Protein is crucial for your baby's growth throughout pregnancy. Good sources: Lean meat, poultry, seafood and eggs are great sources of protein. Other options include beans and peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products.
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat, chicken, or fish (such as sushi or raw oysters). Do not eat raw eggs or foods that contain raw eggs, such as Caesar dressing. Do not eat raw sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts. Do not eat soft cheeses and unpasteurized dairy foods, such as Brie, feta, or blue cheese.
Your nausea and vomiting may be worse than ever: Morning sickness peaks around 9 or 10 weeks of pregnancy for many women. That's when levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are highest (morning sickness is thought to be linked to rises in hCG and estrogen).
To prevent a miscarriage, you need to ensure you are meeting your daily macronutrient needs – think complex carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potato, quinoa), protein (poultry, meat, fish), healthy fats (avocado, oils, nuts, seeds) and fibre (green leafy vegetables).
Fatty fish, green vegetables, and high-protein foods like meat and beans are pregnancy superfoods that will ensure baby gets the essential nutrients for optimal growth and development. The protein, iron, and fiber from these foods will also keep you regular throughout pregnancy.
5 foods to eat during pregnancy
Produce containing Vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli, support the baby's growth and improves iron absorption.
It is during this first trimester that the fetus is most susceptible to damage from substances, like alcohol, drugs and certain medicines, and illnesses, like rubella (German measles). During the first trimester, your body and your baby's body are changing rapidly.
Don t be surprised if you develop a bit of a 6 weeks pregnant belly. Although your 6 week embryo is still well down in your pelvis, some women, especially those who've been pregnant before, seem to show much earlier. General abdominal distention is usually the cause.
Pregnant women are often advised to wait until they pass the 12-week mark, when the risk of miscarriage drops sharply, to announce their pregnancies to the world.
At 5 weeks pregnant, your body is dealing with an increase in levels of progesterone, which can leave you feeling more tired than usual. Some things that may help include avoiding caffeine and vigorous activity before bed, keeping a consistent daily schedule, and taking time to rest or nap when you need it.
Avocado. Avocados are full of healthy fats that are helpful during your pregnancy. Studies have shown that the fats in avocados reduce cholesterol. Avocados contain more folate per ounce than any other fruit or vegetable out there, making it the perfect healthy addition to everyday eating during pregnancy.
While grapes do have high levels of vitamin A and C (which are important nutrients for pregnant moms), there are a few reasons why you might want to steer clear from grapes in your first trimester: Resveratrol toxicity. The outer skin of grapes is rich in a compound called resveratrol.
The nutrients in grapes can help to aid the biological changes that occur during pregnancy. They contain immune-boosting antioxidants, such as flavonol, tannin, linalool, anthocyanins, and geraniol, which also help prevent infections.
Watermelon. Watermelon has it all: high levels of vitamins A, C and B6, as well as potassium for cramps and magnesium. Magnesium helps muscles relax, which can prevent premature contractions during pregnancy. In addition, watermelon can fight morning sickness, reduce heartburn, and prevent dehydration.
Look for foods rich in folate, iron, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Your iron needs double during pregnancy, so load up on iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans and beef. Eat plenty of healthy fats from nuts, avocados and certain fish to boost your energy and nourish your baby's growing organs, too.
Folic acid: Low folate is associated with a 47% increased risk of miscarriage; having both low folate and low vitamin B6 increase miscarriage risk by 310%. Folic acid may also reduce the risk for Down Syndrome.