INTRODUCTION:-                                    Pregnancy is a demanding physiological state. Additional foods are required to improve weight gain in pregnancy (10-12kg) and birth weight of infants (about 3kg).
     During pregnancy give a double amount of nutrients to pregnant women for both are mother and fetal.
Pregnancy is classify into 3 types. There are,...
IST TRIMESTER
(0-3MONTHS):-
Morning sickness, headache and backache, bladder and bowel changes, changes in hair and skin colour, indigestion and heartburn, leg cramps and swelling, vaginal thrush and discharge
2ND TRIMESTER (4-6 MONTHS):-
Nausea, vomiting(better than 1st Trimester), leg cramps pain, mother feel fetal movements, You may have a white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea.
3RD TRIMESTER (7-9MONTHS):-
many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often.

1. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Folic acid is vital for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Pregnant women should aim to consume 600 micrograms of folic acid daily, which can be found in leafy greens, fortified cereals, and legumes.

2. Iron: Iron is needed to support the increased blood volume during pregnancy and prevent anemia. The recommended intake is 27 milligrams per day, which can be obtained from red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and fortified cereals.

3. Calcium: Calcium is essential for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Pregnant women should aim for 1,000 milligrams per day, which can be found in dairy products, fortified plant-based milk, and leafy green vegetables.

4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D works in tandem with calcium to promote bone health and immune function. The recommended intake is 600 international units (IU) per day, which can be obtained from sunlight exposure, fortified foods, and fatty fish.

5. Protein: Protein is crucial for the growth of fetal tissues, including the brain, and supports maternal tissue expansion. Pregnant women should consume about 71 grams of protein daily, which can be sourced from lean meats, dairy, eggs, beans, and nuts.

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are important for fetal brain development. Pregnant women should aim for at least 200 milligrams of DHA daily, which can be found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

7. Fiber: To prevent constipation, which is common during pregnancy, a diet rich in fiber is important. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are good sources of fiber.

Overall, a balanced diet rich in these nutrients, along with proper prenatal care, supports a healthy pregnancy and the well-being of both mother and child.

COMPLICATIONS IN PREGNANCY:-
• Anemia.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.  
• Constipation. 
• Vomiting. 
• Nausea.
• UTI (Urinary Track Infection).
• Blood pressure.

FOODS TO BE AVOIDED:-
-> Papaya.
-> Gingelly seeds.
-> Raw eggs.
-> Un cooked food items.
-> alcohol.

FOODS TO BE INCLUDED:-
-> Whole grains
(Millets, wheat products, oatmeals, brown rice)
-> Chicken.
-> Egg.
-> Sea foods 
-> Dairy products.

ONE DAY MENU PLAN FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:-

EARLY MORNING:-(6.30-7.30)
• Ginger tea.
BREAKFAST:-(8.30-9.30)
• Aappam
• Vegetable sambar
• Guava
MID MORNING:-(10.30-11.30)
• Drumstick leaves soup
LUNCH:-(12.30-1.30)
• Rice
• Brocoli Gravy
• Agathi leaves kootu
• Butter milk
• Apple
MID EVENING:-(4.30-5.30)
• Ragi vegetable wraps
DINNER:-(7.30-8.30)
• Beetroot chapathi
• peas kuruma
BED TIME:-(9.30-10.30)
• Milk
• Banana

CONCLUSION:-
     This menu planned based on high fibre, basic five food groups(cereals, pulses, vegetables, green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and meat products, fat and oils).