Nutrition in the first 3 months of pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, pregnant women's nutrition needs to be scientifically established because it is decisive to the weight and development of the fetus. In particular, pregnant mothers need to pay special attention to nutrition in the first 3 months of pregnancy because this is the most important stage of development of the fetus.

1. How important is the nutrition of the first 3 months of pregnancy?

The first 3 months are considered the most important stage of development of the fetus. At the 4th week of pregnancy, the nervous system of the child begins to develop. By the 6th week, the brain and spinal cord form, in parallel with the development of the heart, the 3brostic system and other internal organs. By the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, most parts of the fetal body such as legs, hands, eyes, nose,… are complete.

For comprehensive development, the fetus needs to be adequately supplied with nutrients, especially essential micro-substances such as folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin D,… If the mother does not provide enough nutrients, it can cause malformations, malnutrition or even miscarriage. Therefore, the development of a full, scientific first 3-month pregnancy nutrition is extremely necessary for the mother to have a healthy pregnancy and the baby is fully developed.

2. Nutritional needs of pregnant women in the first 3 months of pregnancy

  • Energy: Along with the development of the fetus, the energy needs of the pregnant woman also change significantly. On average, pregnant mothers in the first 3 months should provide about 2300 – 2400 kcal/day;
  • Folic acid: Helps reduce the risk of neurological malformations or vertebral fissers in the fetus. Pregnant mothers can add folic acid through foods such as dark green vegetables (broccoli, spinach,…), poultry meat, cereals,… In addition, pregnant women can also take additional folic acid supplements as directed by their doctor;
  • Protein: Very important to ensure the rapid growth of fetal tissue. Not only that, the protein also helps to grow breast tissue and uterus during pregnancy, enhance blood production, ensure the health of mothers and babies. Therefore, pregnant mothers should pay more attention to eat more protein-rich foods such as fish, beans, eggs, chicken, milk, lean beef and pork,… in all 3 meals. During this period, the pregnant woman needs about 85 – 90g of protein per day, which is 10-15g higher than normal;
  • Iron: Pregnant women need to be given 36 – 40mg of iron per day to prevent anemia. Foods with high iron content need to be strengthened into the diet menu of pregnant women including red meat, heart, nuts, greens,… In addition, pregnant women can also use additional iron supply pills as prescribed by a doctor;
  • Vitamin A: Pregnant mothers need to be given 600mcg of vitamin A/day. Foods rich in vitamin A include meat, fish, eggs, milk, animal liver, dark green vegetables, yellow and red fruits;
  • Calcium and vitamin D: Are 2 important nutritional components in the formation of the fetal bone system. Pregnant mothers should add calcium in eggs, shrimps, fish, crabs, milk, greens, beans and should sunbathe early to enhance vitamin D absorption;
  • Vitamin C: Works to prevent cold symptoms for the mother, helping the baby's bones to be stronger. Vitamin C is abundant in vegetables, tubers, fruits,…;
  • Micro-elements: Magnesium, selenium, iodine, zinc, vitamins of group B, DHA/EPA,… should also be added to the first 3 months of nutrition for pregnant women.

Effects of Vitamin C

In the first 3 months of pregnancy, pregnant mothers need vitamin D supplements

3. Food pregnant women in the first 3 months should avoid

In the first 3 months of pregnancy, if you do not pay attention to eating problems, the pregnant mother may face the risk of miscarriage. Some of the foods below may cause miscarriage or not good for the fetus, the pregnant woman needs to pay attention to abstinence carefully:

  • Pineapple: Eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice during the first 3 months of pregnancy can cause still pregnancy. The cause is that pineapple contains bromelains – the cause of spasms in pregnant women, which leads to miscarriage;
  • Crabs: It is advisable to limit eating crabs too much in the early stages of pregnancy because they can cause the uterus to shrink, causing internal hemorrhages or even still still life. In addition, crabs have a high content of cholesterol, which is not good for the health of the pregnant woman;
  • Aloe vera: Pregnant women in the first 3 months should avoid using aloe vera juice as it can cause pelvic hemorrhages leading to miscarriage;
  • Sesame seeds: Pregnant foods should not be overeeaten in the early stages of pregnancy. Sesame seeds when combined with honey can lead to miscarriage. However, pregnant women can eat black sesame seeds in the final stages of pregnancy for easier childbirth;
  • Animal liver: Animal liver contains a lot of vitamin A but pregnant women should eat only 1 – 2 times / month. This is because eating too much animal liver will lead to the accumulation of retinol that can harm the fetus;
  • Papaya: Green papaya or gingo contains enzymes that can lead to uterus contractions that cause miscarriage;
  • Ecstasy: Although it is rich in vitamins, potassium and iron, it contains alpha sitosterol which is harmful to pregnant women because it can lead to miscarriage. That is why pregnant women in the first 3 months should not eat this vegetable;
  • Unclaved dairy products: Contains listeria bacteria that are harmful to pregnant women;
  • Raw food: Unwashed vegetables, fruits, raw sprouts, uncooked meat,… since a parasite is toxoplasma that lives on vegetables, unwashed, cooked meat can harm the mental development of the fetus;
  • Seafood with high mercury content: Pregnant women who are pregnant in the first 3 months should not eat some types of fish and crustaceans such as swordfish, fish, tuna, ma'an,… because they have a very high mercury content. Instead, pregnant women should choose shrimp, anchovies, salmon, tilapia,… because they contain less mercury, which is proven safe for pregnant women. At the same time, pregnant women should not eat fresh seafood because they can survive bacteria and viruses that harm the health of mothers and babies;
  • Stimulants: Coffee, alcohol, beer and alcohol-containing substances increase the risk of miscarriage, cause fetal malformations or cause children to be slow to develop;
  • Salt: Reduce salt on the menu for pregnant women who are edema, hypertension or gestational intoxication to prevent the risk of complications at birth.

Should children eat salt

Pregnant mothers should refrain from eating salt

4. How should pregnant women eat and drink so that they can be nutritious?

In the first 3 months of pregnancy, pregnant women often get sick, so they have a bad appetite, which negatively affects the health of the mother and indirectly adversely affects the development of the fetus.

To eat better, help your child be nutritious enough, pregnant mothers should divide their diet during the day to avoid nausea caused by sickness. Cakes, milk, fruits should be prepared to eat in side meals to provide enough nutrients for the baby. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure scientific nutrition, varied meals with a variety of foods to help cause anorexia. In addition, pregnant women should also combine rhythmic exercises such as breathing, pregnant yoga,… for better digestion, reduce sickness, eat better.

Note the important principles when building a nutrition in the first 3 months of pregnancy above will help pregnant women have good health and the fetus develops comprehensively.

To ensure the best health of the pregnant woman and the fetus, you should choose to register for packages of Maternity packages at reputable medical facilities to be regularly examined and monitored by doctors to promptly handle the problems and risks that occur during pregnancy and after labor.

At Vinmec International Health Hub, there is a full maternity service as a solution to help pregnant mothers feel secure because there is a team of doctors throughout the pregnancy. When choosing a full-service maternity, a pregnant woman can:

  • The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly specialized doctors
  • Regular examination, early detection of abnormalities
  • Package maternity for the convenience of childbirth
  • Infants receive comprehensive care

For direct advice, please click the HOTLINE number or register online HERE. In addition, you can register for remote consultation HERE

Pregnant women's health care: The pregnant mother's handbook to know

SEE MORE:

  • Notes on the menu for pregnant women in the first 3 months
  • Foods to consider when eating during pregnancy in the first 3 months
  • Pregnant women's nutrition: Pre-pregnancy preparation is required
SEE MORE:

  • Good sleeping position for pregnant women
  • What to know when you are pregnant for the first time so that both mother and baby are healthy?
  • Instructions on how to push and breathe at normal birth

About: John Smith

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

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