6th Month Pregnancy Diet: Which Foods To Eat And What To Avoid

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Congratulations mommy-to-be! You are now about to enter the third trimester. The sixth month is already here, which means you are that much closer to having the little bundle in your arms.

The sixth month means you are in control of the nausea and your hunger pangs may be increasing, as the baby needs more nutrition to grow at this stage. Wanting to eat all the time is a normal part of the sixth month during your pregnancy.

In addition to eating regularly, you also need to eat right, as everything you eat now will play a huge role in your baby’s development. This is why it is vital that you include healthy foods and develop healthy eating habits in your 6th month of pregnancy diet to be in shape for the birth, as well as provide the right amount of prenatal nutrition for your unborn child.

6th Month Of Pregnancy Diet – What To Eat?

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Eating healthy is of utmost importance throughout your pregnancy, especially now that your baby is growing rapidly. Everything you eat will contribute to your baby’s development and growth, so you need to pay extra attention towards your daily diet.

Before you follow the below mentioned diet, remember that every woman’s body is different, and what may be good for others may not work well for you. Remember to check the diet with your doctor before you start any of the items mentioned. Also, stay away from anything that your health advisor may have asked you to avoid.

Here are some foods that you should definitely make a part of your diet during sixth month of pregnancy:

1. Protein:

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Pregnant women are recommended to take 75 to 100 grams of protein per day (1). However, you should avoid certain protein sources, such as fatty fish and the skin, and meat fat. It is in fact a good idea to avoid too much meat, and especially red meat.

You should go for:

• Lean meat
• White fish
• Eggs
• Black beans
• Tofu

These foods will benefit you and your child by giving you the protein that your body requires.

2. Carbohydrates:

During pregnancy, it’s recommended to consume a portion or two of carbohydrates per day. However, it’s important to consider your weight gain when doing so.

You should go for:

• Potatoes
• Pasta
• Sweet corn
• Seeds and nuts
• Oats

These are some of the foods that are rich in ‘carbs’ and healthy too.

3. Vegetables:

The goodness of vegetables is no secret and during your 6^th month of pregnancy, they are an even more important part of your diet.

You should go for:

• Beetroot
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Turnip
• Eggplant/Brinjal
• Green beans
• Tomatoes

These delicious vegetables are iron-rich foods that will do a world of good for your baby and you.

4. Fruits:

There is nothing like fresh fruits to refresh and revitalize you. The goodness that they pack in makes them the best food to eat while you are pregnant.

You should go for:

• Bananas
• Grapes
• Kiwis
• Apples
• Pears
• Clementine
• Oranges

These are great sources of nutrients that will aid in fetal development and growth so stock up on these delicious foods!

5. Dairy Products:

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If you avoided dairy products before pregnancy, now is the perfect time to indulge! The calcium intake will aid in making sure that your baby’s bones grow strong. If you are worried about gaining excess weight, you can opt for skimmed or 1% milk, soy milk, and low-fat dairy products (2). You do not need to worry as these are still rich in calcium as well as protein. However, make sure you check with your doctor, as some women develop lactose intolerance during this stage, while some doctors may ask you to stay off skimmed milk completely.

You should go for:

• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Milk

6. Fluids:

You should drink plenty of water and fruit juices during this stage of your pregnancy for adequate hydration. Experts recommend six to eight glasses of fluids every day to replenish your body (3) and also give your baby essential minerals that are present in water. Fresh fruit juices will give you the necessary nutrients to have a healthy pregnancy and baby! Additionally, your doctor may recommend you take supplements containing multivitamins and other prenatal vitamins, to ensure proper maternal nutrition.

6th Month of Pregnancy Diet – What To Avoid

Many women often have cravings for rather unhealthy foods while they are pregnant. While it is okay to indulge moderately in some junk food, there are certain foods that should be avoided at all costs while you are pregnant, especially up to your 6^th month.

Here are some of the foods that are an absolute no-no during your pregnancy (4):

1. Raw Seafood

You may have a sudden hankering for sushi but avoid it at all costs! As raw fish carry high levels of methylmercury, that can cause food-borne diseases like listeriosis which can be dangerous for your unborn baby. However, you may eat thoroughly cleaned and well-cooked salmon and other oily fish as they are great sources of vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Quick fact

All seafood dishes should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (62.7°C). On the other hand, refrigerated, smoked seafood should be cooked to 165°F (73.8°C) (7).

2. Undercooked Meat

Always follow food safety rules and make sure that you cook your meat well as the bacteria mentioned above can be present in meat that is undercooked. If you are cooking meat for a meal, take care to cook it well so that you can digest it easily and also avoid the risk of listeriosis. Try to avoid eating meat outside.

3. Unpasteurized Cheeses:

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Avoid soft cheeses that are not pasteurized and stick to hard cheeses only during your pregnancy, especially during your 6^th month. Disease-causing bacteria can also be present in this type of cheese so omit it from your diet.

Quick tip

Avoid eating soft cheeses unless the label says “made with pasteurized milk.” Hard cheese such as Cheddar or Swiss are safer alternatives to soft cheese (7).

4. Spicy Food:

There will be times when you want to eat something hot and spicy; however, it is best to avoid anything that is too spicy. It can cause your stomach to burn and cause indigestion and great discomfort. It is also not one of the best flavors to give your baby, so curb your cravings for anything too spicy.

5. Caffeine:

Needless to say, it is best to avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee and aerated drinks. It is a much healthier option to drink herbal tea as it will sooth and calm you, which is exactly what you need while you are pregnant. Then again, check with your doctor, as some women are put off green or herbal tea during pregnancy.

6. Alcohol And Tobacco:

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It is no secret that you need to completely stay away from alcohol and tobacco while you are pregnant. The damage done to your baby can be irreparable, even fatal, when you smoke or drink during pregnancy. According to US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) data, one in every five infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy has low birth weight.

Point to consider

Avoid foods that may contain raw eggs, as they may contain Salmonella. Raw batter, homemade Caesar salad dressing, tiramisu, homemade ice cream, and eggs Benedict are some foods that may have raw eggs (7).

Remember:

Apart from these foods, you should also avoid taking any over the counter medication. If you have a condition that requires you to take medication, consult your doctor and find out if it is safe to be taken while you are pregnant. Only the medicines and supplements prescribed by your doctor should be taken and it is of utmost importance to find out if any other medicines you are taking are safe for your baby. Make sure you make it very clear to your doctor that you are pregnant.

Infographic: 6th Month Of Pregnancy Diet

Following a healthy, balanced diet is crucial to supporting your health and providing ample nutrition for your growing baby. A good meal plan should include enough protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. The below infographic contains dietary suggestions for you to have in your 6th month to support your baby’s development and maintain your health.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: 6th Month Of Pregnancy Diet - Which Foods To Eat & Avoid?

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

The sixth month of pregnancy requires a lot of nutrition to support the baby. Learn which foods to take and avoid for a healthy pregnancy with this video.

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