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Pregnancy is a highly demanding period both physiologically and nutritionally. The mother’s diet and health during pregnancy has great influence on the fetus.

During early months of pregnancy, there is morning sickness due to hormonal and psychological changes taking place in our body. To minimize the effect of morning sickness and nausea of early pregnancy, you should be taking small amounts of foods with increased frequency. Solid carbohydrate foods like biscuits, bread or fruit, as first food in the morning as well as before meals will help to relieve the nausea of early pregnancy. At the same time, avoid XXXXXXX fried, strongly flavoured and highly spiced foods.

It should be remembered that
•     During the first trimester, the mother's nutrient intake need not be increased.
•     To XXXXXXX the increased requirements during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, you need to consume extra food. To take care of this, you should be given some snacks in between the main meals rather than three large meals, thus increasing the frequency of feeding.

Therefore the feeding pattern should be 5 to 6 meals a day. Increased protein needs can be met by including protein of good quality like milk, meat eggs, fish. Proteins can also be obtained from food items like pulses, groundnuts, soyabeans, etc., which are comparatively cheaper. To improve the protein quality, combination of plant protein like cereals and pulses along with small amounts of animal protein should be used.

•     To XXXXXXX the additional iron need, foodstuffs like whole grain cereals, whole pulses, some leafy vegetables like mustard leaves, bathua, etc., dried fruits, eggs and organ meats should be consumed. Along with vitamin c XXXXXXX foods like citrus fruits for maximum absorption.

•     During pregnancy, due to foetal pressure, constipation is common problem. Therefore, larger quantities of foods XXXXXXX in dietary fibre, i.e., fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, husked pulses along with plenty of fluids need to be included in the diet. The diet on whole should be nutritious and well balanced.

To sum up, here are few points to remember:
1.     Try not to binge too much on a single, fried and fast food.
2.     Eat short frequent meals for about five to six meals in a day to avoid heart burn.
3.     Include fiber XXXXXXX foods drink plenty of water and walk after you eat to prevent constipation.
4.     Reduce your workload.
5.     Ensure a good personal hygiene and safe food preparation.
6.     Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, green leafy vegetables & sprouts.
7.     If you can’t move your bowel (constipation),include fiber XXXXXXX foods(whole grains, vegetables, fruits), drink plenty of water and walk after you eat.

Hope I answered your query.

Regards
Grace Abraham

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