What should the 4th month pregnant mother eat and what not to eat?

The second trimester (starting from the 4th month of pregnancy) is considered the most comfortable time for pregnant women. At this stage, mothers also need to note the diet to ensure the best fetal development. So what should you eat during the 4th month of pregnancy and what foods to avoid, please absolutely adhere to it!

Most pregnant mothers will feel energized and also happier in the 4th month of pregnancy, because at this time the mother's morning condition will disappear and can feel the little angel's movements. in the abdomen.

The following article will help mothers better understand the interesting things happening to the fetus and tips on using foods for a healthy pregnancy.

What happens to the baby in the second trimester?

The second trimester is considered the developmental stage of the baby. By the 4th month of pregnancy, the baby's form is almost ready. Organs including the brain, kidneys, spinal cord, eyes, toes, fingers, lungs and heart are formed and fully functional.

The mother's body will work harder to provide calcium and harden bones as well as regulate all of your baby's organs. Therefore, mothers need to add more nutrients in their diet. Here are some foods you should and should not eat in your 4th month of pregnancy.

What should the 4th month pregnant mother eat?

This is a diet that pregnant mothers can implement during the 4th month of pregnancy.

1. High fiber content

This is the ideal time to start building a foundation for constipation prevention during the second trimester of pregnancy and after birth. Pregnant mothers need to make sure to add adequate fiber in the diet at 4 months.

Foods high in fiber include whole grains , oats, and green vegetables. Mom should choose brown bread to provide iron for the body  instead of eating plain white bread.

2. Essential fatty acids

Besides other micronutrients, the fetus and mother's body also need these acids to reduce the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and mental retardation in children .

By consuming foods like freshwater fish, canned tuna, nuts and olive oil to ensure that your diet contains adequate amounts of omega-3, omega-6 and omega fatty acids -9.

3. Dairy products

The body of the pregnant mother and the fetus always needs an increasing amount of calcium. Your doctor will likely prescribe a vitamin D and calcium pill in the 4th month of your pregnancy. Additionally, mothers can help their babies develop healthy bones by adding at least 1 liter of dairy products per day.

Enjoy 2 glasses of milk or 500g of curd or 200g of cottage cheese. These are considered calcium-rich foods that are essential and good for the development of the baby's bones and teeth.

4. What should I eat for 4 months? Meat is a must-have

If the nausea is gone during this stage, you can include meat in your daily diet. But make sure the meat is thoroughly washed and cooked. Undercooked meat can carry dangerous viruses and bacteria to the mother.

If you have to eat outside, pregnant mothers should eat cooked or grilled meat to make sure bacteria are destroyed.

5. Fruit

Fresh fruits and vegetables during pregnancy are essential because they contain many vitamins and minerals. Plus, they have a high water and fiber content. Pregnant mothers should choose fresh green fruits without preservatives and artificial colors.

In the 4th month of pregnancy, pregnant women often have symptoms of heartburn and heartburn. Therefore, fresh fruits with many different colors will be an indispensable part of the daily diet of pregnant mothers at this stage. ( 1 )

Learn more:  7 kinds of fruit juices good for pregnant mothers can not help but try

4 months pregnant should abstain from what?

So you are clear what 4 month pregnant should eat. Although the first trimester has ended, but mothers still need to take precautions and avoid using certain foods in the diet during the 4th month of pregnancy to ensure the safety of baby.

Here are some parent products to limit or not use.

1. Soft cheese

Often these cheeses are made from unpasteurized milk, and therefore contain many harmful bacteria and viruses. Therefore, pregnant mothers should avoid eating soft cheeses.

Pregnant women can choose foods containing hard cheese, because it has a low water content. The high water content is capable of creating an environment for harmful microorganisms to multiply.

2. Wheat flour

This is of great concern in the fourth month of pregnancy because they are difficult to digest and can cause constipation. Although constipation during pregnancy  is a minor symptom, it can cause hemorrhoids after giving birth. Therefore, pregnant mothers need to say no to foods like instant noodles.

3. What diet should we abstain for 4 months? These are sea fish

Pregnant mothers need to limit the amount of sea fish used to a minimum, because they contain the amount of methylmercury, a compound that can cause mental retardation in the fetus. If you really crave fish, you should choose freshwater fish that will be better for the fetus at this stage. ( 2 )

Learn more:  Should pregnant women eat tuna?

4. Street food

The dishes sold along the two sides of the street often look very eye-catching, delicious and easily stimulate the taste buds of pregnant mothers. However, they are not guaranteed food hygiene and safety. Street food easily causes food poisoning and water-borne diseases such as typhoid.

So, you should prepare separate dishes to eat snacks.

5. Too much dried fruit

Although the amount of dried fruit is good enough, but do not overdo dried fruit during the 4th month of pregnancy. Because dried fruit contains many substances that cause heat to the body. For some women, they can also cause early contractions.

6. What diet should I abstain for 4 months? That is licorice

Licorice is a herb with a high risk of damaging pregnancy by stimulating contractions. Therefore, pregnant mothers need to avoid foods containing licorice or licorice extracts. Also note to mom that some Indian sweets, toothpaste and foods also contain licorice.

Dietary tips for fourth month pregnant mothers

Here are some dietary tips to follow during the fourth month of pregnancy:

Drink enough water. The average pregnant woman needs about 2.3 liters of water per day.

Avoid eating too many fried foods, spicy foods, or foods high in salt or sugar.

Do not eat too much sweets as it will lead to  gestational diabetes and unnecessary weight gain.

Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals that contain iron supplements. Because the tannins in them can prevent the body from absorbing iron. ( 3 )

Fruits and vegetables are washed to remove remaining germs, soil and pesticide residues.

The 4th month of pregnancy is a great time for moms to feel many new things. Mom should pay attention to avoid harmful foods. At the same time, supplement the necessary nutrients to best support the development of the fetus.

Hopefully this article will help pregnant mothers feel more comfortable and keep their pregnancy healthy!

aFamilyToday Health does not offer medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.