A complete guide to third-trimester diet and nutrition

As you complete your second trimester, the anticipation of childbirth and labor starts building up in your heart. You become nervous, start worrying about the child's delivery, and so on. You also have to deal with false labor pains, wobbling feet, and a high sexual drive. So, all in all, the third trimester is more of enhanced emotions that can become too overwhelming to deal with.

In the midst of all these, you completely ignore your body’s need for proper nutrition. Not only do you have to eat for yourself but also the grown baby. Unless and until your body receives all the proper nutrition, it won't be easy for the body to prepare itself for childbirth and labor pain. Moreover, there are high chances of going into early labor with the wrong food.

Bearing the risks in mind, we have formulated a complete guide, mentioning the food items you have to eat, the nutritional level to be maintained, and more.

Nutritional needs during the third trimester

This section below will explain the average calorie intake required for a healthy third trimester and on-time fetus delivery.

• In the third trimester, your body will need proteins for fetal growth and the thickening of uterine and cervical muscles. The required calorie for protein is about 75 grams to 100 grams.

• 100 grams of calcium a day is needed to develop fetal bones, strengthen your bones, fluid balance, and so on.

• Iron, about 25 grams, is required since it will help form more RBC and proper transfer of oxygen through hemoglobin.

• A maximum of 800 micrograms of folic acid is required for Vitamin B12 and reduces risks of neural problems in the fetus.

• Apart from this, your body will also need carbohydrates and fat for the healthy growth of the fetus and the reduced risks of nutritional deficiency.

Foods to eat during the third trimester

There are a lot of foods that you must include in the third-semester diet. These will provide significant macronutrients and several other vitamins and minerals.

Fresh fruits

The first group of food items that you need to include in your diet is fruits. Starting from kiwi and lemon to pomegranate, fig, mango, apple, berries, and others need to be there in the diet. These are significant sources of water and come with several vitamins and minerals essential for both your and the fetus's body.

For example:

• Lemon, berries, and kiwi have Vitamin C

• Pomegranate has a high quantity of iron

• Apple is an excellent source of vitamin A

Lentils

Lentils are a great source of protein, starting from kidney beans to chickpeas and more. Therefore, adding them to your diet will help you give the required protein content to your body for fetal development. If you don't like the lentils, you can have them in the following ways:

• Toast with cooked kidney beans

• Pita bread with red beans

• Chickpea salad

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are crucial due to the high nutritional content required by both the mother and fetus. You can make granola bars with these ingredients like pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and more. You can also have salted roasted pistachios and almonds as quick snack bites or add fresh nuts and seeds to oatmeal.

Fish

Fish is the primary source of protein, iodine, minerals, vitamins, and essential omega acids. These nutrients will help properly develop your baby's brain and DHA. Some fishes to eat in the third trimester are salmon, anchovies, tuna, freshwater trout, shrimp, cod, mackerel, and more.

Conclusion

One must consult a dietician as well for a proper guide on the nutrition required for each month of pregnancy. In case you face any allergy or problem due to any specific ingredient, consult our doctor at medipulse for an alternative to fulfill the nutrition gap.

Common Rashes: Types, Symptoms, Treatments, & More

Are you facing itchiness, redness, bumps, and irritation on your skin? Chances are it could be a rash on your skin that is causing it. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, it is susceptible to different types of rashes and other skin diseases. There are different types of rashes, all of which can cause a considerable amount of discomfort for the person suffering from it.

It is tough to get rid of any rashes, no matter which type it is. The wisest decision is to identify the skin condition as soon as you notice it so that it could be treated and cured immediately. Let us discuss all the details about identifying and treating some of the most commonly found skin rashes below.

5 Common Types of Rashes and Their Treatment

1.      Ringworm

• Description: One of the most common skin conditions or infections found in people is ringworm. It is caused by a fungus which also causes another skin condition known as athlete’s foot. Ringworm gets its name from the circular shape it forms on the skin, often becoming red and cracked.

• Symptoms: This type of skin rash is very itchy in nature and causes circular red areas on the skin in the affected areas. It can cause loss of hair, too, if it forms on the scalp.

• Treatment: The best way to treat this type of infection is to take oral medications as prescribed by your doctor. Anti-fungal creams can also help you treat this skin rash, but be sure to consult your dermatologist before.

• Prevention: This skin rash is contagious and can be caused by coming in touch with a person or surface that might contain this fungus. Avoid it by drying the groin area, skin folds and feet well.

2.     Eczema

• Description: Eczema is an umbrella term used for various types of skin conditions that cause flaky, red, dry and crusty skin due to lack of moisture. It usually forms on places like elbows, knees, hands and feet.

• Symptoms: Extremely itchy affected area. Other symptoms include dry, red and flaky patches of skin.

• Treatment: If you are showing any symptoms of eczema, you should immediately consult with your dermatologist. They can prescribe you anti-itch lotions, anti-fungal medicated soaps, fragrance-free, and non-dyed soaps that can help you cure the affected area.

• Prevention: You should avoid taking long and hot showers. You can apply moisturisers while your skin is still damp from the shower, as it will help the moisturiser penetrate through the skin quickly.

3.     Acne

• Description: Acne is the most common type of skin condition occurring among teenagers and adults worldwide. It is characterised by red bumps or pimples on the forehead, face, chest and shoulders. It is caused by excess accumulation of oil, sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells in the pores of your skin.

• Symptoms: Pimple-like red bumps often appearing along with blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. It can sometimes be itchy too.

• Treatment: It is wise to consult with your dermatologist, who might provide you with prescription medications for your acne, depending on the severity and your age. Medical methods such as chemical peels can also be used to treat your acne to remove the top layer of your skin.

• Prevention: Some of the most common ways you can prevent acne are by washing your face regularly with a gentle cleanser and using a moisturiser. Keeping your hands from touching your face often also helps with acne prevention.

4.      Psoriasis

• Description: Psoriasis is defined as discoloured, thick, sore and dry patches of flaky skin. It is sometimes silver and flaky in nature which causes plaques that might appear on places like the face, palms, knees, elbows, back and feet.

• Symptoms: Uneven raised plaques of skin, soreness, itchiness and a burning sensation.

• Treatment: Psoriasis cannot be totally cured, but you can reduce it by consulting with a dermatologist and getting a prescription or over-the-counter medication.

• Prevention: If you happen to have psoriasis in your genetics, you can keep it at bay by taking regular showers, moisturising your skin and getting sunlight regularly.

5.      Hives

• Description: Hives are defined as uneven, raised, itchy welts that can be found on your skin. It is pink, red or flesh-coloured, and it can be caused by an allergic reaction from medication or food.

• Symptoms: Pinkish, red or flesh coloured welts that suddenly appear on your skin.

• Treatment: Get the type of hives you have, identified by your dermatologist and get prescribed antihistamines. Avoid using hot water for a shower that might irritate hives.

• Prevention: Wear loose-fitted clothes and avoid humid areas.

Ending Note

It is advised to get your skin conditions treated immediately before it spreads even more and becomes uncontrollable. So, consider getting medical help if you are showing signs of any of the above-mentioned skin diseases.

What To Eat During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is perhaps the most miraculous thing because a woman is producing a human being inside her womb. It is extremely important to keep a check on what you are eating during your pregnancy, so that your body gets all the requisite nutrients for the baby to develop and grow healthy. Making the right choices in eating is important to help your body deal with the major changes that are happening.

Ideally, an expectant mother’s diet should have a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Each nutrient has its own importance and contribution in helping build your baby.

1.     Calcium: It is extremely helpful in building strong teeth, bones, muscles and nerves of your baby. Gynaecologists usually prescribe calcium supplements to the expectant mother right from the second trimester because that is when your baby’s bones and muscles start to develop.

2.     Folic acid: It is another essential nutrient that saves the baby from any kind of neural tube defects. Doctors say that at least 600 micrograms of folic acid are essential for the expectant mother.

3.     Vitamin D: It helps to strengthen the immune system of the expectant mother.

4.     Iron: An expectant mother needs twice as much iron as the body normally does without pregnancy. This mineral helps in maintaining the haemoglobin levels in the body.

5.     DHA: It is an omega-3 fatty acid and plays a vital role in baby’s brain and eye development. Expectant mothers need at least 200 to 300 milligrams of DHA per day. 

Now that you understand which mineral and nutrient does what, it is important to have a balanced diet so that your intake is an ideal proportion of all the nutrients.

Let us list down some super-nutritious foods for you to accommodate in your meals, during pregnancy.

1.     Dairy Products: During pregnancy, your body demands some extra grams of protein and calcium, for your baby’s growing bones and even to keep your body muscles strong. Dairy products include milk, yoghurt, cheese and ghee and they should compulsorily be a part of your daily diet regime. Certain varieties of yoghurt also contain probiotic bacteria that help in digestion. 

2.     Legumes: Legumes are the most protein-rich source of food and includes peas, beans, chickpeas, soyabeans and lentils. They are also rich in folate, iron and fiber which are very essential for your body during pregnancy. Women often complain of constipation during pregnancy as legumes help to ease out that problem.

3.     Eggs: Eggs are a rich source of protein, fats and vitamins. They also have choline which is a form of vitamin B that the liver makes. It is extremely essential during pregnancy for your baby’s brain development and prevents abnormalities of the brain and spine.

4.     Leafy green vegetables: Leafy green vegetables are a rich source of almost all the nutrients that your body would need. They are loaded with iron, potassium, vitamins and calcium. They relieve constipation and are also associated with a low risk of underweight babies.

5.     Whole grains: They are a rich source of fibres and vitamins. Some whole grains like barley and wheat are also loaded with magnesium and vitamin B. You should make it a choice to include oats, quinoa, and brown rice in your daily meals.

6.     Dry fruits: Dry fruits are rich in calories, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Just one serving of dry fruits can suffice for the daily prescribed requirements of vitamins, minerals, iron and potassium. Expectant mothers should add a small portion of mixed nuts in their daily diet regime.

7.     Bananas: They are a rich source of potassium which helps in maintaining good levels of blood pressure. Plus, they provide immediate energy whenever you feel a strong urge to eat something.

8.     Sweet potato: They're loaded with vitamin A and can serve for more than 4 times of your daily requirement. Vitamin A is essential during the first trimester when your baby starts to develop different organs and body parts.

9.     Salmon: Salmon is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids that are very essential for baby’s growth. If you are fond of non-vegetarian food, you should make salmon a part of your diet as they aid in the development of baby’s brain and eyes. However, be cautious as fish also contains mercury and other contaminants, so avoid too much of its intake.

10. Water: Expectant mothers should stay hydrated because your body needs more water as the blood volume increases. The foetus also floats in water inside the womb hence, hydration gets passed onto your baby so you should strictly watch your water intake. Increased water intake also reduces the chances of urinary tract infections which are very common during pregnancy.

If you do not like a certain food item, try giving it a twist and you can have a whole lot of delicious items to even the most non-delicious things. Remember, your growing baby will take down everything you give to it so stay cautious about your eating choices.

Here’s what an ideal diet for corona patients should include

Given how draining the impact of corona virus can be on a person suffering from it, it is very important to keep the levels of stress as low as possible and that of energy as high as possible. And when it comes to having optimum energy throughout a day, one needs to have proper and healthy food always, which also plays a major role in boosting immunity for faster healing.

Following are some pointers which one should focus on while preparing an ideal diet plan for corona patients:-

• Proper hydration – Staying hydrated is the key if you have been contracted with corona virus. In such conditions, one should drink the optimum amount of water as prescribed on a normal basis, which is essentially 6-8 glasses of water, which roughly translates to 1.5-2 liters of water a day. In addition to the consumption of water, one can rely more on liquids like milk, fruit juices, tea and coffee. It is recommended to stay away from liquids-rich in sugar content, and that means consumption of fruit juices too should be in a limited amount (not more than 150ml).

• Stay away from alcohol – If one is diagnosed with coronavirus, facing stress can be a direct outcome in these tough times. In such conditions, those who consume alcohol on a normal basis see it as a natural way to relieve from stress. Considering the fact that alcohol leads to dehydration, it is purely recommended to stay away from alcohol in these times. However, if one can’t stop the urge to have it, ensure that he/she should consume it in a minimum amount as possible.

• Foods rich in nutrition, but low in calories – If one is suffering from corona virus, boosting immunity through foods should be a prime focus. It is advisable to consume foods which are rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which will help in enhancing immunity. The most essential nutrients in such situations include proteins, Vitamin A, C, D and E as well as zinc content. For this, the most recommended things are quinoa, lentils, eggs, boiled fish, spinach, pumpkin, carrots, fruits, yogurt, dried fruits and nuts, nut butter, fruit smoothie and soup (chicken/carrot/tomato).

• Avoid some food items – While there are a number of food items which can boost your immunity, as mentioned above, there are certain food items which can be best avoided in order to not invite any further trouble. In such times, one should avoid food items which are quite hard to digest or can cause gas, such as fried and spicy food, packaged snacks and acidic drinks including soda. In contrast, one can find alternatives by having foods which are easier to digest, such as bananas and cooked vegetables like spinach and beets, the latter of which can be consumed in liquid form like soups.

• Grain consumption – In order to facilitate easy eating in these tough times, one should keep his/her fiber content in optimum condition to ensure smooth digestion. For this, in such a duration, one can have include whole grain items like oats, brown pasta, brown bread and quinoa, and avoid refined grain foods like white pasta, white rice and white bread.

In addition to all these, there are some conditions which one should keep in mind while having a proper diet plan in these tough times. Here they are:-

1. Prepare a proper schedule and diet chart for the healing period – Since one might need to stay only at home during the healing period, he/she should not indulge in the practice of panic buying. This only leads to negative consequences like a sudden increase in prices of food items or shortage of essentials. You can focus more on food items whose shelf life is longer, in order to avoid frequent buying.

2. Focus more on home-cooked meals – Most of the restaurants and take-away places rely on frozen items which might not be too fresh for consumption purposes. While you might feel a strong urge to eat outside food, it is better to focus more on home-cooked food, which ensures optimum freshness and exact amount and type of ingredients as per your choice. However, if conditions enforce you to have outside food, try to order foods which are easy to digest as well as simplistic in their cooking and digestion approach.

3. Limit salt and sugar intake – It is recommended to consume less than 5g of salt and less than 5% of energy intake from free sugar in your daily routine. So, in these times, one should avoid adding extra salt or sugar to your already cooked food. For added flavor, one can experiment with fresh or dried herbs.

4. Safe food handling practices – Since coronavirus is one rapidly spreading disease, one must ensure following safe hygiene practices as and when required. While having food, there are certain steps, both before and after, which ones should follow, such as keeping kitchen and utensils always clean, keeping raw and cooked food separate and keeping food at safe temperatures.

While preparing this entire food and diet plan, one must consult the type of food item and amount of it for consumption with a trained dietician, for faster recovery purposes.