During pregnancy, a woman's body needs additional nutrients and blueberries, a proven superfood loaded with nutrients are proven to offer benefits to the pregnant mother and developing baby. The potassium, folate, fibre, and vitamin C in blueberries are crucial for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pregnant and lactating women need 60 mg of vitamin C per day. A single serving of fresh blueberries, just 1/2 cup, provides 10 percent of the daily recommended value. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant in the body to combat free radicals and protect our cells.
Blueberries are a superfood with numerous health advantages, ranging from lowering stress levels to preventing birth defects. The consumption of blueberries during pregnancy is healthy for both the mother and the fetus, as they are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Berries are rich in antioxidants that can help prevent serious diseases for both mother and baby.
Blueberries are an excellent natural source of folic acid. During the first trimester and even before getting pregnant, folic acid is vital as it helps to prevent neural tube defects which are life-threatening birth defects related to the brain, spine or spinal cord of the baby.
BEST FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:
Berries such as Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, and Goji Berries. Vegetables such as Artichokes, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Squash.
Follow a healthy eating routine.
Veggies — like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, spinach, peppers, and jicama. Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread. Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu.
Blueberries are a great inclusion for prenatal nutrition as they are a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, dietary fiber, phytochemicals, and copper (2). These nutrients are essential for your and your baby's health during pregnancy.
However, as a general guideline, it's recommended to consume no more than 1-2 cups of blueberries per day to avoid negative side effects. Consuming more than this amount on a regular basis may contribute to blood sugar imbalances, tooth decay, kidney stone formation, or allergic reactions.
According to experts at the National Sleep Foundation, antioxidants can protect you from the stress of a sleep disorder, which can cause oxidation in the body. Consuming antioxidant-rich berries before bed can help reduce your overall physical stress, thereby allowing you to have a more restful sleep.
Berries are actually excellent for both men and women who are trying to conceive. Raspberries and blueberries are rich in natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which help in boosting fertility levels. They are also a good source of folate and vitamin C, which can help with foetal development.
Proteins help your body with muscle and tissue growth and also with your baby's growth. Protein can be found in foods like: Beef, pork, fish and poultry. Eggs.
Your unborn baby will begin moving around 12 weeks of pregnancy, but you probably won't feel it yet. If you've been pregnant before, you may sense quickening by about 16 weeks in pregnancy. However, if this is your first baby, it's common not to feel movement until 20 weeks.
Your baby's brain begins developing early in pregnancy, just three weeks after fertilization, and continues throughout your pregnancy. The third trimester is when major developments happen, and your baby's brain triples in weight.
Resveratrol toxicity. The outer skin of grapes is rich in a compound called resveratrol. Although scientific research identifies resveratrol as a healthy nutrient, it could be toxic to pregnant women.
In fact, resveratrol has many benefits for your baby when you consume it by eating grapes. "If eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, grapes are generally tolerated well during pregnancy," notes Len Kliman, MD, an OB/GYN with over 35 years experience.