I am just curious because when I went to my pregnancy classes they stressed eat tons & tons of protein. However I wanted to know others opinions on the most important things to eat for optimal development in these last few weeks. I am due June 6th and want to make the final touches as she finishes cooking :)
Congrats--you're approaching the finish line!
I would say just to eat a healthy, balanced diet and she'll be just fine. Enjoy these last few weeks!
I took a Bradley natural birth class and they highly recommend the Brewer diet (Google it). It recommends eating eggs every day to help prevent complications during pregnancy.
I'm right there with you in the final stretch- we're "due" on May 23rd! Good luck to you!
There's nothing you can do at these final stages that has as much impact as preconception and early pregnancy. If you'd like to read about a traditional foods diet and its pregnancy recommendations, see
http://www.westonaprice.org/Diet-for-Pregnant-and-Nursing...
You can also see information on why avoiding soy is a good idea for ALL people, but especially babies.
For me, I found that it was really important to stay hydrated in that last bit of pregnancy (I know you asked about food, but my guess is you probably are already doing a great job with that). Think of upcoming labor as a super strenous workout for your body and if you have ever worked out without be hydrated, you know how tough that is. With one of my kids, I wasn't very hydrated and then while I was in labor (which happened to be very long), all I could have was ice chips. So, by the time I actually delivered, I was pretty dehydrated and made it one of my more difficult delieveries.
Good luck!
I don't think there is a most important at this point in time. The first trimester is most critical for the development of the embryo/fetus. At this point, it's mostly incubation. But, it's still important to eat as healthy as possible.
My uneducated guess is to continue to focus mostly on proteins and roughage for the most nutrients (vitamins from fruits/vegetables + fiber).
Congratulations on your new baby. Hoping the delivery is easy and you both are healthy.
Eating protien is a good thing during pregnancy. But don't worry about eating tons and tons of it. About 2 servings a day should be fine. What else should you be eating? Lots of veggies and fruits and anything with high omega fatty 3 acids, such as salmon and tuna. However, if you eat canned tuna everyday, it's not such a good thing because of the mercury content and the BPA's that are used in the lining of the can. Salmon also contains mercury, so eating fish a couple of times a week is fine. You can get your omega 3's from certain nuts. You can find tons of info on foods that have omega 2's on the internet. Omega 3's are super important to the brain and heart development of your baby. You can also take a prenatal vitamin with Omega 3's or a fish oil supplement everyday as well. If you want a vegetarian supplement, let me know and I can tell you where you can get those. It's made from the seaweed/kelp that contains a high amount of omega 3's. Make sure to eat dark green leafy veggies that are high in folic acid (folate). Also very important to neurological development. Hopefully, your OB or midwife has told you about these important minerals and vitamins since day 1. It's great that you want to eat what is healthy for you and your baby...you are already a good mamma:) Another thing I suggest to moms is to eat in mindfulness. That is to prepare and consume your foods with the sole intent of nourishing you and your baby. Take your time to prepare with love with fresh and whole foods (eating as much locally is a boost!). Avoid processed foods. Say a prayer before every meal. Eat without the TV or as many distractions as possible. Make eating that meal the most important thing you are doing. When we approach eating in awareness and with mindfulness, we usually choose healthier food and the whole experience of eating with your baby is much more enjoyable.
Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy and labor journey.
(remember to stay very hydrated -water is the best- now, and during postpartum while you nurse...and especially during labor!)
A.
mom of 4
Birth and Parenting Mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com
I would recommend eating things like fish products for brain development (tuna mornay, salmon ravioli linguine).
Really impressive that you are thinking of things like this. Oh and PS, get as much sleep as you can! You're going to miss it so much soon!
All the best with the delivery and afterwards
J.
J.,
Essential fatty acids and vitamin C are also very important. I just saw a study that said 71% of Preganant Moms Are Deficient in Vitamin D.
Let me know if you would like to know more about natural supplements.
Victoria
Updated
J.,
Essential fatty acids and vitamin C are also very important. Let me know if you would like to know more about natural supplements.
Victoria
vegetal protein is a lot better to eat than animal protein ,they protein that comes from soy .
a balanced meal with enough protein is all you need
A well balanced diet is what's important. Also, lots and lots of water. It's very important to remain hydrated.
