fiber

Although dietary fiber is not absorbed by the human body, it can reduce the absorption of sugar and fat, slow down the rise of blood sugar, and prevent and improve constipation and intestinal function. During pregnancy, you should eat more foods rich in dietary fiber such as vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and whole grains.

Dietary Guidelines and Diet Pagoda during Pregnancy

Early Pregnancy

1. The meal should be light and delicious

Easy to digest and beneficial to reduce the risk of obesity Pregnancy reactions in early pregnancy. Including a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, soy products, fish, poultry, eggs and various cereal products.

2. Eat smaller meals more often

The number, quantity, type and time of meals should be adjusted in time according to the appetite of pregnant women and the severity of their reactions. Eat smaller meals more frequently to ensure adequate food intake.

3. Ensure adequate intake of carbohydrate-rich foods

In early pregnancy, you should ensure that you consume at least 150g of carbohydrates (approximately 200g of cereals) per day. Due to severe pregnancy reactions, Pregnant women who cannot eat enough carbohydrates normally should seek medical attention promptly to avoid adverse effects on the early brain development of the fetus.

4. Eat more foods rich in folic acid and supplement with folic acid

Folic acid deficiency in early pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects and premature birth in the fetus. Women should consume more folic acid-rich animal livers, dark green vegetables and beans starting from the time they plan pregnancy, and it is recommended to supplement 400-800mg of folic acid every day.

5. Quit smoking and alcohol

The nicotine in tobacco and the cyanide and carbon monoxide in smoke can cause fetal hypoxia, malnutrition, and developmental delay. Alcohol can also enter the fetus through the placenta, causing intrauterine dysplasia and abnormal development of the central nervous system.

Second and third trimester of pregnancy

1. Supplement high-quality protein

Appropriately increase sources of high-quality protein such as fish, poultry, eggs, lean meat, etc. It is recommended in the second and third trimester of pregnancy Increase 50-100g per day. Seafood can meet the iodine needs during pregnancy.

2. Appropriately increase the intake of milk

Milk is rich in protein and is also a good source of calcium. Starting from the second trimester, you should consume at least 250ml of milk or an equivalent amount of dairy products and supplement 300mg of calcium every day, or drink 500ml of low-fat milk.

3. Eat iron-rich foods regularly

Pregnant women are at high risk of iron deficiency anemia. To provide the fetus with iron reserves, iron intake should be increased starting from the second trimester. , such as animal blood, liver, lean meat, etc., and small doses of iron can be supplemented under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Moderate physical activity to maintain appropriate weight gain

Do not less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day, such as walking, gymnastics, etc., which is conducive to appropriate weight gain. and natural childbirth.

5. Stop smoking and drinking, and eat less irritating food

Tobacco and alcohol have obvious toxic effects on all stages of embryonic development, so it is necessary to stop smoking and drinking. Strong tea and coffee should also be avoided as much as possible, and irritating foods should be eaten as little as possible.