List of mandatory nutrition for pregnant women during the second trimester

No less than the first trimester of pregnancy, in the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women still need essential nutrients to support the growth and development of their fetuses. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus in the womb is still experiencing various important growths and developments that can have an impact on the next life. What are the nutrients in the second trimester of pregnancy that pregnant women must meet?

What happens during the second trimester of pregnancy?

In the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus in the womb shows more and more development. Almost all organs and parts of the baby's body have been formed.

By the 15th week of pregnancy, the baby's bones have started to form and will then start to solidify. The baby's head and hair patterns have also begun to appear on the ultrasound images. Not only that, in fact, his organs, nerves and muscles have started to function. At the end of the second trimester (i.e. at 27 weeks gestation), the baby's nervous system and lungs begin to mature.

To support all the development of this baby, of course, it takes a lot of important nutrients that pregnant women must fulfill.

What are the second trimester nutrients that pregnant women must meet?

The nutrition of the second trimester of pregnancy is not much different from the first trimester of pregnancy. Some of the essential nutrients during the first trimester still need to be fulfilled during the second trimester. The following are second trimester nutrients that are important for pregnant women to fulfill:

1. Folate

Yes, you still need to meet your folate needs during the second trimester. The folate requirement that you must meet during the second trimester is 600 micrograms per day. Meeting the needs of folate is important to reduce the risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida. You can get folate from a variety of foods, such as green vegetables, oranges, chicken, shellfish, and nuts.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to improve the development of the baby's brain and nerves from the time they are in the womb. The fulfillment of good omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy can have an impact on the development of vision, memory, and language comprehension in the future. You need 1.4 g of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. You can meet your needs for omega-3 fatty acids from consuming fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna and sardines), walnut oil, and eggs fortified with omega-3s.

3. Calcium

In this second trimester, bone formation and bone compaction occurs in the baby's body. Thus, the calcium needs of pregnant women are quite high and it is important to be fulfilled. Calcium requirement of pregnant women at this time is 1200 mg. You can meet this need by consuming milk, cheese, yogurt, green vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, and kale), bony fish (such as sardines and anchovies), soybeans and their products, and eggs.

4. Iron

The need for iron for pregnant women is getting higher approaching the time of delivery. Iron is needed to support the formation of increasing red blood cells. Your need for iron during the second trimester is 35 mg. You can meet this iron requirement from red meat, green vegetables, egg yolks, and nuts. Some of you may also need iron supplements.

5. Zinc

As with iron, the need for zinc increases during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The need for zinc in the second trimester is 14 mg. Unmet needs for zinc can increase the risk of birth defects, infant growth limitations, and preterm birth. For that, you need to meet these zinc needs from various foods, such as red meat, seafood, green vegetables, and nuts.

Watch your weight gain

You may notice more clearly changes in your body shape as you enter your second trimester. The second trimester is when you gain a fair amount of weight. This weight gain during pregnancy can be adjusted according to your pre-pregnancy weight, so you don't get overweight during pregnancy. This weight gain during pregnancy aims to provide food for the baby during pregnancy and also to be stored as a supply for breastfeeding after you give birth.