15 Pregnancy Superfoods: What You Should Eat When Pregnant

Pregnancy can be an exciting and wonderful time in a woman’s life. From choosing the name of your little one to picking out everything that goes into a nursery, pregnancy can be exciting! Lwts talk about pregnancy superfoods though. One of the most important things you can do while you are pregnant though is to eat the right foods that are beneficial for both you and your baby. While you are pregnant, there are special pregnancy superfoods that you should be including into your diet. These foods are beneficial for both you and your baby and contain many nutritional benefits specific to pregnant mothers. So here you go mama, 15 pregnancy superfoods you should eat while pregnant! Bon appetit! 😊👩🏻‍🍳🥑🍌🍠🍽

Pregnancy Superfoods, What To Eat While Pregnant

1. Lentils.

Lentils are a great pregnancy superfood, they contain folic acid, an important vitamin for pregnant women. Folic acid helps in the prevention of certain birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. They also contain protein which helps in the development of muscles for your little one.  Lentils also contain fiber and help with constipation.

2. Salmon.

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids which aid in neurological and visual development of your baby. In addition, salmon is also believed to lower your risk of preterm delivery by the American Pregnancy Association. It also contains proteins, zinc, iron and vitamin B. A beneficial fish and a great pregnancy superfood.

3. Sweet Potato.

Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, fiber and vitamin B-6.  A packed potato! Some websites advise not to eat too many sweet potatoes due to too much vitamin A, so just eat a sensible amount.

4. Fully Cooked Eggs.

Can I eat eggs while pregnant?

Fully cooked eggs are another pregnancy superfood and contain protein, an essential part of a pregnancy diet. They contain omega 3 fatty acids which help in overall baby’s brain and growth.  Please keep in mind that the eggs have to be fully cooked. However, egg salad has been deemed off limits due to the chance it can harbor potentially harmful bacteria.

5. Almonds.

Almonds are super packed with nutrients that are great for pregnancy. A handful of this pregnancy superfood can bring many benefits. They contain protein, iron, vitamin E as well as heart healthy unsaturated fats. They also contain calcium, riboflavin, iron, folate, manganese, and magnesium. Not stopping there, they also contain fiber, zinc, omega-3 and phosphorous.

6. Yogurt.

Another great pregnancy superfood is yogurt. Yogurt is a great source of protein which is important while pregnant. It also has more calcium than milk and the active cultures in yogurt have been known to help reduce the chances of yeast infections which can be more common when you are expecting.

7. Oatmeal.

The American Pregnancy Association reports that oatmeal is a top source of folic acid and iron, which are both crucial nutrients in the prenatal period. Oats are packed with many valuable minerals including potassium and iron, which are needed during pregnancy. It is estimated that just a quarter cup of oats contains around 4 grams of dietary fiber, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 73 grams of potassium and only 150 calories. Another great pregnancy superfood!

8. Legumes.

This group of food includes lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans and peanuts. Legumes are an amazing source of fiber, protein, iron, folate (B9) and calcium, all of which expecting mothers needs more of during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Make sure to include this pregnancy superfood early on!

9. Broccoli.

Another pregnancy food you should be eating is broccoli. Brocolli can help prevent constipation, controls anemia, regulates sugar levels, strengthens bones, improves eye health and can help prevent birth defects. Overall, it helps promote healthy fetal development.

10. Spinach.

Spinach contains loads of beta-carotene. This beta-carotene, converted into vitamin A, helps in the development of your unborn baby’s lungs. Spinach can also help lower blood pressure, keep your immune system healthy and contains calcium. A great pregnancy superfood.

 More Of The Best Foods To Eat While Pregnant

11. Avocado.

Avocados contain folic acid which helps reduce the chances of birth defects. They also aid in digestion, are packed with vitamins and have even been known to help with morning sickness.

12. Bananas.

Another pregnancy food to eat is bananas. Pregnant women have been advised to eat bananas during pregnancy since they help in good colon health, prevent anemia, leg cramps and can help reduce swelling, a common side effect in pregnancy.

13. Chia Seeds.

Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development. Two tablespoons of chia seeds provide 138 calories, about 8.5 grams of fat (primarily omega-3 fatty acids), 4.5 grams of protein, 11 grams of carbohydrates and 9 grams of fiber. Chia seeds are also a good source of calcium, iron and vitamin A. A jam packed pregnancy superfood!

14. Dates.

It has been said that dates are very good to eat late in pregnancy. Dates increase the oxytocin effect (contraction of the womb), which increases the sensitivity of the uterus. The saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the fruit supply energy and produce prostaglandins required for labor. Also, the serotonin, calcium, and tannin present in dates help in the contraction of uterine muscles.

15. Red Bell Pepper.

One red bell pepper has three times as much vitamin C as an orange! This nutrient is known for keeping the immune system in going strong, which can sometimes be compromised during pregnancy.  Vitamin C’s antioxidants can also aid in fetal brain development and help absorb much-needed iron.

There you go, mama! Enjoy adding these pregnancy superfood items to your diet and best of luck with your pregnancy!

Read other related articles such as:

• 10 Foods You Cant Eat While Pregnant
• 10 Things I Wish I knew While Pregnant
• 10 Important & Practical Things To Do Before Baby #2
•  My Top 10 Baby Product List
• Dear Overwhelmed Mom, You’re Not Alone

Disclaimer: I am not a medical or food and drug safety professional. This list compilation is through research conducted on my own and assume no liability to what you choose to put in your body while pregnant.

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