A balanced vegetarian diet and sufficient micronutrient intake does assistance foetal growth and development, according to KKH’s Chong, and is safe against poor pregnancy outcomes like hypertension, gestational diabetes, and premature birth.
” But, these protective effects disappear again nutrient deficiencies such as protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, Omega-3 and metal surface”, she said. ” These mineral deficiencies also increased the risk of low birth weight, neurological impairments, and baby malformations.”
This underscores the value of careful food planning to ensure a healthy vegetarian diet for both the mother and the child, she said.
Reutens advised discussing your foods with a nutritionist, who will create a realistic diet plan that revolves around your food preferences and dietary requirements and ensures you get the necessary nutrients for a good pregnancy.
Her further guidance for pregnant women:” Ensure that you include some form of proteins in every major meals. Also, change your meal options every day. The more vitamins are present, the wider the range of foods.
VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN DIET WORKING DURING PREGNANCY
Since she can remember, Tina Padia has a vegetarian diet and was raised in a Hindu household. The 45-year-old dad to a three-year-old aimed to maintain a healthy meal with protein, while steering clear of high-fat, cooked and processed foods, allowing herself a cure every now and then.
Even though it sounds like an old wives ‘ tale, she told CNA Women,” I even started drinking cow’s milk, which was a huge challenge for someone who switched to alternative plant-based milk years ago. I believed it might help my baby grow strong and healthy.”
Padia was “uber careful” during her pregnancy because she had conceived after four years of in vitro fertilization treatments. And she took more care because she was labeled as having a “geriatric pregnancy,” at 42, cutting down on sugar to prevent gestational diabetes and going on regular walks with her father, even in the middle of the pandemie, with their veils on.
If you want to pursue a particular meal, “my suggestions would be to consult a licensed veterinarian specialising in maternity,” she said, rather than relying on online support groups or friends and family.