What to eat during the second trimester of Pregnancy

What to eat in the 2^nd Trimester of Pregnancy

The food you eat is the main source of nourishment for you and your baby. It is essential to eat foods that will contribute to the overall growth of the baby. Foods rich in nutrients promote the healthy growth of the baby

1. Carbohydrates: 

Carbs provide your body with energy. The carbohydrates you consume are digested and broken into glucose before entering the bloodstream. Glucose is taken up in the cells through cellular respiration. Thus, carbohydrates are good for gaining energy during the second trimester. 
 

2. Fats: 

They improve heart health and limit cholesterol in the body. In the second trimester, fats are important for building and developing your baby’s brain and eye. 
 

3. Proteins: 

Protein is an essential nutrient that is used for ensuring the growth and development of a baby’s tissue and organs. It also helps in building breast and urine tissue, while increasing blood supply.
 

4. Minerals: 

Minerals help in developing the nervous system of the baby and overall skeleton which is extremely important. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D are also important. 
 

5. Water: 

It is the most important nutrient as it reduces swelling, decreases constipation, increases energy, and keeps you cool during pregnancy. Water is important whether one is pregnant or not. 
 

6. Fiber: 

Consuming foods rich in fiber helps in fighting constipation and prevents hemorrhoids. It also helps in controlling your pregnancy weight gain, thereby helping you to keep a healthy weight. 

So, these are the essential nutrients that must be included in the pregnancy diet for the 2nd trimester. Apart from these nutrients green leafy vegetables, iodine-rich foods, fruits, milk, grains, etc., are also important. Pregnant ladies must only eat freshly cooked food. Choose meals that contain lean proteins, whole grains, low sodium, etc. 

Now, let us look at the foods that must not be included in the diet for the 2nd trimester.   

What you must not include in the second-trimester diet

There are some foods that you must absolutely avoid while you are pregnant. You must limit the eating of such foods. 

• Seafood: While you are pregnant, you must avoid eating large fish like swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. These fishes have a high amount of mercury that is a chemical element that harms your baby. If you wish to eat seafood then you must take only 8 ounces per week. Include seafood low in mercury like shrimps, salmon, catfish, sardines, etc. 
   
• Unpasteurized Products: Unpasteurized products like milk, milk products, and juices can cause infections. You can opt for foods that are pasteurized like brie cheese, feta cheese, blue cheese, queso fresco, etc. 
   
• Caffeine: Limit the consumption of caffeine during pregnancy. it doesn’t mean that you cannot have them. You can drink coffee or have caffeinated products but they have to be limited. 200 milligrams per day is enough for you. do not drink more than that. 
   
• Artificial Sweeteners: Consume artificial sweeteners in moderation. It is your wish if you do not wish to take them. But if you want to have some sweeteners, go for sucralose or aspartame. Consume a smaller amount of such sweeteners as they might lead to obesity in the growing years of your child. 
   
• Alcohol: Oh! Consuming alcohol is an absolute no-no! Avoid alcohol during pregnancy as it can cause birth abnormalities and other serious complications like fetal alcohol syndrome. 

So, these are the foods that must be avoided during the second trimester. Having said that, let us look at the summary as to how much food must be taken every day during this phase. 

Second Trimester Diet Plan - Daily Requirements     

Revaluation of diet is extremely important. Here is a rough idea of the daily requirements of food that must be taken. 

• Grains: 7 Ounces (one slice of bread and ½ cup of rice.)
• Vegetables: 3 cups per day
• Fruits: 2 cups per day
• Dairy: 3 cups of milk or foods rich in milk
• Proteins: 6 Ounces (one egg and 1/4 cooked beans.)

Follow this diet plan for your second trimester. Ensure that you are eating foods rich in fats, carbohydrates, proteins, etc. Do not take highly processed foods as that might harm the growth of your child. Take ayurvedic ingredients like herbal tea as that will help in fighting several diseases. Have a healthy development of your baby with the foods and diet plan listed above for your second trimester. 

Read More:
- 5 Benefits of drinking Coconut water in pregnancy
- 1st Trimester Foods To Eat
- 3rd Trimester Foods to Eat