Foods to Eat And Avoid During Your Third Month of Pregnancy

Whatever the case, you need to imbibe a routine that involves following a proper pregnancy diet, getting enough rest and some exercise to produce a healthy baby. Nature has been designed in such a way that if you do not start to provide for the baby, it will start to take away the nutrients from your body leaving you nutrient-depleted – which can cause problems for you in the future.

Top Food To Be Included In The Third Month Pregnancy Diet

Now you understand the importance of this month in your gestation. Sadly, most of the abortions are reported during this month. All these details point to one fact. The third-month pregnancy diet is quite important. Just like nausea, your hunger will also increase noticeably during this month. Here is the list of food items to eat in third month of pregnancy:

1. Essential Nutrients

Intake of vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and folate should continue this month as well. Vitamin B6 can help combat your nausea.

2. Carbohydrates

Intake of carbohydrates is significant for a fast-developing baby. Here is a list of food with a high level of carbohydrates to be included in the pregnancy diet:

• Eat whole-grain bread
• Chapattis made with whole wheat Atta
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Nuts and seeds
• Pasta (wheat)
• Legumes like beans and lentils

3. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

DHA is essential for the development of eyes and brain. Hence, it is significant to ensure its intake (450 mg per day).

• Salmon has a good amount of DHA.
• Organ meat, like, liver contains DHA.
• Fish oil is a dependable source of DHA.

[Read: Know Everything About Your Baby’s Teeth]

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D promotes the development of teeth and bone in the fetus:

• Fatty fishes like salmon, mackerel, tuna, etc. are an excellent source of vitamin D.
• Vitamin D fortified milk, cereals, etc. can help in getting a substantial amount of Vitamin D.
• Egg yolk has a dependable amount of Vitamin D.
• Cod liver oil is a reliable source of vitamin D.

5. Fruits

Include different varieties of fruits that provide vital nutrients, and fiber (Important to fight against constipation) and help to stay hydrated.

6. Dairy Products

Milk and its derivatives should form a decent portion of your daily pregnancy diet. Drink at least 2-3 glasses of milk or consume the equivalent of these in the form of paneer, cheese, yogurts, and ghee. Milk and dairy products provide you with much-needed calcium and proteins, so do not deny yourself.

7. Water

Include at least 8 glasses of fluids in your pregnancy diet, though we’d suggest limiting the intake of fruit juices as they come loaded with calories. Opt for lime water, herbal teas, and most preferably, plain water.

[Read: Soft And Fizzy Drinks In Pregnancy- Are They Safe?]

Food Not to Eat in the Third Month of Pregnancy

Avoid late-night snacks during this period. Likewise, restrict fats and sweets, as it has no nutritional value and will make you put unwanted weight. For the same reason, drop the cola bottles from your pregnancy diet completely.

Caffeine, alcohol, raw and uncooked meat and fish, unpasteurized milk and milk products, too much vitamin A (avoid liver, which has too much vitamin A), raw eggs and food products that use raw eggs, etc. should also be eliminated from your daily menu. You may be tempted to eat chaats and golgappe during this time, but do not overindulge.

[Read: Know Everything About Your Baby’s Hair]

Development of the Baby in the Third Month of Pregnancy

Inside your womb, your baby is growing day-by-day minute-by-minute. Here are changes coming about during this month (from week 9th to week 12th of gestation):

1. Ninth Week Fetal Development

• The fetus will be a size of a grape, around an inch long.
• The fetus’ head, more or less the same as the rest of the body, become more erect.
• The neck develops and becomes more noticeable.
• The fetus gets rid of the ‘tadpole-like’ look. It starts to resemble a human baby as the tail is completely gone by this week of pregnancy.
• All the joints (including, the knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and wrist) are formed.
• If an ultrasound is performed during this month, you can have a look at the fetus moving around your uterus.
• Eyelids are fully formed and fused shut (they will open only towards the 28th week of pregnancy).
• All the four chambers of the heart are formed. The valves start to develop.

You may start to experience heartburn and the frequency of urination increases more than last month as the uterus is becoming bigger.

2. Tenth Week Fetal Development

• The baby will be 5.08 centimeters long and will be about the size of a lime.
• Officially, now, the embryonic stage ends and the fetal stage begins.
• Arms and legs become longer.
• The joints can be bent.
• The Baby’s vital organs (though not fully developed), start to function.
• Fingernails, toenails, and hair start to appear.
• The fingers will be no more webbed.

3. Eleventh Week Fetal Development

• The baby now is about 1 1/2 inches in size and is almost fully formed now.
• The skin will be transparent.
• The diaphragm starts to form.
• The bones begin to harden.
• The baby will be really active – moving about, though, you are not able to feel it.
• The external genitalia develop.

You may notice your toenails, fingernails, and hair starting to grow faster (thanks to the pregnancy hormones pouring in).

4. Twelfth Week Fetal Development

• Baby will be around 2 inches)long.
• Eyes move to the final position.
• External ears appear.
• Those tiny hands are able now to open and close.
• Teeth buds appear.
• Most of the “systems” of the baby are fully formed (though maturing is in progress) and start to work.
• The nervous system, in the developing phase, initiates reflex-like suckling (gulping the amniotic fluid).
• The intestine, which forms inside the umbilical cord, moves back into the abdomen of the fetus.
• The muscles in the digestive system of the fetus start to flex.
• The bone marrow starts to produce WBC.
• The liver produces bile.
• The pituitary gland appears below the brain and starts to produce hormones.
• You may be able to hear a fetal heartbeat during this week’s checkup.

Symptoms of morning sickness start to fall noticeably. You may notice some skin changes happening, particularly acne. Having a proper pregnancy diet during pregnancy will help in the proper development of the baby.

A healthy, well-balanced and nutritious diet will ensure that your baby arrives in this world all hale and hearty. All the best!

Read Also: Foods To Eat And Avoid During Your Fourth Month Of Pregnancy