Notes on the menu for pregnant women in the second 3 months

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

The second trimester of pregnancy (from week 14 to week 27) is the period when the fetus develops strongly in terms of body shape as well as brain structure. Therefore, the menu for pregnant women in the second trimester should be paid attention to provide adequate nutrients for mother and fetus.

During pregnancy, pregnant women need to increase their diet containing foods rich in iron, calcium, folic acid, other essential vitamins and minerals, because these substances play an important role. Poor nutrition in the middle 3 months of pregnancy will greatly affect the health of the mother and the development of the baby. Low energy intake or poor nutrition makes cell growth not optimal, which leads to low birth weight, not only increasing the health risks for the baby right away. at birth but also in the long run.
A correct diet does not mean that a pregnant woman has to follow a rigid diet to achieve proper nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy, to have a healthy diet during pregnancy. need to eat a variety of foods, pay attention in food selection and processing, and create a sense of appetite in each meal.

The second 3 months of pregnancy is a period of rapid fetal development, so pregnant women need to have enough energy during pregnancy. The menu for pregnant women in the second 3 months should increase by 250kcal/day, and at the same time pay attention to supplement with calcium- and zinc-rich foods...
Specifically in the middle 3 months is the 4th, 5th, and 6th months of pregnancy. pregnant mothers need to know:

2.1. Menu for pregnant women in the 4th month of pregnancy This time, morning sickness almost ends in pregnant women, this is the time when the mother needs to eat more for the fetus to develop healthy, complete the organs and organs. of the body in the best way. Pregnant women need to add iron-rich foods from chicken, beans, dark green vegetables... and enhance absorption of iron and vitamin C from fruits such as lemons, oranges, watermelons or other foods. vegetables such as broccoli, green bell peppers in the daily menu. Pregnant women absolutely must not skip meals or fast.

2.2. Menu for pregnant women in the 5th month The 5th month of pregnancy, the fetus develops strongly in terms of brain, so the nutritional supplement needs to be supplemented to stimulate the fetal brain to develop to the fullest. Pregnant women in the second trimester need to limit eating too much meat and white sugar foods because this food makes the fetal brain inflexible and develops more slowly. Instead, pregnant women need to supplement with foods rich in DHA such as eggs, fish, legumes... In addition, pregnant women need to limit salty foods, reduce salt in the daily menu, especially minimize the intake of foods. ready-to-eat foods.
2.3 Menu for pregnant women in the 6th month Nutritionists emphasize that the diet for pregnant women in this month needs:
Add foods such as potatoes, white vegetables, legumes, beef, lean pork, poultry, eggs, fruits to provide adequate iron for the fetus Eat plenty of nutritious foods such as egg whites, vitamin, mineral and calcium supplements to prevent fetal rickets , weak teeth or gums or congenital hunchback... Limit foods containing fat and salt to limit leg edema in pregnant women, prevent blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases later on. Take extra vitamin tablets as prescribed by a specialist and monitor your pregnancy.

The second 3 months of pregnancy is the time when pregnant women are prone to anemia and iron deficiency. In addition to supplementing with food, pregnant women need to ensure adequate nutrients by taking iron supplements with the content of elemental iron 60mg and 400 μg folic acid. . Depending on the health of the pregnant mother, the doctor will prescribe appropriate oral tablets, besides, the pregnant mother should also divide meals to maximize the absorption of nutrients put into the body and nourish the fetus. Because many nutrients are supplied to the body, pregnant women should also increase their water intake to avoid constipation.
With the menu for pregnant women in the second 3 months of pregnancy mentioned above, we hope that mothers will provide enough nutrients for the development of the fetus as well as ensure their own health.
The second 3 months is the period when the fetus develops the most, so nutrition is very important. This is also the period when many medical problems arise in the mother, which, if not detected and treated early, will cause dangerous complications for both mother and baby. To actively protect the health of mother and baby, pregnant women should have regular prenatal check-ups according to the doctor's schedule. Performing tests and ultrasounds at the right stage will help doctors assess the mother's health and promptly detect abnormal factors in the baby.
At the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital, this whole process is carried out closely, not omitting fetal problems, solving many difficult cases such as: combed placenta, knotted umbilical cord , preterm pregnancy, ... and help early diagnose some diseases of the mother such as: subclinical thyroid of the mother (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism,...).
In addition, Vinmec gathers a team of highly qualified doctors at home and abroad as well as the quality of ultrasound machine systems, modernly equipped medical equipment, accurate prenatal examination procedures, Science helps to manage abnormalities during pregnancy and labor quickly so that mothers can have the safest pregnancy.
In particular, with the "package maternity care program" at Vinmec, pregnant mothers are comprehensively monitored and ultrasounded from pregnancy to childbirth and postpartum, making childbirth comfortable. and softer.