{"id":8663,"date":"2021-07-09T07:47:59","date_gmt":"2021-07-09T06:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aptafrica.com\/?page_id=8663"},"modified":"2021-09-01T07:06:32","modified_gmt":"2021-09-01T06:06:32","slug":"the-pregnancy-diet-what-to-eat-when-youre-expecting","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.aptafrica.com\/en\/pregnancy\/the-pregnancy-diet-what-to-eat-when-youre-expecting\/","title":{"rendered":"The pregnancy diet: what to eat when you\u2019re expecting"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou probably know that eating well when you\u2019re pregnant is important for your health and the development of your little one. While no one will judge you for indulging your pregnancy cravings of ice cream or French fries, it\u2019s important that the majority of your diet is balanced, versatile and nutritious. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Eating well during pregnancy can also positively affect your baby\u2019s birth weight, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, help to manage your own pregnancy weight gain, and prepare your body to be able to breastfeed once your baby is born.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Find out what you should eat to create a good foundation for your baby\u2019s future health and development.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Must you eat for two? 1<\/sup><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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While it might be tempting to double your daily calorie intake and eat two of everything (like that bag of salty crisps), it\u2019s not necessary. Most women only need around 250 extra calories a day in the second trimester, and an additional 500 in the third trimester. If you\u2019re carrying multiples, you\u2019ll need an extra 250 calories a day per baby. Extra calories aren\u2019t needed in the first trimester, and try to stick to nutritious food (if the morning sickness allows), in order to keep your energy up. If you\u2019re under- or overweight, speak to your healthcare provider as your calorie intake might be different.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Do you need supplements? 2<\/sup><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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While most of your nutrients should ideally come from food, your body needs extra folic acid, iron, zinc, iodine, vitamin C, B vitamins, selenium and copper, so prenatal vitamins can help support you and your baby\u2019s health.<\/p>

Even before you might know you\u2019re pregnant, folic acid helps in the formation of baby\u2019s neural tube \u2013 the structure that develops in the first month of life, and which eventually becomes your baby\u2019s spinal cord and brain. Together, these will form your baby\u2019s central nervous system, which will be the control centre for your baby\u2019s whole body, and provide the foundation for all future growth, development and normal functioning later in life.<\/p>

Since there is a strong link between maternal folic acid intake and the development of the foetus\u2019s neural tube, taking a folic acid supplement is essential during early pregnancy.<\/p>

An adequate intake of folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) including spina bifida. This condition results from the spinal column not closing properly, leaving the spinal cord exposed and potentially causing developmental problems.<\/p>

Although folate is present in many foods, it\u2019s difficult to get sufficient levels from your diet. Taking a daily supplement means you can be sure you\u2019re getting the amount you need to support your growing baby.<\/p>

A good prenatal supplement should provide sufficient vitamins and minerals you require \u2013 ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What to eat?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Eating a variety of foods high in nutrients will help your baby develop and contribute to a healthy pregnancy for you. Here\u2019s what to include in your diet:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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