ADDING fruits to well balanced diet is vital for mother and baby maintaining proper nutrition during pregnancy is important not only for your baby’s health but also for the mother’s wealth too. Incorporating fruit into your diet during pregnancy is a healthy delicious way to boost your nutrient intake, while also aiding in the growth and development of your baby. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recommends that women consume 2 cups of fruit daily. This can include fruits that are fresh canned dried or frozen, as well as 100 percent fruit juice.
Fruits with fiber
Many women experience constipation during pregnancy which can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. By including fruits with fiber in your diet, you can help maintain regular bowel movements. A higher fiber diet can also help reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, which is a common occurrance during pregnancy. Apples and pears are excellent sources of dietary fiber and bananas, kiwi-fruit and oranges also are good sources when increasing fiber intake also be sure to drink enough fluids.
Fruits with vitamin C
Vitamins C is abundant in many fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, melon, grapefruit, strawberries honeydew, kiwi fruit and cantaloupe getting adequate amounts of this vitamin helps your body absorb iron, which is a key mineral during pregnancy keep your refrigerator stocked with these juicy, vitamin C rich fruits, so you can easily incorporate them into your meals and snacks. Consider adding strawberries to your cereal and oatmeal in the morning as well as oranges and melons to salads and side dishes for lunch and dinner.
Fruits with folic acid
Consuming enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spinal cord. It is recommended that women should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day and to have consumed this amount for at least one month before trying to conceive and then also through the entire pregnancy. Fruits such as oranges, orange juice, pineapple juice, avocado and papaya juice are great ways of adding folic acid to your diet.
Fruits with potassium
You may experience leg cramps during pregnancy. This is a common symptom of pregnancy that can be alleviated by consuming enough potassium in the diet.
Potassium is also critical for maintaining the fluids and electrolyte balance in your body’s cells, according to the baby center website. Bananas are popular fruits and a good source of potassium, kiwi fruits, cherries, peaches, watermelon and grapes are also packed with this vital nutrient.