Motherhood is a crucial time for every woman. During pregnancy, the first priority for woman’s body is supplying nutrients to the baby. Thus, if the nutrients are not given at the particular time, a mother may suffer which includes her skin.
Consuming the best foods helps glow your skin during pregnancy, it does also provide you and your unborn baby with energy, nutrients, brain, and tissues when you need them the most.
During pregnancy, because of the hormones or pregnancy-specific skin conditions, many women will notice the change in their skin. Stretch marks is among the most common problems you see in pregnant women because of circulating steroids, estrogen and relaxin, says Dr. Monica Grover, a family medicine physician with Women’s Health at One in New York.
Dry skin with intense itching, rashes and round lesions in the form of psoriasis are also causes faced by women, says Grover. “A healthy dose of vitamins that include prenatal vitamins with biotin, B-complex and folate, helps” says Grover.
Healthy Oil
Dry skin is one most common issue in pregnant lady. If your growing belly is dry or itchy, try safflower oil in your cooking to add some nutrients to your skin, recommends Dr. Purvisha Patel, dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee. “It has omega-6 fatty acids that act as a natural moisturizer, and can be beneficial for people suffering from dry or itchy skin,” says Patel. Some studies say this oil may even help with eczema.”
Cherries and berries
Cherries and berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, should be given to pregnant women. Cherries and berries are amongst the highest antioxidants which contains fruits. Antioxidants help to prevent premature ageing by reducing the damaging effects.
Deep sea fatty fish
Having deep sea fatty fishes such as tuna, salmon and sardines are healthy for your skin as it has omega-3 fatty acid, says Ms Kellie Kong, Dietitian from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth group. The fatty acid helps to repair cell membranes, which in turn help to ensure your baby’s skin elasticity.
Lemons
Lemons are essential to your body as it is hydrating, detoxifying to the liver, reduces inflammation and helps retain your skin’s elasticity. Lemons contain vitamin C, thus promotes healing and cell growth. If you have swollen feet, lemons help in reducing edema.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fibres. The high amount of vitamin E in these nutrient dense nuts help keep skin cells plump and moisturized. One more thing you can do with almond is, soaking them overnight and in the morning the almond will pop out of its skin. The soaking helps with digestion.
Avocado
Avocados are loaded with Vitamin C which is essential for radiant skin. They are creamy, luscious and also have an impressive amount of good fat. This type of fat will nourish hair, skin and nails, satiate your appetite.
Tomato
Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. They are especially found in the skin of tomatoes, which gives them the bright red colour. It also helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays of sun.
Grass-fed beef and high-protein veggies
Food which contains high protein helps strengthen the elastic fibers in your skin that make your skin stretchier and harder for stretch marks to develop. Protein plays key role for your baby’s brain development.
Greek yogurt
Dr. Wu. recommends Greek yogurt or pickles to help clear up the dry patches and satisfy your cravings. And if you need more of an excuse, probiotics can also help your baby and your breast milk.
Sardines
Sardines contain essential fats, vitamins and minerals which helps give you a radiant glow and are crucial for baby’s eye and brain development. If the thought of sardines is still too much of a stretch, wild Alaskan salmon is a great alternative.
Dairy product
During pregnancy, you need to take extra protein. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt etc contain two types of high-quality protein: casein and whey. Dairy products are the best for calcium, and provides high amounts of phosphorus, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, a plant compound that is converted into vitamin A in your body. Take excessive amounts of animal-based sources of vitamin A, such as organ meats, as it is essential for baby’s development.
Eggs
As everyone knows, egg is the best healthy food and contains huge number of proteins. Eggs are a great source of choline, a vital nutrient during pregnancy. A single whole egg contains roughly 147 milligrams (mg) of choline. It’s important in baby’s brain development and helps prevent developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine.
