Yes. Breakfast essentials are considered safe during pregnancy, but you should be aware of the amount of sugar present in the box or the ready-made drink in the bottle. Also, breakfast essentials shouldn’t be taken to lose weight or as a meal supplement during pregnancy. Rather consider it as a snack on the go or a filler between meals. The best approach before buying breakfast essentials is consulting your doctor about the same.
Hi, dear mama,
Once you become pregnant, nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals should be increased in your daily diet.
Your body needs the extra nutrients to nourish yours and your fetus, but in any case, your body is devised in a way that it’ll do everything in its power to develop the baby.
For example, the fetus needs calcium to strengthen its skeletons; if the mother doesn’t get enough calcium, the fetus is likely to draw calcium from the mother’s bones, weakening it. So, the healthier you eat daily, the better your body will nourish your unborn baby.
This also doesn’t invite the phrase “you’re eating for two now” because this will lead to excess weight gain, which will invite many more troubles.
“Eating for two” should only be considered as eating twice as healthy during pregnancy, meaning you do need more micro and macronutrients to support you and your baby.
Nutrition during pregnancy
Your body must intake good nutrients to meet the requirements for taking care of your body as your pregnancy progresses.
The goal of having a healthy diet every day is to create a balance between getting enough nutrients to support the growing baby and maintaining weight gain during pregnancy.
According to nutrition recommendations, the nutrition intake for pregnant women is to eat what you’d normally eat in the first trimester.
In the second trimester, you need to increase your calorie intake by 350 calories, and by the third trimester, increase your daily calorie intake by 450 calories. These figures are increased if you’re carrying multiples.
The amount of nutrients pregnant woman needs:
| Nutrient | Daily requirements |
| Iron | 27mg |
| Calcium | 1200mg |
| Protein | 70-100g (increases every trimester) |
| Folate | 600-800 micrograms |
Iron
Daily consumption of about 27mg of iron in your diet will help increase your blood flow, which will help ensure that enough oxygen is supplied to both you and your baby.
Sources of iron:
- Leafy vegetables like spinach
- Lean beef and poultry
- Citrus fruits (vitamin C helps increase absorption of iron)
- Eggs
- Red meat
- Nuts
- Dried apricots
- Beans such as kidney beans and chickpeas
Calcium
Calcium helps strengthen you and your baby’s bones and regulates the body’s use of fluids. You’re probably will be recommended to take prenatal vitamins for additional calcium supplements.
Sources of calcium:
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Leafy vegetables
- Artichokes
- Butternut squash
- Avocados
- Low mercury fish and seafood like shrimp, salmon, and catfish
- Milk
Protein
Protein helps to increase your blood supply and allowing more blood to flow to your baby. It also helps in the growth of a baby’s brain, tissues, and organs.
Your daily protein intake should depend on which trimester you’re in and your weight. So, meet a good nutritionist to know how much protein and in what form you should consume every day.
Sources of protein:
- Lean meats like pork and beef
- Fish and seafood
- Milk and other dairy products
- Poultry
- Nuts
- Cottage cheese
- Beans
Folate
Also known as folic acid, folate is a B vitamin (B9) that is quite important in reducing major birth defects that affect the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Pregnant women or women who’re trying to become pregnant should consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid before conception and at least for 3 months after becoming pregnant.
Sources of folic acid:
- Legumes
- Leafy vegetables (basically it’s healthy and you should never ignore it!)
- Enriched grains
- Liver
- Nuts
- Eggs
So, is a breakfast essential safe during pregnancy?
Well, there’s no harm in consuming a breakfast essential once in a while, but don’t try to make it a habit unless your doctor recommends it.
The problem arises when pregnant women lose weight, consume breakfast essential as a meal replacement, and avoid eating anything else.
This should never be the case because a breakfast essential should only be considered a snack that you take once in a while.
Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a variety of flavors and types in breakfast essentials. So, be mindful of choosing the one that is less in sugar and has no artificial sweeteners.
Some breakfast essentials are high in sugar, and if consumed daily, it may result in increased blood sugar levels and excess weight gain.
After confirming with their doctor, many pregnant women consume breakfast essentials because plain milk makes them feel nauseous in the early trimester or if there’s no weight gain.
But, my only recommendation to you will be, kindly ask your doctor first before taking a breakfast essential and take an informed, educated decision.
FAQs
Is it okay to consume Carnation Breakfast essentials?
Yes, as long as your doctor is on board with your decision.
Can I eat pineapple during pregnancy?
Pineapple is a safe and healthy choice during pregnancy if eaten in moderation. It’s a great source of nutrients and is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C.
Takeaway
So, in short, you can take breakfast essentials, but it shouldn’t be a daily thing you do unless your doctor advises it.
Be mindful of what you eat and drink during your pregnancy, as it can affect your baby’s growth. Also, meet with a nutritionist or ask your OB-GYN for diet plans, including healthy foods to eat daily.
