During the fourth week of pregnancy, ensuring a healthy and safe diet is especially important for expectant mothers. Cold drinks should be consumed with caution as they may cause constriction of the gastrointestinal blood vessels, affecting digestion and leading to issues such as decreased appetite, indigestion, or even diarrhea. The fetus is sensitive to cold stimuli, and excessive consumption of cold drinks may make them uncomfortable and restless.
While dietary supplementation is beneficial, it is important not to overdo it to avoid increasing the burden on the kidneys, which is detrimental to health. It is recommended to consume moderate amounts of warm-natured foods such as wolfberries, lamb, and tofu skin, which can be gently nourishing through the preparation of porridge or soup, ideally limiting each serving to 1 to 2 small bowls.
The intake of monosodium glutamate should also be restricted, as its main component sodium glutamate can bind with zinc in the blood and be excreted through urine, excessive use could lead to zinc deficiency in the fetus. Therefore, it is important to reduce the use of monosodium glutamate in daily meals.
Vitamin E is crucial for fetal brain development and can help prevent habitual miscarriage. Deficiency in vitamin E may result in fetal developmental issues, restlessness, and can also affect the expectant mother’s health, such as hair loss and premature aging of the skin. The recommended daily intake is 14 milligrams, and consuming sunflower seed oil is a simple and effective way to meet this requirement with just two spoons a day.
Maintaining a regular diet during pregnancy is particularly essential, as it contributes to maintaining gastrointestinal health. In the face of excessive concern from family members, expectant mothers should balance their nutritional intake with gastrointestinal rest and establish a scientific eating routine. Avoiding the consumption of raw, cold, overly hard, or highly stimulating foods is advised, as such foods not only have limited nutritional value but can also worsen gastrointestinal burden. Opting for easily digestible and nutritionally balanced vegetables and fruits, along with regular and moderate meals, can help maintain gastrointestinal function, promote detoxification, and lay a foundation for the health of both mother and child.
