It is beneficial to include more fiber and other types of nutrition in your diet during pregnancy. It benefits your digestive health by preventing constipation and nutrient absorption. Though fiber is important, some mothers only consume less than they should, due to either loss of hunger or cravings for nutritionally poor foods. Today we will review some important fiber facts and provide beneficial information on how Similac MUM can support you during pregnancy.^{1, 3, 4}

Fiber and pregnancy digestion facts

Fiber cannot be digested by the body itself and requires probiotics to do it. Fiber that feeds probiotics (the good bacteria in the gut responsible for fighting off the bad ones) is called Prebiotics. Here are some benefits worth highlighting for fiber:^{1, 2}

Controls Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Gaining weight is a given, but it can be controlled. High-fiber foods keep you feeling fuller longer to prevent overeating cravings. Weight control during pregnancy allows for easier control while breastfeeding and post pregnancy. High-fiber diets, especially, can reduce caloric intake by 10%, which can be a significant amount by the fact that you will less likely be eating junk or fatty foods.¹

Improves Bowel Movement During Pregnancy

Because of certain hormones (progesterone) being produced during pregnancy, constipation is common. Fiber helps with fluid absorption and softens stool so it is easier to pass so consuming more fiber will prevent discomfort. By the advice of your Medical Professional, consume fiber as recommended and ask about taking supplements to help.¹

Regulate blood sugar and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy

Fiber slows down the absorption of food and sugar, thus preventing blood sugar from rising too quickly. Certain hormone production during pregnancy causes blood glucose to accumulate more in the blood so taking more fiber can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.¹

If blood glucose were to be left unchecked, it causes damage to blood vessels and nerves related to the heart. This can cause a mother to develop heart diseases and increase the risk of strokes. Fibers help lower cholesterol by trapping cholesterol-rich bile acids in the digestive system so they do not end up in the blood.¹

How to add more fiber to your diet

Fiber intake must be done gradually to give your body time to get used to that type of diet. Start out by spreading fiber content over six meals in a day or schedule them in during snack time. Good natural sources of fiber are bananas, dark greens, nuts, beans, and potatoes.¹

You always want what is best for your child, so even during pregnancy you try your best to be healthy yourself. But sometimes we all need a little help and pregnant mothers need as much help as they can get. That is why when they feel like they are not getting enough fiber or other nutrients, Similac MUM as scientifically formulated to support the nutritional needs for pregnant and breastfeeding mums without causing excessive weight gain .² The scientific combination of Lutein, Natural RRR Vitamin E, DHA, Chlorine, Folic Acid and Iron support brain and eye development.

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Source:

1. https://abbottfamily.com.sg/articles/nutrition/fiber#
2. Huynh DTT et al. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 May 7: 1-9 – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14767058.2017.1320984
3. Brown, Lisa S. PhD, RD et al. Nutrition Requirements During Pregnancy. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC. pg. 5, 8. 2011 – http://samples.jbpub.com/9780763777920/77920_ch01_001_024.pdf (PDF document)
4. https://abbottfamily.com.sg/products/page/similac-mum