What Foods Will Make a Healthy Surrogate Baby?

by Physician's Surrogacy Physician’s Surrogacy is helping to make dreams be

Pregnancy can be very confusing for a surrogate since there is so much information telling them what they should and should not eat. Is it o.k. to eat eggs, or do they have too much cholesterol? Is good to eat fish because of the fish oil, or is it dangerous because of the mercury? It can make your head explode, but there are many ways to make sure that you and the unborn baby get the nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Below is some good advice from food specialists on the best pregnancy foods:

Salmon

This fish is not only rich in high-quality protein but is also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Apart from being good for your overall health, these nutrients are essential for the development of the baby. You don’t have to worry about mercury. Unlike swordfish, shark, shellfish and king mackerel; salmon contains relatively low amounts of methyl mercury (which can destroy the baby’s nervous system). Nevertheless, you need to make sure that you don’t have more than 12 ounces of salmon in a week, as advised by the FDA.

Beans

Chances are you already know it is extremely important to have a lot of protein when you are pregnant, but it is possible that you haven’t realize the importance of making fiber a part of your diet. Pregnancy is known to slow down the gestational tract, putting you at risk for constipation and hemorrhoids. Beans contain the best of both worlds, being the richest in proteins and fibers of all veggies. That aside, beans are an excellent source of iron, zinc, calcium, and folate. And there are many varieties to choose from: lentils, chickpeas, pinto beans, navy beans, etc.

Walnuts

Walnuts are by far one of the best sources for plant-derived omega-3s. Plant-based omega-3s do not offer much of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that can benefit a growing baby, but they are still a good source for pregnant women, not to mention that they contain plenty of fiber and protein. In addition to that, they are a great choice for expectant mothers on the run.

Greek Yogurt

Giving a baby the necessary nutrients without giving up on your own nutrition is one of the goals in pregnancy. And Greek yogurt is perfect for that. Nutritionists are in love with Greek yogurt since it’s a good source of calcium (which is good for the creation of a healthy skeleton for the fetus and maintains the depleting bones of the mother) and contains twice the amount of protein found in regular yogurt.

Eggs

The edible egg is loaded with more than 12 minerals and vitamins, packed with high-quality protein, and all at approximately 90 calories per egg. While the importance of having enough protein during pregnancy has been discussed over and over, it is good to emphasize the essential quality of protein. The cells of a baby grow at a rapid rate, and each of these cells is made up of protein.

Other nutrients found in large amounts in eggs are omega-3 fats and choline, which support brain and vision development. And there’s no truth that eggs are overly rich in cholesterol. Consuming saturated fats increases the levels of cholesterol in your body more than consuming the cholesterol naturally present in eggs. That aside, even though eggs are a bit high in cholesterol, they contain relatively low amounts of fats. But that’s not all; they are also cheap, quick and versatile.

Popcorn and Other Whole Grains

Does this surprise you? Yes, popcorn is also considered a whole grain! And therefore, popcorn (whole grains in general) is essential because it is abundant in fiber and nutrients, such as vitamin E, selenium, and phytonutrients (a protective compound found in plants). But remember that there are many other grain choices available, like barley, quinoa, and oatmeal. In fact, whole grain quinoa is a superfood since it packs a lot of nutrients and is very easy to make.

Sweet Potatoes

Do you know why sweet potatoes are so orange? Carotenoids, a plant pigment that is converted into vitamin A in the human body. Although too much “preformed” vitamin A (found in milk, eggs, and liver) can pose risks to the body, carotenoids are a different nutrient entirely. They are transformed into vitamin A when needed, so you are free to eat as much as you want while eating other foods rich in vitamin A on the side. Sweet potatoes are inexpensive and versatile and contain fiber, folate, and vitamin C.

Colorful Veggies and Fruit

Each of the color groups offers different minerals and vitamins, and there is a wide range of choices out there. The best thing to do is to eat from each color, especially during the last few months of pregnancy. The growing baby also tastes food that the mother eats through the amniotic fluid. Hence, exposing the baby to vegetables and fruits while in the womb is going to raise the chance of the baby recognizing and eating those foods in the future.

A surrogate pregnancy is a wonderful, rewarding experience, and consuming the right foods during the process can benefit you and your baby. You can always reach out to us at www.physicianssurrogacy.com or call (858) 342-3327 to learn more about surrogacy.