Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to anemia. This happens because pregnant women should supply iron for blood formation in smaller quantities. Therefore, the body during pregnancy will require a lot more red blood cells that will supply food for the mother and fetus. If the iron requirement is not completed, the pregnant women are prone to anemia. In addition to iron deficiency, anemia can also occur if maternal deficiency of folate and vitamin B12 intake. That's why it is important to eat healthy foods for pregnant women.
Condition of anemia in pregnant women cannot be neglected. If so, it will increase the risk of pre-term labor. Underweight infants are also caused by the condition of anemia in pregnant women. In addition to increase the iron intake, mothers also need to increase the intake of vitamin C. Vitamin is useful to help the absorption of iron. Tea, coffee, and milk need to be limited because it can reduce the body's ability to absorb iron.
Several types of healthy foods for pregnant women are proper foods to help pregnant women to prevent anemia. Several types of fruit such as bananas, apricots, and pomegranates have rich iron content. In addition, pregnant women can also eat some types of iron-rich vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and kale, which are not only rich in iron but also other nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate.
Eggs are a good source of iron that Mommy could choose. The best iron content is can be obtained from yolk. Mommy can also get iron intake from shellfish. However, Mommy needs to select the mussels that are free of contamination, especially mercury. Red meat is also a major source of iron that can be relied upon.
Dates and raisins are other foods that are good for anemia. Both of them can even be used as healthy snacks for pregnant women. Additionally, nuts can also be healthy snacks that are rich in iron. Sources of carbohydrates such as oatmeal and corn also contain iron and other minerals that are beneficial for anemia.
To overcome anemia more quickly, the pregnant women also can add honey in their food intake. Honey is a type of food that has a wide variety of nutrients including iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C is useful for increasing iron absorption can also be obtained through the consumption of orange juice which is considered as one type of healthy foods for pregnant women.