Your pregnancy diet plan should include foods that are rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins with each and every meal. What you eat during pregnancy can affect your baby’s risk of developing allergies and even chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol. In case of special needs you might have to alter what you need as far as nutritional requirements go. This might be anemia, multiple pregnancy, teen pregnancy, diabetes etc. Ask your practitioner if you have special needs for your dietary habits

Here are some of best foods to add to your pregnancy diet

• Green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, and spinach – These are loaded with vitamins A, C, K, folic acid and iron are good for growing healthy tissue. Leafy greens are also high in magnesium and vitamin B12.
• Protein – A good intake of protein in regular diet aids in cell growth and blood production. Fish, peanut, tofu, lean, egg whites and pulses are all rich in protein.
  
• Carbohydrates – Food with carbohydrates helps to produce energy that is necessary for the body. Bread, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits and vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates.
  
• Nuts – These are quick protein source to take during the day. Choose almonds since they are high in vitamin E and manganese and cashews for their magnesium.
  
• Drinking plenty of water – If you reduce drinking water the problems like constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling and urinary infections can occur. Water especially in last trimester helps to prevent dehydration.
  
• Iron during pregnancy – Iron is important element for the production of hemoglobin in the blood for both the mother and fetus. Heam is the iron part and the globin is the protein part. Iron is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth of the fetus. If you fail to take iron during pregnancy it can cause anemia. Iron rich food includes honey, dates, broccoli, potatoes and all green vegetables.
  
• Calcium rich foods – Calcium plays important role in the growth of bones and teeth of a fetus. In take of calcium more than normal is must during eighth week of pregnancy. It is advised to take three servings of calcium rich food like milk and yogurt daily. Fruits are also good for the normal growth of the baby.
  

Food that should be avoided during pregnancy

• Raw seafood such as oysters or uncooked sushi.
• Even though fish is good source of protein it is best to avoid larger predator fish such as shark or swordfish as it may contain potentially unsafe levels of mercury.
  
• Processed or canned food items as they may contain preservatives in saline which may lead to water retention.
  
• Liver and liver products should be avoided because they may contain large amounts of the retinol form of vitamin A, too much of which could be bad for your developing baby.
  
• Avoid alcohol drinks during pregnancy. Drinking too much alcohol can cause physical defects, learning disabilities, and emotional problems in children.
  
• Limiting the intake of caffeine is also recommended.
  
• In some cases raw sprouts have led to some incidents of salmonella outbreaks, so it is advised that pregnant women eat sprouts that are cooked.
  

Eat healthy; be healthy during and after pregnancy as your little infant thrives on your diet for a healthy living.