When a woman is pregnant, the entire responsibility of a new life growing inside her is upon her. It’s even more crucial for a pregnant woman to be mindful of her health. A nutritious diet plays a significant part in a healthy pregnancy.

The nutritional requirements for pregnant women are distinct from those for non-pregnant women. Women must consume enough vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in their diet to sustain their needs and those of the developing baby.

What are exhaustive diets?

Exhaustive diets are characterized by an intense reduction of calories consumed, or an overload of one particular food group while excluding others.

An exhaustive diet program will usually have you consuming small portions of food, skipping meals, or fasting frequently. Some exhaustive diets even ask that you cut out food groups, such as carbohydrates or fats, from your diet entirely. These diets have grown popular in recent years due to the promises of quick and certain weight-loss results without any expense.

Exhaustive diets can be dangerous for pregnant women

A pregnant woman has higher nutritional needs to support both herself and her developing child. Her diet must include a larger amount of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

Exhaustive diets lack the necessary vitamins and minerals needed, especially folic acid, calcium, iron, and protein, which are exceedingly crucial for a pregnant woman. A mother’s insufficiency to get the correct nutrients for herself and the unborn baby can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complications.

Potential dangers of exhaustive diets during pregnancy

Here are some risks to avoid for pregnant women when following an exhaustive diet:.

: 1) Insufficient weight gain

If a pregnant woman does not consume enough calories she, and the baby, may struggle to gain the necessary weight. This puts both the mother and the unborn baby at risk of complications, such as preterm labor, birth defects, and low birth weight.

: 2) Nutrient deficiency

To ensure proper growth and development of your growing baby, you need an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals.

Exhaustive diets, which typically decrease your food intake, can lead to deficiencies in these vital nutrients that both you and your baby need. This type of deficiency may increase the risk of birth defects, and anemia, among other complications.

: 3) Difficulty regulating fetal growth

Exhaustive ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets during pregnancy can lead to prolonged ketosis, which may harm fetal brain growth and fetal weight.

: 4) Dehydration

Many exhausting diets involve low water intake, which can be harmful to a pregnant woman’s health. Dehydration can contribute to complications, including premature labor and birth, nursing abnormalities, and even low amniotic fluid.

: 5) Increased risk of disease

Exhaustive diets that concentrate on removing particular food groups may lead to disorders such as ketoacidosis, which dramatically elevates blood acid levels, putting both mother and child at risk.

Moreover, pregnant women with pre-existing health concerns specially diabetes are discouraged from juggling with their diet suddenly.

What should a pregnant woman eat instead?

Balanced and healthy eating is always encouraged for pregnant women. A balanced diet for pregnant women encompasses a variety of foods from all food groups, maintaining good health for both the woman and the unborn child.

Please try to eat all the following food groups:.

: 1) Fruits and vegetables

These foods are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A pregnant woman should have 2 1/2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruits daily.

: 2) Grains and cereals

Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Pregnant women should consume 6 to 8 ounces of grains and cereals every day, with at least half from whole grains.

: 3) Protein

A pregnant woman must consume an adequate quantity of protein to support the growth and development of her growing baby. Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds are excellent protein sources.

A pregnant woman needs at least 75 grams of protein daily.

: 4) Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. A pregnant woman should consume 3 to 4 servings of dairy each day.

Conclusion

Giving birth to a baby is the most beautiful moment of a woman’s life. It is necessary for an expectant mother to eat and hydrate herself with a balanced diet, even with the cravings and discomforts that may come naturally with pregnancy.

Exhaustive diets should never be considered as a healthy option for anyone, but especially not for pregnant women. Maintaining a healthy diet with adequate nutrients during pregnancy is essential for the growth and the health of the baby.