Important nutrients your body needs in your 3rd trimester

Although the third trimester comes with the exciting prospect of meeting your baby, it can also be an uncomfortable time for you. Breathing becomes challenging. You’re always running to the bathroom and it is nearly impossible to bend down and pick up anything. This is because this is the period where your baby grows most rapidly, and, as a result, you may feel tired. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the importance of nutrition during this trimester. A mom requires five vital nutrients in the last stretch of her pregnancy. These are vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline.  

Vitamin C Vitamin C supports the fast growth of your baby’s cells, ensures that your immune system is functioning optimally, and helps your body absorb iron from plant sources. Women with low blood levels of vitamin C have been found to be more likely to suffer from pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, fluid retention, and protein in the urine. Try for five servings of vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables in a variety of colours a day, such as red and green peppers, oranges, kiwi fruit, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and grapefruit.

Calcium

Calcium ensures that your bone mineral density is optimal and promotes the normal growth and development of your baby’s bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves. It is also important for muscle contractions, blood clotting, and the regulation of blood pressure. If your intake is not sufficient, your body may leach calcium from your bones to ensure your baby has enough. Most pregnancy multivitamins don’t contain enough calcium, so an additional supplement should be consumed. Aim to include good sources of calcium like low-fat dairy products (low-fat yoghurt, milk, and cheese) on a daily basis as well as other sources such as tahini, beans, chickpeas, tofu (made with calcium sulphate) and sardines or canned salmon (with bones).

Magnesium Magnesium is also an important mineral for bone health. In addition, it helps your body utilise protein and energy and regulate blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and assists with muscle and nerve function. Supplementation during pregnancy has been linked to a reduced incidence of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation and might be beneficial for women suffering from leg cramps. Choose magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, high-fibre wholegrain cereals, and dark green leafy vegetables on a daily basis.

Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish are important during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it is believed that they are involved in the development of your baby’s brain, central nervous system, and eyes. Supplementation of omega-3 oils during pregnancy may be beneficial (especially if your dietary intake is low). Aim to eat at least two portions of oily fish per week in the form of salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, and pilchards.

Choline

Choline plays an important role in the development of your baby’s cell membranes, nerve impulses, and brain. General multivitamins often lack choline, and for this reason, you should aim to include foods rich in choline in your diet. Choline-rich foods include eggs, salmon, kidney beans, low-fat milk, pork, chicken, turkey, beef liver, and wheat germ.