– best and worst food affecting the growth of baby
When the sperm cell manages to enter a mature oocyte (egg cell), it initiates fertilization. This forms a zygote, which further repeatedly divides into multiple smaller embryonic cells. It takes 9 weeks to begin the stage of a fetus growth and development.
What is a fetus?
The fetal development starts at 10th week of the pregnancy. All the major body organs have formed immaturely. Day by day until the time of delivery, fetus will be growing and tissues will be developing.
Major milestones during fetus development stage –
- Weeks 10 -13 – Kidneys start producing urine
- Weeks 14 – 17 – Genitalia formation completes, harder bones, eye movements, coordinated limb movements
- Weeks 18 – 21 – Visible head hair, eyebrows, fetal uterus and vagina formation
- Weeks 22 – 26 – Growing fetus gain weight, fingernails form
- Weeks 27 – 30 – Brain and lungs development to the point that if premature delivery occurs, the fetus would likely survive, open eyelids, visible toenails
- Weeks 31-35 – eye pupils respond to light
- Weeks 36-40 – fetus keep growing and adding 14 grams of fat every day
Which food is best for fetal growth?
Food packs with loads of protein promotes fetal growth. While your doctor may suggest having lean meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs to get the daily protein requirement for the fetus, but there are better plant based protein sources available. Plant-based protein gets easily accepted by human body. Sources like green vegetables- beans, spinach, sprouts, peas, and nuts, seeds, soy, etc.
Superfoods to support your healthy pregnancy –
- Sweet potatoes – source of fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin c, iron, beta-carotene, and copper.
- Orange juice – source of foliate, vitamin C, and potassium
- Yogurt – source of calcium and good bacteria supporting your gut, protein, B vitamins and zinc.
- Oatmeal – source of fiber, protein, and vitamin B6.
- Seeds like chia, lotus seeds, sesame, sunflower, flax and pumpkin – source of omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid, and vitamin E, various minerals and calcium.
- Dry fruit like prunes, dates, and dried apricots – source of iron, beta carotene, protein, and fiber
Protein is a building block of any human body. It is an important nutrient for supporting growth and development of the fetus.
How to increase embryo growth?
While getting enough protein is must for embryo development, there are five things you can do to support your baby growth in the womb –
- Quit smoking
- Empty your bar cabinets (dump alcohol)
- Say no to illegal drugs
- Eat healthy and fresh food (avoid processed food)
- On time doctor visits and tests
Which foods hinder fetal growth?
Everyone at your home or office suggest you to have healthy diet to support fetal growth, we would like to tell you what should not be eaten during pregnancy –
- Raw or uncooked food
- Cold, frozen, refrigerated food
- Store bought sushis
- Processed cheese and spreads
- Unpasteurized milk
- Packaged salads
- Papaya and pineapple in large amount
- Leftover cooked food
- Canned food
With all your consciousness and awareness, you can support your pregnancy by eating homemade, fresh food. It’s always good to start yoga to make your pregnancy journey smoother and memorable. Yoga helps in fetus development in the most authentic manner. For best prenatal yoga sessions, you can get in touch with Yogymummy team.