Diet Do's and Don'ts in Pregnancy-Dr Pulkit Nandwani

BE CAUTIOUS WHILE YOU CRAVE FOR FOOD IN PREGNANCY 

Dr Pulkit Nandwani is a renowned gynaecologist in Rohini. She is a Senior Consultant in Saroj Hospital, Rohini, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Jaipur Golden Hospital, Rohini. She runs her clinic-Synergy Clinic

 DO’S

1. Eat small frequent meals i.e. three main meals with healthy snacks in between the meals.

2.  Include all food groups like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk & milk products, nuts & seeds. lean meats, and a variety of cooked seafood in your diet.

3.  Take two to three servings of non-veg food items (like lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs) or legumes, nuts and oilseeds per day to meet increased requirements for folate, iron, and calcium during pregnancy and lactation.

4. Vegetarians should include 3 to 4 servings of protein rich foods like milk & milk products, nuts & seeds, soy and legumes.

5. Use combination of cooking oils for better quality of fat consumption like Groundnut/ Sesame/ Rice bran + Mustard/ Canola/Olive oil/Safflower/Sunflower oil.

6. Consume fibre rich food (like whole grain cereals, whole pulses, husked pulses, fruits and. Vegetables) to avoid constipation. 

7. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Daily recommended intake is 10-12 glasses. 

8. Prefer consuming fruits over juices.

9. Use iodized salt for cooking.

10. To avoid morning sickness, have either toast, banana or cracker before you get out of bed.

11. Eat freshly cooked foods.

12. Maintain regular physical activity.

13. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sound sleep.

14. Eat 2 hours before going to bed.

15. Get regular pregnancy check-up done.

16. Maintain a food diary.

DON'T

1. Limit the consumption of refined carbs-such as Maida and products made from maida (like white bread, pasta, noodles) and semolina (suji).

2. Limit your intake of high fat (fried food), high sugar, and high salt

3. Limit caffeinated and carbonated beverages like, tea, coffee, colas etc.

4. Don't eat raw or undercooked meats, poultry fish, shellfish or eggs.

5. Limit foods that can trigger heartburn, like spicy food.

6. Do not follow fad diets & low-carb diets.

7. Dietary intake of salt from all sources (preserved foods, bakery items, fried and fast foods etc.) should be limited.

8. Refrain from smoking, tobacco & alcohol consumption.

9. Avoid self-medication. Always consult with the best gynaecologist in Delhi, Doctor before taking any medicine.