What should I eat in the 2nd month of pregnancy for the fetus to absorb well?

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

The second month of pregnancy is an important stage in pregnancy. At this stage, the fetus will form and develop many organs in the body, especially the nervous system. Therefore, nutrition for pregnant women is a decisive factor for the complete development of the fetus.

When entering the second month, some pregnant women still have morning sickness symptoms, they even become more severe and cause more trouble for pregnant women. However, pregnant women need to try to be able to eat in moderation and supplement with enough nutrients for the fetus to develop well. A diet full of essential nutrient groups such as protein, sugar, fat, vitamins and minerals is essential, in which some important groups of substances also need to be supplemented such as:
Iron: Iron is a component of red blood cells in the blood, a type of blood cell responsible for carrying oxygen to the body. Supplementing with iron helps to ensure an oxygen supply for both mother and fetus, and also helps to reverse the symptoms of morning sickness and fatigue during the second month of pregnancy. Iron is abundant in meat, fish, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and many grains, in which the body can absorb iron more easily from animal sources than from plants. The absorption of iron will be enhanced when eaten with foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, tomatoes, strawberries. The average iron content needed for pregnant women is 27mg per day.

Folic acid : This is an important micronutrient that needs to be added to the diet during pregnancy, including the second month of pregnancy. Folic acid plays a role in preventing and reducing the risk of neural tube birth defects including spina bifida. Pregnant women need to be supplemented with folic acid from before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy. Sources of folic acid can come from many different foods such as green vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, beans... However, the absorption of folic acid is not guaranteed absolutely. Therefore, pregnant women are still recommended to take folic acid supplements. The amount needed to provide daily ranges from 400 to 800 micrograms on average. Calcium: One of the indispensable minerals for pregnant women is calcium. Pregnant women in the second month need adequate calcium supplements to ensure the formation and development of the fetal skeletal system. In addition, calcium also supports the mother's musculoskeletal system, adapting to changes caused by pregnancy. Lack of calcium in the diet is one of the causes leading to osteoporosis in mothers and bone and joint diseases in children later. Foods rich in calcium include milk and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, eggs, fish with bones, green vegetables, cereals... Average calcium content should be provided to pregnant women. the second month about 1g per day, can be supplemented from both diet and supplements.

Vitamin D: along with calcium, vitamin D is classified as a group of substances that play a decisive role in the development of children's bones and teeth. Vitamin D can be metabolized and absorbed thanks to sunlight, besides supplementing vitamin D for the mother's body through certain foods such as milk, cereals, salmon, fish oil, Cheese is also an effective option. Pregnant women need 600UI of vitamin D per day. Protein: An important group of substances that cannot be ignored in a pregnant woman's diet is protein or protein. Adequate protein intake is fundamental for fetal development in the second month of pregnancy and the increase in size of both the mother's uterus and mammary glands. Protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy. On average, each day, the amount of protein that needs to be supplemented for pregnant women in the second month needs to reach 1.52g, corresponding to 1kg of the mother. Fat: Fat is often misunderstood as a harmful substance for human health, but during pregnancy, fat plays a big role in affecting the development of pregnancy such as formation and development. brain. Unsaturated, plant-based fats are healthy fats. Pregnant women in the second month should limit saturated fats from animals and should not eat too many fried and fried foods. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that play a role in supporting the development of the nervous and immune systems in the unborn baby as well as reducing the chances of preterm birth and postpartum depression. of mom. Dietary fiber: During pregnancy, due to the increase in the size of the uterus and the disturbance of the digestive system, many pregnant women often experience constipation. Therefore, pregnant women are often advised to add more fiber from vegetables and fruits to prevent constipation.

Supplementing a variety of foods is essential during pregnancy, but pregnant women should note some foods to avoid such as:
Raw fish meat: Dishes made from real foods Raw products such as sushi, raw fish salad, and rare beef are favorite dishes of many people. However, these foods should not be included in the diet during pregnancy because they have many potential risks and dangerous pathogens. Animal organs: Animal liver can be a good source of iron and protein, but may increase the risk of miscarriage. Beef and pork intestines may not be processed cleanly, which can be a source of infection of gastrointestinal diseases. Alcohol: Alcohol in particular and beverages containing alcohol in general are dangerous substances and should be absolutely avoided during pregnancy, because they have been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects for the fetus. .

Second month pregnant women should note the following to have a healthy and happy pregnancy:
Don't skip breakfast Prepare a rich breakfast menu with many ingredients Divide into several meals a day , eat according to the needs of the mother Should have a moderate dinner to avoid belching, heartburn.

Nutrition during the second month of pregnancy plays a very important role, because at this stage the baby's nervous system develops very strongly. Therefore, in addition to maintaining a nutritious diet, pregnant women need to pay attention and limit unhealthy foods. It is best to follow the diet recommended by your doctor or dietitian.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital currently has a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. In addition, pregnant women are also consulted by specialists on nutrition during pregnancy as well as some ways to limit common diseases. .