What Should Women Eat During the 8th Month of Pregnancy?

This article is expertly advised by Specialist II Doctor Nguyen Thi Minh Tuyet, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

The 8th month of pregnancy (weeks 29-32) is a critical time when the fetus undergoes significant development in preparation for birth. As such, nutrition for pregnant women during this period is vital to ensure that both the mother and fetus receive adequate nutrients, as the demand for them increases compared to earlier trimesters.

1. Changes in Nutritional Needs During the 8th Month of Pregnancy

During the 8th month, the fetus begins to store glycogen and fat in the liver and beneath the skin. Insufficient carbohydrate intake can lead to protein deficiency or ketoacidosis. Therefore, pregnant women need to ensure an adequate calorie intake. The consumption of staple foods such as rice and flour should be increased.

Specifically, women in the 8th month of pregnancy should aim to consume an average of 400 grams of cereal daily to meet their calorie needs while conserving protein. Additionally, incorporating coarse grains such as millet, corn, and oatmeal is recommended. However, it’s important to manage weight gain, which should be less than 350 grams per week. It should be noted that this month is the peak of brain proliferation in the fetus. Therefore, in addition to the need for a large amount of glucose for rapid growth, glycogen, and fat storage in the body, a certain amount of fatty acids, especially rich linoleic acid, is needed to meet the needs of fetal brain development.

2. What should women eat in the 8th month of pregnancy?

In the last months of pregnancy, women need to eat a lot of foods containing iron and calcium because the amount of blood lost during childbirth is quite large, so it is necessary to ensure the amount of iron in the body during pregnancy this month. In addition, calcium also helps the fetus's bones and teeth develop better. Some foods that 8th-month pregnant women should eat include:

• Fish contain a large amount of iron as well as other equally essential nutritional values ​​such as protein and good fats.
• Red meat provides protein, iron, zinc,... for both mother and fetus during pregnancy and brain development in children. The minerals in it also help improve the general health of the mother.
• Milk and foods made from milk serve as a complete source of vitamins and minerals.
• Peanut butter is a good source of fat that should be used because fatty acids are important for brain development.
• Vegetables provide fiber to help prevent constipation in pregnant women due to weight gain or excess hormone secretion in the third trimester.
• Bananas supplement potassium, calcium, and iron for the body, promote digestion, reduce constipation, and increase comfort for pregnant women.

• Citrus fruits: contain abundant fiber and vitamin C to help women's bodies easily absorb iron, preventing anemia. In addition, vitamin C can also be supplemented from tomatoes and cabbage.
• Foods rich in iron and calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, berries, apricots, dried fruits, egg yolks, lean meat, milk, bananas,...
• Protein-rich foods such as lean meat, egg whites, tofu, fish, chicken, milk, etc.
• Foods rich in carbohydrates: potatoes, cereals, sweet potatoes, beans, berries,...
• Foods rich in fat: eggs, fish, peanuts,...
• Foods rich in fiber: corn, black beans, avocado, brown rice, cauliflower, broccoli, celery,...

3. Foods that women in the 8th month of pregnancy should avoid

In addition to supplementing necessary nutrients through the diet, there are foods that pregnant women should avoid including:

• Unpasteurized milk.
• Coffee increases the risk of constipation in mothers and negatively affects the child's heart. Accordingly, pregnant women should drink a lot of water or fruit juice instead of caffeinated beverages.
• Pregnant women should avoid greasy foods because these foods are often low in essential nutrients and cause digestive problems during pregnancy.
• Pregnant women should avoid sailfish and swordfish because they contain high levels of methylmercury, causing potential complications for the development of the nervous system in the fetus.

In addition, alcohol, stimulants, and raw foods are also foods that pregnant women should avoid. Pregnant women need to supplement adequate nutrients so that the fetus can develop healthily as well as ensure the mother's health throughout pregnancy, especially in the 3rd trimester.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.