A good diet during pregnancy

The importance of a good diet

A pregnant woman's diet influences not only her well-being but also the development of her baby. For example, studies show that adequate intake of folic acid during the first trimester reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus by 70%. During this period, the body needs more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, as the formation of all the baby's organs depends on it. A balanced diet helps prevent deficiencies in iron, calcium, and vitamin D, and reduces the risk of congenital anomalies in the child.

Basic nutritional recommendations

What to eat each day:

• Vegetables and fruits: sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Grains: whole grain bread, oatmeal, buckwheat, rice for energy and normal digestion.
• Proteins: lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes for tissue growth and child's development.
• Dairy products: milk, kefir, yogurt, cheese for calcium and vitamin D.
• Fats: omega-3 from fish, avocados, nuts, and olive oil for the development of the baby's brain and vision.

It is also essential to consume folic acid through foods (spinach, broccoli, citrus fruits) or supplements, especially during the first trimester.

What to exclude:

• Raw or undercooked foods as they can cause infections (salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis).
• Soft cheeses with mold: risk of listeriosis.
• Alcohol: strictly prohibited.
• Caffeine: no more than 200 mg per day.
• Foods high in sugar and salt cause edema and provide no benefit to the body.
• Fatty and fried foods: undesirable in case of toxicosis and complicate digestion.

Planning the diet of the future mom

1. Daily plan: include all food groups.
2. Calories: increase by 300-400 kcal during the second and third trimesters.
3. Diet: 4 to 5 meals in small portions.
4. Hydration: at least 2 liters of water per day.
5. Vitamins: to be taken according to your doctor's prescriptions.

Individual characteristics and restrictions

Every pregnancy is unique. For example, in case of toxicosis, it is advisable to avoid fatty foods and, in case of gestational diabetes, to strictly control blood sugar levels. Women suffering from anemia are advised to increase their intake of iron-rich foods. Consulting a doctor allows for tailoring the diet to individual needs.

If natural conception is not possible: assisted reproductive technology may be a solution: IUI, IVF, ICSI…

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a modern method of treating infertility in which fertilization occurs outside the woman's body. The available options are as follows

• Intra-couple IVF
• IVF with egg donation: used when the woman has no eggs or poor-quality eggs.
• IVF with double donation: suitable if eggs and sperm from donors are needed.

Each method requires preparation and strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations. It is also important to monitor your diet to increase the chances of success.

Follow the experts' recommendations, consume healthy foods, and take care of your health. May your path to motherhood, whether natural or technological, be happy and comfortable!