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The second trimester is also often known as the golden period of pregnancy as it marks the point where the discomforts of early pregnancy pass, and those of the third trimester have not begun yet. To make the most of this period, it is important to maintain a healthy diet which ensures adequate nutrition to you and to the growing baby.
What to Eat during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy?
The second trimester which is the period between 14th to 26th week, is when your baby grows to about 35 cms. Eating healthy food during the second trimester is as important as it was during the first. Healthy food will continue to provide the essential nutrients during this time. A nutrient-rich diet is essential for the bone and muscle formation of the baby. You should eat foods which are high on calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.
Essential Nutrition and their Sources for a Healthy Second Trimester
Your diet must have carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and plenty of water. Every meal should contain 3 portions of each food group. Your meal plan should be divided into portions in each of the meals and one snack to keep up your energy levels all day
Your diet should comprise of a combination of the following-
- To ensure a steady intake of folic acid and iron you should have 5 portions of vegetables (green leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage) and fruits in a day.
- You should have carbohydrates (starchy foods, wholegrain bread, cereals) with every meal.
- Dairy products which are low in fat should be consumed at least 2 to 3 times in a day to ensure calcium intake.
- Food types high in protein (like fish, eggs, beans) should be eaten at least twice a day.
- Oily fish (once a week and not more than two times in a week) to give you enough omega 3-fatty acids which help in the development of the baby’s brain.
- You should switch to healthy options in snacks and drinks (like sandwiches, yoghurts).
Meal Plan for the Second Trimester
It is important that you follow a meal plan during the second trimester of pregnancy so that your baby gets the required nutrients in the right proportion and weight gain is on track.
While making the meal plan it is important to keep those fruits and vegetables in it which are available in all seasons. In case a fruit or vegetable is not available you may replace it with any other which is available in that season and provides the same nutrients.
Sometimes a single food can be a source of multiple nutrients; hence you may find the same food recommended for one trimester for a particular nutrient and the same one recommended for another in a different trimester.
All through this time, you should keep yourself hydrated. The caffeine intake during pregnancy should be limited.
Meal Plan Sample
| Breakfast | 2 servings of grain, 1 serving of fruit, 1 oz of meat/beans and 1 cup milk.
Sample breakfast – 2 oz wholegrain bagel toasted and 1 teaspoon margarine and scrambled egg, 1 cup cantaloupe and 1 cup of milk (non-fat).
During pregnancy you will need between 1000-3000 mg of calcium daily with dairy in most meals.
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| Lunch | 2 servings of grain, 1 cup green leafy vegetables, 1 cup fruit, 1 serving milk and 2 oz of meat/beans.
Sample lunch – A roast beef (2 oz) sandwich made with whole wheat bread, 1 teaspoon mayonnaise, tomato and lettuce. You may also have 1 cup baby carrots, fresh orange and 1 cup non-fat milk.
During pregnancy you will need around 27 mg of iron in a day.
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| Dinner | 2 servings of grain and vegetables each and 3 oz of meat/beans.
Sample dinner – 3 oz. chicken grilled,1 cup brown rice, 1 cup sautéed spinach on garlic with olive oil and garden salad with 1 tablespoon of salad dressing. During pregnancy you will need 600 mg of folate per day. |
| Snack | A snack should include 1 serving of grain and milk each.
Sample snack – 1 cup of whole grain, cereal along with 1 cup of non-fat milk. |
Food Disinclinations and Cravings
During this time many women may experience an aversion to certain kind of foods and craving for certain foods, this may be the result of the hormonal changes which happen rapidly.
Some women may have a craving for chocolates or spicy food or some kind of comfort food.
On the other hand some women develop aversions to certain food types. Essentially, they may never want to eat these foods. An aversion can be a problem if it is for vegetables or dairy that is important for the growth of the baby. In such a situation your doctor may suggest some alternate foods to eat, or recommend food supplements, so that the lack of nutrients is sufficiently compensated.
Weight Gain during the Second Trimester
The weight gain in your second trimester will be more than your first trimester. You will gain between 1 to 2 pounds every week. The weight gained does not go to the baby alone. It adds to the breast tissue, increase in the fluid content, increase in the amniotic fluid around the baby, increase in the placenta growth and uterus muscles and extra store of fat and protein in the body.
In the second trimester nausea stops and you are in a happy place because the baby is also not big enough to on pressure on your organs. However excess weight gain can cause complications during delivery.
Foods to Avoid
The 2nd trimester pregnancy diet is important. However, it is equally important to limit the intake, and avoid certain kind of food during the 6th and 14th week of pregnancy diet.
- Raw and uncooked meat should be avoided due to the risk of contamination with bacteria, salmonella and toxoplasmosis.
- Fish containing high levels of mercury or other pollutants should be avoided. Mercury delays development of the brain.
- Consumption of raw eggs should be avoided during pregnancy because of the exposure to salmonella.
- Some types of imported soft cheese contain listeria which should be avoided.
- Milk which is unpasteurized may also contain listeria which should be avoided.
- Caffeine intake during pregnancy can be done in moderation.
- Alcohol should be completely avoided during this time.
- Vegetables and fruits which are unwashed are not safe for consumption as they may be contaminated with bacteria, such as toxoplasma, which can pose hazardous for both the mother and baby.
Along with following a healthy diet plan, it is equally essential that the quantity of food should take care of your caloric requirements. You should consult your doctor about the daily calorie intake. The aim of the diet should result in healthy weight gain.
