The importance of healthy diets throughout the 3 stages of pregnancy

Healthy Diets Throughout 3 Stages Pregnancy

Drs. Taryll Jenkins works with women in all stages of their pregnancy for pre-conception health, prenatal care, and post-natal care. Throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy, it is important for women to focus on appropriate nutrition. Our team talks to patients about healthy diets throughout the three stages of pregnancy.

First Trimester

During the first trimester, the baby is developing extremely fast, so iron intake is important. Iron can be found in meat (heme iron) and in leafy greens (non-heme iron). Both are beneficial to you and your baby, as it helps with red blood cell development. If you are a vegetarian or do not like meat, consider a glass of orange juice to help with iron absorption.

Second Trimester

During the second trimester, morning sickness will start to subside and your appetite may be in full swing! Now is the time to incorporate carrots and sweet potatoes, as these foods are rich in beta carotenes during the time your baby’s eyes are developing. Dairy is great as well since the bones of the baby are developing and calcium can help strengthen them. Boosting vitamin D (either through sunshine exposure or foods) can help with calcium absorption and is perfect for warding off colds and other viruses that can attack while your immune system is lower than normal.

Third Trimester

Vitamin K is the star during this stage, as well as milk for calcium and magnesium.

Schedule a visit today

Learning about building nutritional reserves for both you and your baby is an essential element of self-care. At Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, our professionals can walk patients through the benefits of a healthy diet throughout the pregnancy! Contact our practice at 855-346-8610 or visit at Medical Plaza 1, 23920 Katy Freeway #215 in Katy.

Share this Article

Back to Articles Page

Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
Connect with Dr. Jenkins on Linkedin

We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.