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.
Dry skin with intense itching, rashes and round lesions in the form of psoriasis are also causes faced by women, says Grover. “Grover recommends a balanced vitamin regimen that includes prenatal vitamins with biotin, B-complex vitamins, and folate”.
Healthy Oil
Dry skin is one most common issue in pregnant lady. If your growing tummy is dry or itchy, try cooking with safflower oil to give your skin some nutrients, recommends Dr.Purvisha Patel, dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee. “It contains omega-6 fatty acids, which serve as a natural moisturiser and can help people with dry or itchy skin,” Patel says. 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 slow down the ageing process by reducing the harmful effects.
Deep sea fatty fish
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 association, says that deep sea fatty fishes like tuna, salmon, and sardines are good for your skin because they contain omega-3 fatty acids.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 form of fat can nourish your hair, skin, and nails while also satisfying your hunger.
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
Protein-rich foods tend to reinforce the elastic fibres in your skin, making it stretchier and less likely to grow stretch marks. 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. If you need another explanation, probiotics may also support your baby and breast milk.
Sardines
Sardines contain essential fats, vitamins and minerals which helpsgive you a radiant glow and are crucial for baby’s eye and brain development. If sardines are still too far out of your comfort zone, wild Alaskan salmon is a perfect substitute.
Dairy product
During pregnancy, you need to take extra protein. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt etccontain 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 high in beta carotene, a plant pigment that your body converts to vitamin A. 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. Choline, a crucial nutrient during pregnancy, is abundant in eggs. Choline is present in 147 milligrammes (mg) in a single whole egg.It’s important in baby’s brain development and helps prevent developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine.