Pregnancy Diary Week 24: How Is Your Baby Growing?

Your baby should be around 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds in weight and over 12 ½ inches in length. As the baby’s brain and taste buds are developing rapidly, the baby’s lungs are becoming more complex. The main branches of the lungs, as well as the cells which are responsible for the production of surfactant, are also developing rapidly. Surfactants play a vital role in the inflation of the air sacs.

Since last week, your baby began to gain at least 6 ounces every week. The baby’s face is almost developed complete with the eyebrows, hairs and eyelash. However, due to lack of pigmentation, her hair remains white.

Pomegranates For Pregnancy Nutrition

When pregnant, women are actually eating and breathing for two. As weeks and months pass by, pregnant women have to increase their intake of healthy and nutritious foods to ensure that their baby is getting sufficient amount of nutrients necessary for optimum growth and development.

Pomegranate comes with a variety of nutrients which are undoubtedly beneficial to the health of both the mother and the baby. What are these healthy nutrients?

According to researchers, the intake of pomegranate is healthy and safe for pregnancy. The fruit is an excellent source of fibre which is beneficial in regulating bowel movements. It helps in preventing constipation which is a very common condition during pregnancy as the digestive system relaxes.

In a scientific study conducted at the University of Maryland, pomegranate provides 40% of human’s daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. As you may have known, Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of the baby’s teeth and bones.

Also, scientists claim that intake of pomegranate juice during pregnancy can reduce the risk of injuries for the placenta. The fruit contains antioxidant properties that are beneficial in preventing and repairing damage to the cells of the placenta which are caused by free radicals. Apart from its antioxidant properties, pomegranate is also fortified with compounds that help in regulating the level of blood pressure. When left uncontrolled, high blood pressure increases pregnant women’s risk for pre-eclampsia which can put their lives into real danger.

Pomegranates are also fortified with polyphenol compounds which are normally found in berries, red wines and grapes. Polyphenols are substances that help in protecting the neurons and reversing the process of ageing. Polyphenols also help in preventing brain damage.

In one study involving baby rats, intake of pomegranates was seen to be effective in preventing brain damage due to poor oxygen. However, researchers cannot say if intake of pomegranates has the same effects to humans. According to research, reduced oxygen supply and blood flow are associated with developmental irregularities and premature birth.

Pomegranates are also excellent sources of healthy nutrients such as iron, protein, Vitamin D, folate and calcium. In fact, a half-cup of pomegranate can provide 9 milligrams of calcium, 33 micrograms of folate, .26 milligrams of iron, and 1.45 grams of protein. A half-cup of pomegranate can also provide 8.9 milligrams of Vitamin C which is vital for iron absorption.