Good Foods to eat When Pregnant

Good Foods to eat When Pregnant

  • Almond, peanuts, wheat germ, soya, orange juice, peas and beans, dark green leafy vegetables all contain folic acid, which essential for the neurological development of the foetus.
  • Salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, pilchards contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for the development (and maintainance) of the brain. It is recommended that at least one option of these fish are eaten at least three times per week, for the normal mental development of the foetus.
  • Low fat or fat free milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese, soya, sardines, dark green leafy vegetables are all excellent sources of calcium and are important for the development of bones and teeth. The low fat or fat free dairy products actually contain more calcium than the full-cream alternatives.
  • Meat, sardines, egg yolk (dark green leafy vegetables) contain iron, which is essential for the delivery of oxygen to the foetus, especially during the second half of pregnancy. Remember that iron absorption is adversely affected by drinking tea and coffee.
  • Guavas, kiwifruit, oranges, berries, naartjies, grapefruit all contain vitamin C which not only helps absorb iron, but also assists with blood pressure and fluid retention amongst other things.
  • Beans, lentils, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, oats and pearled barley are the best types of energy foods, as they are slow-release energy foods, maintaining stable energy levels throughout the day and delivering B-complex vitamins.