Nourishing Indian Foods Trimester-Wise Food Guide for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is an amazing walk, joyous and full of responsibility for another life. A good diet thereby becomes the rationale for planning to include all the necessary nutrients for both mother and child in this journey. Therefore, this article provides a trimester-wise break-up of dietary recommendations with Indian foods, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. First Trimester: Weeks 1-12 Early in the first trimester, the neural tube, which will become the brain and spinal cord, forms. Since morning sickness causes so many women not to feel like eating much, it is even more critical early in the trimester to consume nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-Intake Goals: Folic Acid: Needed for the development of the neural tube Iron: Needed to increase blood volume Vitamin B6: Can help with morning sickness Protein: Vital for the formation of fetal tissues Vegan Options: Leafy Greens: Spinach, fenugreek leaves, and amaranth are rich in folic acid and iron. These can be added to the dals,...