Health And Nutrition During The Second Trimester

Healthy eating and nutrition during the second trimester of pregnancy is just as important, if not maybe even more important, than it is during the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy. It is critical that a pregnant woman focus on her health and nutrition. The fact of the matter is that she is in complete control over the nutrients that her developing baby is getting, and by making the right health and nutrition decisions during the second trimester, she is helping her baby to grow and develop the way that she should.

During the second trimester, most of your baby's internal organs are finishing up being formed, and are starting to grow to the size that they need to be to help your baby live outside of your womb. Your baby needs specific nutritional elements to grow and develop properly. She is going to need plenty of folic acid, for example. You are both going to need iron. Obviously, she will benefit if you stick to a healthy and nutritious meal plan during the second trimester, too.

Staying on top of health and nutrition during the second trimester means avoiding certain foods. You should avoid certain types of fish that may contain high levels of mercury. You should avoid uncooked meats or seafood, as these can put you at a greater risk for listeria and salmonella. Even smoked seafood, if it is refrigerated, can increase the risk of listeria. You should also avoid deli meats and hot dogs for these reasons, as well. Raw eggs, and items made from raw eggs like salad dressings and mayonnaise should be avoided too. Soft cheeses are also dangerous, as is liver.

You need to make sure that you are eating a balanced diet during the second trimester. You will want to have between 3 and 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. One of these servings needs to be a dark orange vegetable, and two should be of leafy dark green vegetables. You should have two servings of extra-lean meats, chicken, fish, or cooked peas or dried beans. You should drink eight glasses of water. You should have six servings of grains, and three servings of nonfat or low fat milk products.

If you have questions about health and nutrition during the second trimester, or at any other point during pregnancy, your health care provider should be able to point you in the right direction, and perhaps map out a healthy eating plan.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.