Diet Tips for Expecting Moms: What to Eat for Normal Delivery

During pregnancy, you need high amounts of protein and calcium for the development of the fetus. Milk products contain high amounts of protein. Along with this, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B, magnesium and zinc are also found in them. Therefore, eating them is beneficial for normal delivery.

Curd contains more calcium than other dairy products. Probiotics (good bacteria) are also found in curd, which work to make the digestive system healthy. Taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy reduces the chances of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, vaginal infection and allergies.

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Oranges are beneficial for normal delivery in two ways. First, orange contains 90 percent juice, which fulfills the need of water during pregnancy. Second, it contains a high amount of vitamin C, which makes your baby's skin beautiful and soft. Apart from this, oranges also prove helpful in protecting from infection. 

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Eating sweet potatoes is beneficial for normal delivery. Sweet potato contains a high amount of beta carotene, which gets converted into vitamin A after reaching the body. Apart from physical development, vitamin A works to separate most of the cells and tissues. It plays an important role in the development of the fetus. Pregnant women are advised to eat about 10-40 percent more vitamin A. 

Beta carotene is considered an important source of vitamin A for pregnant women and it is found in abundance in sweet potatoes. Eating about 100-150 grams of sweet potato fulfills the daily requirement of vitamin A. Due to the fiber in sweet potato, you feel less hungry, blood sugar level remains controlled and the digestive system becomes strong.

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Eggs are important in keeping you healthy. All kinds of nutrients are found in eggs. An egg contains about 77 calories, high amounts of protein and fat. Along with this, minerals and vitamins are also found in eggs.

Eggs contain "choline" (choline: a nutrient similar to vitamins), which plays an important role in many bodily functions. Choline is considered important for brain development and health. Choline deficiency during pregnancy can cause problems related to "neural tube defects" (neural tube defects: spinal cord related diseases of the fetus) and reduced brain functioning. An egg contains about 113 mg of choline, which fulfills 25 percent of the daily requirement. It is necessary for normal delivery. Therefore, eggs are very beneficial for normal delivery.

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Low-fat meat contains high amounts of iron. During pregnancy, women's bodies need double the amount of iron. For this, you should include easily digestible iron-rich foods in your diet. Low-fat meat is easily digested and is considered a better option for normal delivery.

For normal delivery, you need all the nutrients in small quantities. You get vitamin B9, calcium and vitamin C from broccoli. Apart from this, fiber is present in it, which prevents constipation during pregnancy. Apart from this, antioxidant elements are also found in broccoli, which help protect you from pre-delivery diseases.

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Including spinach in your diet during pregnancy increases the chances of normal delivery. Spinach provides you with iron, folate and calcium. Spinach is also considered a good source of other vitamins. You can also drink spinach in salad, soup or juice. Green leafy vegetables contain antioxidant elements, which strengthen your immunity and also help in digesting food.

For normal delivery, you should include lentils, beans, gram, soybean and peas in your diet. Beans provide you with fiber, protein, iron, folate and calcium, all of which are essential nutrients for pregnancy.

Folate is also known as vitamin B9 and is important for the health of the mother and child in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, most pregnant women are unable to take the required amount of folate. A child born due to folate deficiency during pregnancy is likely to suffer from many diseases and infections in the future.

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During pregnancy, the blood in your body increases by about 1.5 liters and in such a situation you need to maintain the right level of water in your body. For the development of the fetus, you should drink an adequate amount of water, this will prevent you from feeling dehydration. Due to lack of water at this time, you may experience symptoms like headache, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings and weak memory.

Drinking more water at this time reduces the risk of constipation and urinary tract infection. It is generally said that one should drink 2 liters of water daily, but its quantity can be different for every pregnant woman. While drinking one to two liters of water, you also have to keep in mind that your water requirement is also fulfilled by food and fruits.

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Banana is considered to be an energy-providing fruit during pregnancy. Women get tired very quickly during delivery. In such a situation, eating a banana gives energy to your body and reduces your fatigue. You can include a banana in your breakfast.Other foods

• Dried fruits
• Avocado
• Whole grains
• Oats

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Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet is very important for normal delivery. Foods rich in protein, iron, calcium, fiber and vitamins should be consumed during pregnancy. Use sources like pulses, eggs, fish and milk for protein. Consumption of iron-rich foods like spinach, beetroot and pomegranate helps to prevent anemia. Calcium-rich things like milk, cheese and green leafy vegetables are beneficial for bone and muscle strength. Fiber-rich foods like whole grains and fruits keep constipation at bay. Drinking enough water is also very important so that the body stays hydrated and labor is easy.