Contents:
- Medical Video: Top 30 Foods To Eat During Pregnancy | Foods To Eat While Pregnant
- What happens during the second trimester of pregnancy?
- What are the second trimester nutrients that must be fulfilled by pregnant women?
- 1. Folate
- 2. Omega-3 fatty acids
- 3. Calcium
- 4. Iron
- 5. Zinc
- Pay attention to your weight gain
Medical Video: Top 30 Foods To Eat During Pregnancy | Foods To Eat While Pregnant
No less than the first trimester of pregnancy, in the second trimester of pregnancy pregnant women also still need essential nutrients to support the growth and development of their fetus. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus in the womb still experiences a variety of important growths and developments that can have an impact on later life. What are the second trimester of pregnancy nutrition that must be fulfilled by pregnant women?
What happens during the second trimester of pregnancy?
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus in the womb shows more and more development. Almost all organs and parts of the baby's body have been formed.
During the 15th week of pregnancy, the baby's bones have started to form and will then begin to solidify. Baby's head and hair patterns have also been seen on the ultrasound image. Not only that, even the organs, nerves, and muscles have begun to function. At the end of the second trimester (ie at 27 weeks' gestation), the baby's nervous system and lungs begin to mature.
To support all the development of this baby, of course many important nutrients are needed that must be fulfilled by pregnant women.
What are the second trimester nutrients that must be fulfilled by pregnant women?
Nutrition in the second trimester of pregnancy is not much different from the first trimester of pregnancy. Some important nutrients during the first trimester must still be fulfilled during the second trimester. The following are important second trimester nutrients fulfilled by pregnant women:
1. Folate
Yes, you need to fulfill folate during the second trimester. The need for folate that you have to fulfill during the second trimester is 600 micrograms per day. Meeting these folate needs is important to reduce the risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida. You can get folate from a variety of foods, such as green vegetables, oranges, chicken, shellfish, and nuts.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to improve the brain and nerve development of babies from the womb. Fulfillment of omega-3 fatty acids that are good during pregnancy can have an impact on the development of vision, memory, and language comprehension in the future. You need omega-3 fatty acids of 1.4 g during pregnancy. You can fulfill the need for omega-3 fatty acids from the consumption of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna and sardines), walnut oil, and eggs enriched with omega-3.
3. Calcium
In this second trimester, bone formation and bone compaction occur in the baby's body. Thus, the calcium needs of pregnant women are quite high and important to fulfill. The calcium requirement of pregnant women at this time is 1200 mg. You can fulfill this need by consuming milk, cheese, yogurt, green vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, and kale leaves), bony fish (such as sardines and anchovy), soybeans and their products, and eggs.
4. Iron
The iron needs of pregnant women are getting closer to the time of delivery. Iron is needed to support the formation of increasing red blood cells. Your iron requirements during the second trimester are 35 mg. You can fulfill this iron requirement from red meat, green vegetables, egg yolks, and nuts. Some of you may also need iron supplements.
5. Zinc
Just like iron, the need for zinc increases during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Zinc nutrient requirements in the second trimester are 14 mg. Zinc needs that are not met can increase the risk of a baby's birth defects, limited infant growth, and premature birth. For that, you need to meet these zinc requirements from various foods, such as red meat, seafood, green vegetables, and nuts.
Pay attention to your weight gain
You may be more clear about seeing your body shape changes when entering the second trimester. The second trimester is the time you get enough weight gain. This weight gain during pregnancy can be adjusted to your body weight before pregnancy, so that you do not experience excess weight during pregnancy. This weight gain during pregnancy aims to provide food for babies during the womb and also to be stored as a supply for breastfeeding after you give birth.