By now, it’s no secret that we need to routinely consume plenty of fiber each day throughout all stages of our life to maintain a healthy digestive system. And, to keep our overall health in check. Same goes when you’re pregnant. Fiber doesn’t become less important when you’re expecting, on the contrary it can help prevent unwanted, yet common things in pregnancy such as; hemorrhoids, constipation, unhealthy weight gain and waste build up in your colon that can be detrimental to your health.
These symptoms occur during pregnancy due to your digestive system slowing down because of the hormone progesterone. It causes smooth muscles to relax, affecting your stomach as well as your large and small intestines. That, and your stomach also gets repositioned. Now, that might sound a little scary, but here’s what happens; as your uterus gets bigger, it moves your stomach, altering the pressure between your abdomen and thorax.
The good news is many of these can be avoided fairly easily with a high fiber diet, including plenty of water.
During pregnancy, it’s a constant list of what not to do, so we are here to flip the script and tell you all things you cando. Remembering what you can eat and drink is a lot better than keeping up with what you should be avoiding. Below is a nice list of things you can keep in mind when planning your meals and snacks, distributing these foods through the day in ½ cup to 1 cup increments.
| FRUITS | GRAINS | LEGUMES & NUTS | VEGETABLES | DRINK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berries, bananas, pears and apples with the skin, oranges and figs | Whole grain pasta, oats/oatmeal, barley and brown rice | Split peas, black beans, lentils, nuts and seeds | Artichokes, broccoli, carrots and potatoes with the skin | Consuming plenty of water is key for fiber to thrive |
Staying hydrated is also very important, whether expecting or not, water is essential for fiber to do its magic. With vibi+® we kept hydration in mind since it is so important, making it the perfect way to add fiber to your diet with 27% of your daily needs in a 16.9 oz bottle! When it comes to the expecting mamas, we also considered the importance of consuming B vitamins and their key role in helping your body absorb nutrients. Speaking of B vitamins, if you’re expecting you probably have heard of B9 – Folic Acid which is extremely important in helping the proper development of the fetus and it’s growth. It’s in every bottle of vibi+®, too.
Being a mom is an important role even before the baby comes. Taking care of your health is essential…but a little overwhelming. So, know this; you’re doing great and we’re rooting for you!
Cheers!
