Being fertile – possessing the ability to conceive – is customarily treated as a blessing and probably every couple’s goal.
Starting off the pregnancy journey is one thing, keeping a pregnancy for nine months is a different thing while delivering a healthy baby safely is yet another different thing altogether.
Although different, all these phases are interrelated and one leads into another, therefore requiring constant attention and practice.
As the body of a pregnant woman adjusts to accommodate another growing life, there is a need to pay attention to the kind of diet that is necessary for her to consume. This is primarily because the mother requires special nutrients for herself and for the growing foetus.
To meet such nutritional demands, a pregnant woman requires well-selected foods and fruits-foods that provide specific nutrients and energy for growth and fruits that provide immunity against diseases for both the mother and the foetus.
Essential fruits for expectant mothers
1. ORANGES
They are commonly available and well, affordable fruits. Although treated as everyone’s take, oranges (machungwa) are a rich source of Vitamin C that is required in boosting both the mother and the foetus’ immunity.
Vitamin C is also important in repairing of broken tissues and damaged body cells.
Additionally, oranges contain folate, one of B-Vitamins. The folate is essential in the production of both red and white cells in the white bone marrow. Vitamin B is also responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and in the production of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acids) and RNA (Ribonucleic acids). Therefore, enough uptake of Vitamin B that is especially found in oranges is important during pregnancy, since this is a period that involves rapid growth of both the mother and the foetus’ bodies.
2. GUAVA
These are tropical fruits that supply the body with Vitamins C and E, and also the folate (Vitamin B). These provide immunity for the foetus; they ease digestion for the mother thus reducing constipation, which is a common sign during pregnancy.
3. BANANAS
Bananas contain Vitamins C, and B-6 that is known for preventing nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. They also contain Potassium, which is essential in hydration of the mother.
4. MANGOES
They are rich in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A raises body immunity and plays a significant role in preventing respiratory infections. On the other hand, Vitamin C is essential in repairing damaged body cells and tissues.
5. AVOCADO
A rich source of vitamin C, E and K, avocadoes also supply the body with potassium, copper and fibre. They contain essential fats that provide energy and are effective in preventing neural tube defects.
The potassium in avocadoes provides relief from leg cramps, a common symptom during pregnancy, while Vitamin C is instrumental in boosting cells responsible for building the skin and brain tissues of the developing baby.
6. PEARS
These are rich in fibre that is necessary for easing digestion and preventing constipation- a common symptom for pregnancy.
7. APPLES
Cliché, but an apple a day really does keep the doctor away. But the truth is, eating apples while pregnant not only keeps the doctor away (although it is recommended to always have your doctor around) but also builds ones immunity against diseases, provides nutrients for the growing foetus and also a glowing skin. Apples provide one with Vitamins A and C necessary for building immunity and for the repair of damaged cells and tissues respectively. Apples also provide fibre necessary for easing digestion and thus reducing constipation, a common pregnancy symptom.
Fruits are an essential part of pregnancy. Their importance cannot be overstated enough. With them in your diet, you can, well, enjoy, the fruits of your labour.
