Pregnancy Diary Week 17: How Is Your Baby Growing?

By this time, your baby starts swallowing and sucking. Her brain begins to control her heart which is now beating at a rate of 140-150 beats per minute. This could be twice as your heart rate! Also, the baby can now move her joints and her sweat glands are now getting functional.

Fat tissues or adipose are now forming in the baby’s body. These tissues are beneficial in regulating the metabolism and temperature of the body. Even the baby’s umbilical cord is lengthening and getting thicker. The brain is also developing the baby’s sense of touch, smell, taste and sight. If you are having a baby girl, please be informed that her ovaries are now producing millions of egg cells (primordial) which can develop into actual eggs later on!

Mangosteen For Pregnancy Nutrition

Mums only want the best for their babies. From the time of conception until delivery, pregnant women play a vital role in enhancing their baby’s health. Their lifestyle is a major factor that can determine their baby’s health. What the mother takes in is what the baby obtains. Therefore, mothers should observe a healthy and fitter lifestyle during pregnancy. Intake of healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables are deemed to be very important and beneficial.

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit which normally comes in purple skin with juicy flesh inside. It is considered as one of the healthiest fruits today. According to research, this super fruit is fortified with lots of essential nutrients that are beneficial not just to the pregnant women, but to their babies as well.

Mangosteen is actually rich in folate, manganese and Vitamin C which are known for their massive benefits to the human body. Folate is considered to be one of the most important nutrients during pregnancy. According to studies, folate can help in reducing the baby’s risks for brain and spinal birth defects. In fact, lack of folate is associated with heart defects as well as cleft palate and lip.

On the other hand, its manganese content is useful in the formation of the cartilage and skeletal system. Manganese contains antioxidant properties which help in protecting the mother and the baby against cellular damage.

Mangosteen is also an excellent source of Vitamin C which is beneficial in keeping the immune system healthy. Also, it lowers one’s risk for contracting infections which may substantial damage to the foetus. Furthermore, Vitamin C plays a vital role in enhancing the production of collagen which is important in increasing the skin’s elasticity. Improved skin elasticity is beneficial in accommodating a growing baby.

Meanwhile, mangosteen’s fibre content helps in preventing constipation which is a common complaint during pregnancy. Aside from its ability to prevent constipation, fibre is also important in reducing one’s risk for pre-eclampsia which is normally triggered by high levels of blood pressure.

The fruit is also packed with xanthones which are scientifically proven to be effective at treating tuberculosis, urinary tract infections and menstrual problems. The fruit is also used to treat eczema, thrush, gonorrhoea, fever, pain and dysentery.

Aside from its antibiotic properties, mangosteen is also deemed to be effective at regulating the level of cholesterol thereby lowering one’s risk for atherosclerosis. It can also help in fighting off common gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcer, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea and gastritis.