What should pregnant women eat at 6 months?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Hong Lien - Doctor of Pregnancy Ultrasound - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

During the 6th month of pregnancy, the fetus has gained significant growth with a weight that can reach 320-350g, a length of more than 25.5 cm. The standard weight of the mother during this period should increase about 4.5 kg and should not be overweight.
By the 6th month of pregnancy, the mother has controlled the nausea and morning sickness, so she can eat more deliciously, the feeling of hunger may also increase because the fetus needs more nutrients. The increased nutritional needs of the mother and baby during this period can lead to anemia in the mother, so it is necessary to increase the nutritional level focusing on vitamins, calcium, nutritious foods from many different sources.

During this period, food for pregnant women needs attention in both quantity and quality, which can be divided into the following food groups:
Vitamin C-rich foods: Necessary for the maintenance and repair of tissues in the body. The body, helps to improve the phenomenon of bleeding gums that can be encountered during this period through foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, cabbage, sweet potatoes, bell peppers.

Vegetables and fruits: Helps to improve constipation that is common during pregnancy, especially as the fetus begins to grow larger. Foods rich in folic acid: Is an important acid in the development of the fetal brain at the end of the 24th week of pregnancy. Foods rich in folic acid can be bread, whole grains, sunflower seeds, squash. corn, sesame seeds, peanuts, almonds, okra, peas, grapes, bananas Carbohydrate-rich foods: As the main source of energy for the mother's body, depending on the mother's weight, a diet can be built. suitable diet. Some foods that are good sources of carbohydrates include oats, bananas, sweet potatoes, oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, and apples, but foods that are high in blood sugar such as potatoes and bread should be limited in quantity. Moderate Protein-rich foods: Lean meat, fish, eggs, peas, green beans, soybeans are foods that contain healthy sources of protein that pregnant women can use Small amounts of healthy fats from vegetable oils, soybean oil, or avocado In addition, drinking lots of water is extremely important, should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, can be changed with juices, good fertility

In addition to building a diet suitable for changes in this important period, pregnant women also need to note some foods that should be avoided as follows:
Raw seafood: Likely to carry methyl mercury content High causes of dangerous diseases or food poisoning Undercooked meat: Rare dishes also increase the risk of food poisoning, which should be avoided during pregnancy High caffeine drinks: May cause pregnancy Children with increased heart rate and potential risk of coffee addiction right from the womb. The fetus' body is also not yet perfect in its detoxification mechanism when it has to absorb a large amount of caffeine, which can be harmful to the child's body. Substances that increase fertility will adversely affect the development of the brain, sexual organs and immune system of the child if used in too large quantities Fatty foods: Large calories in fast food can cause the blood sugar of pregnant women to spike and then drop, causing discomfort, fatigue and long-term organ failure in the body.

Too spicy food: Spicy foods when entering the body can cause stomach upset leading to heartburn, indigestion not good for pregnant women's health Sugary foods, carbonated soft drinks: Too much sugar is loaded Ingestion into the body can cause pregnant women to lose calcium, causing osteoporosis later in life, and also increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Too salty foods: Can cause water retention, causing edema, high blood pressure, etc. puts pressure on the kidneys and even pregnancy toxicity At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team. During pregnancy, there are regular antenatal classes to guide pregnant mothers to have a reasonable diet to ensure good health for mother and baby. When choosing maternity package, pregnant women can:
Pregnancy process Pregnancy is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package to facilitate the birthing process Newborns are cared for overview