Maternal Nutrition: Beyond Supplements for Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnant women need more than just supplements to stay healthy.

Eating a variety of nutritious foods is very important.

The Indian Council of Medical Research says pregnant women need about 350 to 450 extra calories in their second and third trimesters.

These calories should come from foods like millets, lentils, and nuts.

Millets like Ragi and Bajra help with blood sugar and provide calcium for the baby's bones.

Eating lentils with grains like rice or wheat makes the protein in the food more complete.

Adding lemon to leafy greens helps the body absorb iron better.

Superfoods like Amla, Moringa, and nuts give important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the baby's brain and eyes.

Drinking chaas, buttermilk, or coconut water instead of sugary drinks helps with hydration and digestion.

Eating fruits like guava or orange as snacks gives fiber and vitamins without too much sugar.

So, instead of just eating more food, pregnant women should focus on eating nutritious food to help their babies grow healthy.