Pregnancy is not an easy period in a woman’s life. This time is associated with many changes: nutrition, physical activity, dress size, interests, health and so on. There are enough and to spare myths about pregnancy, such an important moment for any woman, which we unfortunately believe. This time we will debunk some of the myths concerning nutrition during pregnancy.
Pregnant Women Need to Eat for Two
Normally, a pregnant woman needs extra 300 cal a day. Excessive food consumption leads to the mother gaining excess weight, in addition the baby may be overweight, and she might develop diabetes or toxicosis.
Coffee Is Forbidden During Pregnancy
Studies have shown, that excessive consumption of coffee may lead to miscarriage or the baby may be born underweight; this is, however, an extreme case and the mother has to consume a huge quantity of caffeine to get into such situation.
Try to balance the consumption throughout the day and not to consume more than 0,8 cup at a time. Don’t forget, that caffeine is also present in other products, such as cola, tea and others.
Hemoglobin Level Is Kept Within Standards During Pregnancy
There is a physiological decline in hemoglobin level during pregnancy. This is due to the increased blood volume and the needs of the developing baby. The mother, therefore, should supply sufficient amounts of iron to her body. To do this, she can consume iron-rich food or take special pills. Substantial shortage of iron increases miscarriage and preterm delivery risks, the baby may be born underweight.
Eat Mostly Green-Coloured Vegetables to Supply Your Body with Iron During Pregnancy
Iron-rich products are mostly found in meet: liver, beef and veal, turkey, chicken and fish. Cereals are also rich in iron. Green vegetables do contain iron, but it is not fully digested and absorbed.
It Is Important to Start Consuming Folic Acid 3 Months Before Conception
This, however, is not a myth, but the truth. Studies have shown, that sufficient consumption of folic acid (400 mg a day) three months before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy helps lower the risk of congenital malformation of the baby’s nervous system. The nervous canal forms during the first trimester and then transforms into the spine.
