Pregnancy Diary Week 26: How Is Your Baby Growing?

 With a weight of almost 2 pounds, your baby should be more than 13 inches in length. This week, your baby is getting more responsive to sounds. In fact, he may be able to hear you and your partner chatting. As the baby’s immune system becomes more developed, his movements are becoming more coordinated. The baby’s movements are getting more obvious and noticeable this week.

If you are expecting a baby boy, then the baby’s testicles have started to descend to his scrotum. The baby’s lungs continue to develop as he continues to swallow the amniotic fluid. The baby’s eyes are now fully opened and he now begins to take small breaths.

Collard Greens For Pregnancy Nutrition

 Vegetables are beneficial to people of all ages. Vegetables are packed with loads of nutrients which are considered beneficial to you and to your baby. Collard greens are one of the healthiest foods to take during pregnancy.

Collard greens are one of the leading sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A cup of collard greens actually provides 8% of human’s daily recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids. According to research, the intake of omega-3 fatty acids helps in promoting healthy and optimum child development. Each serving of collard greens provides 6 grams of fibre, 4 grams of protein and 517 milligrams of sodium.

Collard greens are known for its ability to promote eye health, especially in the foetus. Also, these green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of a variety of nutrients such as Vitamins B1, B2, B3, A, C, and E. It also provides high levels of iron, protein, dietary fibre, calcium and folic acid which play vital roles in optimizing the growth and development of the foetus inside the uterus.

Anaemia is one of the most common conditions during pregnancy. One of the best natural treatments for anaemia during pregnancy is collard greens. It is best to take foods rich in Vitamin C when eating iron-rich foods as Vitamin C helps in promoting iron absorption. On the other hand, avoid taking calcium-rich foods or calcium supplements with iron-rich foods as this nutrient can reduce iron absorption.

These leafy vegetables are also rich in Vitamin B12 and magnesium which are beneficial in getting a healthy baby later on. Its folic acid content is also useful in preventing the onset of neural tube defects in a foetus. This vegetable is also rich in phytochemicals such as lutein and beta carotene which help the body fight against certain types of cancer.

As mentioned earlier, collard greens are great sources of dietary fibre. This nutrient is beneficial in preventing the onset of constipation and haemorrhoids which are very common during pregnancy. Also, its Vitamin C content helps the baby to develop stronger teeth and bones. Also, Vitamin C helps in sustaining an adequate amount of collagen on the baby’s connective tissues. Meanwhile, its potassium content is useful in regulating the level of blood pressure which is a major risk factor for pre-eclampsia.