Pregnancy Diet Chart

1. Pregnancy – How does a woman come to know about it?

To begin with, a woman who has got pregnant would miss her
periods. Pregnant women also commonly experience tiredness,
frequent urination, urge to vomit, swollen/sensitive breasts and
strong dislike/liking for food. However, a Urine Pregnancy Test
is suggested after a missed period to confirm pregnancy.

2. Common health issues during pregnancy

Generally, pregnancy is a normal healthy process for majority of women. However, some common health
problems may occur during pregnancy. These include:
 Vomiting  Anemia
 Abdominal Pain  High Blood Pressure
 Constipation  Swollen, Enlarged Veins
 Frequent Urination  Diabetes that develops during pregnancy
 Low Back Ache

3. Medical care during pregnancy and its importance

Getting medical care during pregnancy is good for the

mother and baby. Women who undergo regular medical
check-ups during pregnancy usually have healthy babies and
get treatment for health problems early. As soon as
pregnancy is detected, the pregnant woman should get
herself registered at the nearest health facility. Minimum
four medical check-ups are important:
 1st Check-Up: As soon as the period is missed or
within first three months of missing the period.
 2nd Check-Up: In 4th - 6th Month of Pregnancy.
 3rd Check-Up: In 7th - 8th Month of Pregnancy.
 4th Check-Up: In 9th Month of Pregnancy.

If the pregnant woman is older than 35 years and it is her 1st pregnancy or if pregnancy is high risk (e.g.
severe anemia, very short height, complicated pregnancy in the past etc.), more check-ups would be
required.
However, as per latest WHO guidelines, there should be eight medical check-ups during pregnancy, starting
with first within 12 weeks of pregnancy, followed by remaining at 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 38 and 40 weeks.

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4. Services provided during medical check-ups
The following tests and services are provided during
medical check-ups:
 TT Injection: Two doses of TT Injection at one-month
interval are given which protects both mother and
baby from Tetanus which is one of the life-
threatening conditions
 Blood test to assess anaemia (if any), blood grouping
 IFA and Calcium Tablets: A total of 180 iron & folic
acid tablets and 360 calcium tablets are to be taken during pregnancy:
• One tablet of iron folic acid a day is to be taken for at least six months after first three months of
pregnancy. If the woman is anaemic, two IFA tablets are advised daily, one tablet in the morning
and one in the evening.
• Two tablets of calcium per day for at least six months after first three months of pregnancy.
• Blood pressure is checked to detect high BP
• Urine is tested for Albumin and Sugar
• Weight is checked (Average weight gain during pregnancy is 9-11 Kg)
• Abdominal examination is done to check the developing baby’s growth and well-being
• Breast examination to prepare the mother for breast feeding
• Blood tests for thyroid function, HIV & Syphilis and ruling out gestational diabetes

5. Diet During Pregnancy

A balanced diet should be taken which includes all vitamins,
minerals and essential nutrients required for healthy growth and
development of the organs and tissues of the baby:
 Regular 3 meals per day at least, during 1st three months
of pregnancy. After that, 3 main meals and 2 snack meals
for the remaining period of pregnancy.
 Milk and Dairy Products like curd, buttermilk, paneer -
these are rich in calcium, proteins and vitamins.
 Fresh fruits and vegetables as these provide vitamins and
iron. Cereals, whole grains and pulses are good sources of
proteins.
 Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of iron and folic
acid.
 A handful of nuts and at least two cups of dal and half to
one litre of dairy products provide daily requirement of
proteins in vegetarians.
 For Non-Vegetarians, meat, egg, chicken or fish are good sources of proteins, vitamins & iron.
 Alcohol and Tobacco should be avoided (in any form).

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6. Importance of Proper Rest and Exercise
Staying healthy during pregnancy includes not only proper nutrition
but also enough rest and exercise. Proper rest can be ensured during
pregnancy by having 8 hours of sleep at night and at least 2 hours
rest during the day. Lie on one’s left side as it increases the blood
supply to the developing baby. Avoid hard work such as lifting heavy
weight. Simple exercises such as walking during pregnancy are highly
beneficial. It helps the mother prevent abdominal/back pain, reduces the risk of pregnancy-related
diabetes/high blood pressure, improves heart function, reduces constipation, feeling of fullness in the
abdomen and ensures the right weight gain.
Healthy Exercise Tips:
 Start with mild exercises, such as a 5-minute walk in the park. Do not overexert.
 Avoid all activities which have high risk of falling.
 After 1st three months of pregnancy, avoid exercises that involve lying flat on the back because doing
so may decrease blood flow to the uterus.
 Stop exercising immediately, if there is vaginal bleeding, headaches, breathlessness, uterine
contractions, dizziness, increased tiredness and fluid leaking from vagina. Get checked by a doctor.

7. Signs of Labour
The following are signs of labour
 Regular contractions in the uterus presenting in the
form of low backache referred to thighs and increasing
in intensity with time
 Passage of jelly-like discharge mixed with blood
 Breaking of bag of membrane with passage of clear
water through the vagina

8. Danger Signals During Pregnancy

If any of the following signs appear, medical help should be taken
to protect from complications:
 Bleeding anytime during pregnancy
 Excessive swelling in legs
 Fits, headache, haziness/blurring of vision
 High fever during pregnancy or within one month of
delivery
 Generalized weakness, getting tired easily and
breathlessness
 Labour pain before due date
 Labour pain for more than 12 hours/reduced movement of the developing baby