A pregnant woman has 50% more blood in her body, and therefore needs even more iron than usual to produce haemoglobin. It is imperative for expecting mothers to have proper iron intake as its deficiency can lead to low birth weight, preterm delivery, and even infant mortality. A pregnant woman on an average needs 38 milligrams of iron a day. Dry fruits can satisfy a portion of this requirement: almonds, figs, apricot, cashew nuts, dates, walnuts, and dried prunes all contain iron in good quantities.

When pregnant, a woman needs to have a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals to sustain herself and the well-being of her unborn. The nutrients most needed during these times are folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Dates are rich in magnesium and help in the development of your baby’s nerves and bones. Potassium ensures muscle control and prevents high blood pressure. A handful of raisins, dried apricots, dried prunes, and dried figs are more than enough to meet those potassium requirements. Dried banana chips and peanuts are a good source of folic acid, crucial in preventing neural tube defects among new-borns.

Pregnancy brings along a lot of hormonal changes within women, resulting in constipation and haemorrhoids. This is where dietary fibre comes to the rescue. It also prevents accelerated weight gain and regulates blood pressure. Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and dried coconuts are a must-have in a pregnant woman’s diet.

Proteins are the building blocks of every human being. They form the basis for the healthy development of your child. Having foods rich in protein during the prenatal diet can give rise to a healthy and strong baby. An expectant mother needs to have an inseparable dose of pistachios, dates, coconuts, almonds, and walnuts for best results.