36 Weeks Pregnant What to Eat
At this stage of pregnancy most mothers have a whopping appetite but do not want to gain too much weight as they will find it difficult to knock it off later. Eating the right kind of foods will help one to feel satisfied and yet not gain weight. This way the mother can get back into shape soon after the baby is born. The mother to be should eat whole grain foods which are a lot more satisfying and filling and avoid sweets and chocolates. If they need to eat something sweet fruits are a better option as this will satisfy the craving for something sweet and yet be lower in calories. Increasing the caloric intake is not required until the pregnancy third trimester. What the mother to be does need is more of protein, a regular helping of carbohydrates and some amount of fats. Instead of three large meals it is better to have 6 mini ones. This way of eating increases the metabolic rate and the proteins and carbohydrates help one to stay off cravings. Read more on 36 weeks pregnant what to expect
High fiber foods relieve the constipation which most expectant mothers suffer with and also fill one up when the hunger is too much. Along with this diet the intake of water consumption should be increased so that toxins can be flushed out of the system and this also prevents edema which is another problem during pregnancy.
36 Weeks Pregnant Food
The diet of a woman who is 36 weeks pregnant should have something from each of these groups of foods like carbohydrates, fat, meat, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. This will create a balanced diet and provide the mother to be and the child with all the nutrients they require during this period. Ten percent of the caloric requirement should be from proteins, 35 per cent from fats and 55 percent from carbohydrates.
Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins which is needed and should be started even before the mother gets pregnant. This vitamin B helps to build the nervous system of the baby. Taking the right amount of folic acid helps to prevent birth defects and congenital malformations. Iron is another important nutrient which is needed during pregnancy. Iron should be taken along with vitamin C for better absorption. If the diet has sufficient iron then a supplement is not required. Calcium and zinc are two other important minerals which help the embryo to develop.
Just as certain vitamins and minerals are essential during pregnancy some foods should be avoided during this period. Vitamins A is one such vitamin which could damage the embryo and should be avoided.
Submitted by N H on February 24, 2011 at 09:57