The importance of eating right during your last trimester

By the third trimester, your impending secret cannot be hidden. You will have gained much more pregnancy weight by now, and your baby is developing at a faster rate towards your due date.

According to expert articles, there is a correlation between how much weight pregnant women gain during their pregnancy and the rate of infant mortality. As a matter of fact, women who did not gain enough weight were more prone to losing their babies within the first year of birth. Therefore, it is vital that pregnant women gain a healthy amount of weight throughout the pregnancy.

It is not too late to start eating healthy for your little one.

The variety of foods and nutrients that you eat during the last three months is crucial because it supports the continual development of your unborn baby. So, it is essential that you choose nutrient-dense foods that supply the vitamins and minerals your baby needs to grow healthy.

1. Protein

It is important to have an adequate amount of protein in your diet during your last trimester. Protein helps with the growth and development of your unborn baby's tissues and muscles. Many foods, such as almonds, chicken breast, and tofu, are rich in protein and, at the same time, supply iron and zinc. Food rich in protein will not only help in the development of your baby, it can also boost your energy level.

2.Iron

Your body needs more iron to make more haemoglobin as the amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy with the growing baby and placenta. Iron can help prevent premature delivery and low birth weight. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Besides red meat, you can get iron from legumes and grains too. Consume a variety of iron-rich foods to make sure that you're getting enough.

3.Vitamin K

During labour, it is expected that there will be blood loss, and it is crucial to prevent excessive blood loss. Vitamin K plays an important part in helping our blood clot, which is an essential vitamin for birth and breastfeeding. Dark leafy greens such as kale or rocket and berries are rich sources of vitamin K that can be found readily. So, do remember to add some of these foods to your diet.

4.Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Your baby's brain is developing at a rapid rate now, and eating food rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to enhance your baby's brain development. Salmon, walnuts, and cauliflower are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote the development of your unborn baby's nervous system. You can broil or grill the salmon for an easy-to-prepare and nutritious meal.

Your baby can tell if mommy is eating healthy or not. So be sure to eat right and stay in the pink for your little one.