Ask the Expert: Nutrition during pregnancy

Mums to be🤰, We've invited the Principle Dietitian Wong Hui Xin to answer your questions about how to maintain a healthy pregnancy through nutrition. Hurry and drop your questions below now! 📝

Ask the Expert: Nutrition during pregnancy
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I have lost my appetite in my first trimester. How to eat healthy food. I feel repulsive to chicken and green vegetables which I loved earlier. I am allergic to egg. How to complete protein via vegetarian diet. How much protein intake is sufficient

2y ago

You need about 1g protein per kg and extra 9g for pregnancy. E.g. a person with 50kg needs about 59g/day.

I'm at my 2nd trimester but still hasnt seem to have my appetite back. currently have not to gain alot of weight too. what kind of diet should I pick up to ensure most nutrient is delivered

2y ago

Hi Siting, try to have small and frequent meals to ensure adequate nutrition. You may add more healthy fats in the cooking, have thicker spread on bread/toast, take maternal milk with higher energy content.

at 15 weeks, I have lost weight (for week 2kg). Does that mean I don't get enough nutrition? will that affect my babys' development?

2y ago

Yes. If you are losing weight, it means your calorie intake is inadequate. At 2nd trimester, you'll need additional 370kcal for the pregnancy on top of your daily energy need. Inadequate maternal nutrition will affect baby's growth. Do approach a dietitian to help you customize a diet plan.

What constitutes a healthy and nutritional meal for soon to be mummy? Also good snacks to consume if feeling peckish.

2y ago

Nuts, yogurt, toast with peanut butter are good snacks loaded with protein

first-time mum here, 1st trimester, Do I have to get food- supplements? What are the best supplements

2y ago

And fish oil!

I have lost weight. I am in the first trimester. How Can I gain weight? Which food is the best?

2y ago

Do have small and frequent meals and eat the largest meal when you're feeling less nauseated. You may add 1-2 serves of maternal milk for higher calorie intake.

What is more important during pregnancy. Completing calories or eat less but nutritious food

2y ago

Eating enough calories for appropriate weight gain with healthy and nutritious food.

I am 20 weeks pregnant. My baby is not gaining much weight. What is the best food for me?

2y ago

Include wholegrains, protein foods like fish/chicken/lean meat, eggs, beans and legumes as well as daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Try to add some higher protein snacks like toast with peanut butter, soybean curd, yogurt with muesli.

do we purposely eat more to gain week during pregnancy or do we eat as per usual ?

Do I have to limit below food during my pregnancy? Coffee,Durian, Pine apple, Papaya

2y ago

Yes for coffee, limit to 200mg caffeine per day during pregnancy (eg. 1 cup brewed coffee, 2 cups instant coffee); No for durian, pineapple and papaya.