There are a variety of food choices for second trimester pregnant women that are good for fetal growth and easy to find. These foods contain various nutrients needed by pregnant women and their little ones in the womb. By consuming it regularly, pregnant women can stay healthy.
Entering the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to consume foods and drinks that are rich in various nutrients, such as iron, folate, protein, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Calcium and vitamin D are useful for supporting the growth of fetal bones and teeth, as well as increasing the bone strength of pregnant women when facing childbirth later.
Iron is useful for preventing pregnant women from experiencing anemia, while folate plays an important role in supporting the growth of the nerves and brain of the fetus and preventing neural tube defects.
Meanwhile, magnesium is useful for regulating blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle and nerve function in pregnant women.
Sufficient intake of various nutrients above is important for pregnant women to maintain a healthy body during pregnancy and support fetal growth and development. With adequate nutritional intake during pregnancy, the risk of pregnant women giving birth prematurely or experiencing pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, will also be lower.
Variety of Foods for the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
The following are some types of food for pregnant women in the second trimester that are good for pregnant women to consume regularly:
1. Milk and dairy products
Cow's milk and dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, are good sources of calcium for the body. Not only that, cow's milk also has many other nutrients needed by pregnant women and fetuses, such as protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iodine, and B vitamins.
If pregnant women are allergic to cow's milk, pregnant women can replace it with calcium-fortified soy milk or rice milk.
2. Vegetables
Eating vegetables is very good for maintaining the health of the body of pregnant women and the growth and development of the fetus. Vegetables contain a number of important nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and potassium
Some types of vegetables that contain important nutrients during the second trimester of pregnancy include broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, spinach, carrots, kale, as well as sweet potatoes and potatoes.
3. Fruits
Similar to vegetables, fruits are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. The content of antioxidants in the fruit is also no less.
Types of fruit that are good for pregnant women to consume during the second trimester of pregnancy include avocados, bananas, kiwis, oranges, mangoes, apples, coconuts, and tomatoes.
It should be noted that raw fruit and vegetables can be contaminated with some bacteria. Therefore, wash fruits thoroughly before consumption, to avoid bacterial and parasitic infections that can harm the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
4. Nuts
Nuts are a source of important nutrients for pregnant women, such as fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, as well as various types of vitamins and minerals including vitamin B complex, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and iron.
Some types of nuts that are good for pregnant women to consume include almonds, soybeans, kidney beans, cashews, peanuts, peas, and edamame.
5. Fish, eggs and meat
Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, protein, zinc, folate, and iron are nutrients that are found in fish, eggs, and meat. Although fish is very good for the health of pregnant women, pregnant women are advised to limit their consumption of fish that contain a lot of mercury, such as tuna.
Eat fish that are lower in mercury, such as sardines, catfish, mackerel, and salmon. Apart from fish, pregnant women can also eat skinless chicken, eggs, and lean red meat to supplement their nutritional intake during pregnancy.
The more diverse the food that pregnant women consume, the more nutritional intake they can get. If you feel you are not eating healthy foods during pregnancy, pregnant women can meet their nutritional needs by taking pregnancy supplements.
However, don't take any vitamins or supplements, pregnant women. Consult with your obstetrician first so that the type of supplement and the dosage can be adjusted to the needs of pregnant women.