As the nausea and morning sickness of the first trimester fade away and a pregnant woman transitions into her second trimester, she should increase her daily calorie intake by about 300 calories. During the fourth month, the baby grows a few inches longer and becomes several ounces heavier as the digestive system, teeth and hair develop. The diet for the fourth month of pregnancy should include all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals the mother and baby need as they progress through pregnancy.
Iron and Folic Acid
As your baby develops inside your womb, your body starts using increasingly more iron. The Cleveland Clinic explains that iron not only carries oxygen throughout the body but also increases the body's resistance to disease and stress. To ensure that you and your baby have enough of this beneficial mineral, you should consume at least 30 mg of iron per day. Good sources of iron during the fourth month of pregnancy include fortified cereals, lean meats, beans, peas, and all berries and leafy green vegetables. Since vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, eat a vitamin C-rich food along with your iron sources. Foods high in vitamin C include orange juice, strawberries, melon, green peppers and broccoli.
Along with iron, pregnant women should also consume 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. As explained by the American Pregnancy Association, the body uses folic acid to make the extra blood supply during pregnancy. A folic acid deficiency puts the fetus at an increased risk for spina bifida, a birth defect characterized by an exposed spinal cord. Foods high in folic acid include green leafy vegetables, beans, citrus fruits and fortified breads, cereal, pasta and rice. Your doctor may also prescribe a folic acid supplement if you are not getting enough through your diet.
Protein
"Protein is essential to the very foundation of your baby's growth," according to the BabyZone website. When the pregnant woman consumes adequate protein, her developing baby receives the nutrients required to support the growth of cells, tissues and bones. The March of Dimes recommends two to three servings of protein every day for pregnant women. Good sources of protein include lean meats and poultry. However, avoid cold deli meats, as they may carry a particular bacterium harmful to pregnant women. Other food sources rich in protein include beans, nuts, peanut butter, tofu and egg whites.
Whole Grains
During pregnancy, your body requires an extra amount of energy as it attempts to nourish you and your baby. Since carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, including carbohydrates in your pregnancy diet is essential. Although all types of carbohydrates provide energy, those obtained from whole-grain food sources tend to be healthier. The March of Dimes recommends 6 oz. of grains per day for pregnant women. Healthy sources of grains include whole-grain bread, cereal, pasta and rice.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables provide an extraordinary array of vitamins and minerals, all of which are beneficial for a healthy pregnancy. For example, the foods highest in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables. These foods help with the development of your baby's bones and eyesight. Citrus fruits, tomatoes and broccoli are all excellent sources of vitamin C, which promote healthy teeth and bones. Fruits and vegetables are not only important during the fourth month of your pregnancy, but throughout the entire pregnancy and after giving birth.
Cravings
For most pregnant women, pregnancy cravings first appear around the second trimester. Although these cravings might not always be healthy, feel free to indulge in moderation. In many cases, you can alter foods slightly to make them healthier, while still fulfilling your cravings. If you crave pizza, go easy on the pepperoni and sausage and pile on the vegetables. If you are craving potato chips, try satisfying the urge with healthier popcorn or homemade sweet potato chips. Unfortunately, certain cravings need to be avoided during pregnancy. These food cravings might include sushi, unpasteurized milk, soft cheese, deli meat, certain types of fish, pate, caffeine and dishes made with raw eggs.
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