The ninth month of pregnancy is when you should relax and rest as much as possible. In the third trimester, your diet and lifestyle should account for both you and your baby’s health.

Which Foods Should You Eat in the Ninth Month?

Indulge in healthy and nutritious foods similar to those you had in the first and second trimester. But you’ll need to eat bigger meals as your baby is putting on weight. Here are some foods you should include in the third-trimester pregnancy diet.

  1. Fibre-Rich Foods

Include fresh vegetables, fruits, cereals, oats, bread and whole grains in your diet.

  1. Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium-rich foods are a must in the last stage of pregnancy. Your growing baby needs calcium for the development of strong bones. Cheese, yoghurt, lentils, almonds, leafy greens are good choices.

  1. Iron-Rich Foods

Iron deficiency is a major problem faced by women in the third trimester. Even if you take iron supplements, your diet should be consist of iron-rich foods. Iron is available in raisins, broccoli, chicken, peas, berries, eggs, fish, etc.

IRON RICH FOODS

  1. Foods With Vitamin C

Eat tomatoes, cauliflower, strawberries, broccoli, bell-peppers and oranges. These are not only high in vitamin C but are also good for your skin.

5. Folic Acid-Rich Foods

Folic acid is vital for your baby’s growth, especially for spine development. If you don’t take folic acid supplements, add foods like beans, green leafy vegetables, and chickpeas to your plate.

  1. Foods With Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for your baby’s eyes and also helps your eye health. Foods like sweet potato, carrots, and spinach are full of Vitamin A.

Summing Up: Foods to Eat During the 9th Month of Pregnancy

  • Fresh fruits like strawberries, and oranges
  • Fresh veggies like tomatoes, cauliflower, beans, sweet potato, carrots, and peas
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole-grain foods
  • Dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, eggs, chicken, and fish
  • Lentils
  • Leafy greens like spinach
  • Dry fruits like raisins, and almonds

A balanced diet keeps common pregnancy symptoms like heartburn and constipation at bay. It also ensures the proper development of the fetus.

Which Foods Should You Avoid in the Ninth Month?

Here’s a list of foods to avoid in the early as well later stages of pregnancy:

  1. Caffeine

Caffeine is highly dangerous to your little one during pregnancy. If you simply can’t do without it, limit the intake to 200 mg a day. Chocolate may also contain caffeine, so it’s better to cut down on its consumption.

  1. Alcohol

Avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.

AVOID ALCOHOL

  1. Soft Cheese

Cheese that is unpasteurized can lead to listeriotic, an infection which is hazardous to your baby. So, stay away from it.

  1. Tobacco

Tobacco can affect the development of the foetus.

  1. Fish With High Mercury Content

Some types of fish like shark, marlin and swordfish contain a high amount of mercury, which is harmful to the baby.

6. Raw Meats

With uncooked or half-cooked meat, you run the risk of contracting a bacterial or viral infection that can cross the placenta and cause harm.

7. Junk Foods

Chips, cakes, cookies and candy have little nutritional value and are high in sugars and fats. They should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether.

Summing Up: Foods to Avoid During the 9th Month of Pregnancy

  • Coffee and chocolate with caffeine content
  • Alcohol
  • Unpasteurized cheese
  • Tobacco
  • Fish with mercury content like swordfish, shark and marlin
  • Raw meats
  • Junk foods

Tips

These tips will help manage your meals better.

  • Split your meals into 6-7 portions instead of 3 large ones.
  • Consume water throughout the day.
  • Eat a handful of nuts and seeds every day.

Eating a balanced diet and including exercises like brisk walking and yoga help to avoid complications and risks for both the mother and the baby.