Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
NEEDS OF PREGNANT WOMEN
Nutritional needs and how to meet them
Pregnant women should eat a variety of healthy foods, such as meat, fish, oils, nuts,
seeds, cereals, beans, vegetables, cheese, and milk.
Daily diet should consist of:
o Body-building foods such as milk, curd, cottage cheese, pulses, green peas, lentils,
red beans, peanuts, egg, meat and fish
o Energy-giving foods such as rice, potatoes, bread, cereals
o Some fats, oil, butter or margarine
o Body-protecting foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans, tomatoes, carrots,
cabbage and a variety of fruits
General advice for pregnant woman:
o Eat whatever local food is available and eat small quantities at frequent intervals for
good digestion.
o Avoid spicy and oily food and eat your dinner at least one hour before going to bed.
o Vegetables should be either raw or cooked lightly. Over-cooking destroys essential
vitamins.
o In general, try to avoid salt; if salt is added to food, it should be iodized
o Avoid coffee, tea, and caffeinated drinks (Pepsi, Coca-Cola). Drink natural juices if
possible. You need at least 4-6 glasses of water a day in addition to other liquids.
o Good nutrition during pregnancy helps to initiate good lactation after the birth of the
baby.
o Do not fast or abstain from food during pregnancy.
o Do not be the last one in the family to eat.
o A walk after dinner helps to digest the food and avoid heartburn at night.
Talking with family members (husband, mother, mother-in-law) and involving them in
ensuring a healthy food regimen for the pregnant woman may be very useful. Since a
woman has special dietary needs during pregnancy, family members should cut expenses
on less essential things to ensure an adequate supply of food. A kitchen garden could be
cultivated by the father.
Need for rest and moderate exercise
Exercise makes a woman’s body stronger. During pregnancy, exercise helps her body
prepare for labor and delivery. Exercise can also make her feel better and more full of
energy. Easy exercises, walking, and swimming, have a positive effect on labor and
should be encouraged until the time of birth.
Sleep and rest are also important for a pregnant woman, helping her stay healthy and
resist illness. During pregnancy, some women need more sleep or rest than before. It is
good for a pregnant woman to take a few minutes every 1 or 2 hours to sit, rest and put
her feet up.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy