Foods to Eat & Avoid During the 8th Month of Pregnancy

Now that you are in the final leg of your pregnancy journey, you will be able to hold your baby in your arms in a couple of weeks. But as you come close to D-day, it's important to take even better care of your health in these final few weeks.

One of the most important ways that you can take care of your health is to take care of your diet. The final weeks are very strenuous on your body and all the weight that you will gain in the coming few weeks, in addition to the weight you have already gained, will make this time quite extracting for you. A healthy diet will not only ensure your baby gets all the important nutrients they need but also help prepare your body for the tough job of delivery.

In this article, we will discuss the foods you should consume during the eighth month of your pregnancy and the ones you should avoid.

Foods You Should Eat During the 8th Month of Pregnancy

Here are the food groups and food items that are great for you in the eighth month of pregnancy and should be on your must-eat list:

1. Carbohydrates

You will need plenty of energy for yourself and your baby. Your body won't be able to properly support the growth of your baby if you're not eating enough carbs. Consider complex carbs as these have additional fibre that also aids your digestion. Good sources of complex carbs are oats, whole grains, beans and legumes.

2. Proteins

Your baby gains approximately 220 grams of weight each week during the 8th month of pregnancy. Your baby needs a lot of protein, around 75-100 grams of daily protein consumption is considered a good amount. Good sources of protein include eggs, meat, legumes, nuts, beans and dairy products like paneer and milk. Eating fish also provides you with important Omega 3 fatty acids which are important for the development of the baby's nervous system.

You may also like: Guide: Following A Vegetarian Diet During Your Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

3. Fibre

Fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables and legumes prevent constipation and keep your digestive system healthy. Fermented foods like Kimchi, yogurt and sauerkraut not only keep your digestive system healthy but also boost your immune system.

4. Vitamin and Mineral-rich Foods

Iron, calcium, vitamins C and D, and magnesium are important during these final weeks of pregnancy. Foods like almonds, walnuts, citrus fruits, green vegetables, pumpkin and iron-fortified cereals are good sources of the above.

Foods You Should Avoid During the 8th Month of Pregnancy

Here are some food items that are better to avoid during the eighth month of pregnancy as they may do more harm than good:

1. Unpasteurized dairy products

Milk and cheese which are unpasteurized should be avoided at all costs as these may contain bacteria like E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella.

2. Coffee

Coffee should be avoided as it can cause constipation during this stage of pregnancy.

3. Raw or Undercooked meat and eggs

Bacteria like salmonella and other microorganisms can cause food poisoning and lead to other deadly complications for the foetus.

4. Alcohol and tobacco

You should avoid alcohol, smoking and tobacco during pregnancy like a plague. Even limited use of these can cause serious complications for the baby during this time of your pregnancy.

Closing Thoughts

A well-balanced and nutritious diet will help you remain healthy during the last few weeks of your pregnancy and also during the time of your delivery. You're now responsible for the safety and well-being of two lives, eat in a manner which reflects that.