Baby on board! Neeti Mohan and Harshdeep Kaur talk about pregnancy amid pandemic

Neeti Mohan and Harshdeep Kaur

Enduring pregnancy during a pandemic can be a daunting experience, but industry friends and musicians Neeti Mohan and Harshdeep Kaur find solace in the fact that they can give each other company. Albeit starkly different, they agree that their journeys have been significantly altered due to the ongoing pandemic. "I haven't stepped out in six months," says Mohan, as Kaur adds that she has been heading to recording studios "while taking precautions".

"I worked a lot during the pandemic. Initially I set up [a recording space]. During the latter half of my pregnancy, I began to head outdoors for shoots, while following safety measures. Even in my 37th week, I was judging a singing reality show. We were cautious, but not scared," Kaur tells mid-day, a day before giving birth to a baby boy. Mohan, on the other hand, trod with more caution. "The body anyway endures a lot during pregnancy, and requires energy. In addition to that, enduring a [disease is undesirable]. We only interact with a small group of people."

Yoga for two

The duo, however, did find common ground in their approach to fitness, with both agreeing that taking to physical activity is essential, as they approach D-day. Prenatal classes are a daily feature in their lives, with Mohan now looking forward to learning pilates, as well. "I was so tired during the first three months that it felt like I was perpetually jet-lagged. From the fourth month, I began to practice ayangar yoga. I also walk for an hour every day, including the 20-minute sessions I take to after meals. The time I spend with my baby during the early hours of the day are special. I chant, and connect with my child during that time. I can feel the baby kicking as I chant. I also practice asanas that strengthen the lower back and stretch the hamstring muscles," says Mohan. Kaur's routine bears resemblance to that of Mohan. "I took to virtual counselling for the prenatal yoga sessions, and would head for a walk each evening. Stretching exercises, and meditation too became [a frequent addition] to the day."

Not eating for two

Kaur admits that outside food - a regular aspect of her diet given that she is accustomed to living life on the go - had to be forgone as soon as she learnt of her pregnancy. "At my gynaecologist's recommendation, I completely eliminated fried foods from my diet, and added almonds, fruits, dry fruits, yogurt, lassi, and chaas to it. I began to eat meals at a stipulated time, and was given supplementary foods, like protein [derivatives], which I consumed with milk at night."
Given that she is fairly disciplined, Mohan says she had to make minimal alterations to her eating habits. Aware of the changing demands of her body, she paid heed to, and eliminated, the meals that didn't suit her.

"In the first three months, my body began to reject milk, and junk food. I began to crave citrusy foods, and coconut water. It was only after the third month that I began to consult a nutritionist. Leafy vegetables, paneer, and cheese were added to my diet, and I began to realise that I was really
enjoying my meals. I wasn't consciously eating more, but I found myself heading for an extra serving, and consuming meals every three hours."

Keeping food fresh

Mohan says she was taught early on to avoid consuming meals that were not freshly prepared. Parents of the singer - sister to choreographer Shakti and actor Mukti - had laid emphasis on the fact that reheating meals stripped them of their nutritional benefits. "I won't have meals that have been prepared six hours ago, fruits that have been cut three hours ago, or meals that have been microwaved. It is best to consume freshly prepared meals because that is when food is most nutritious. Juiced fruits should also be consumed immediately."

Nutritionist and food coach Ryan Fernando's advice for expectant mothers

1. Eat organic food. Most of our vegetables, fruits and staples like rice and dals, should be organically sourced, because insecticides and pesticides grace our food with DNA-mutating abilities.

2. It is advisable to do a blood test to determine what nutritional deficiencies or hormonal issues one may have. Nutrition can significantly improve your health, and blood [parameters].

3. Nutrigenomics is a science which enables one to analyse genes, and decide which foods are good or bad for a person. For example, if a mother has a gene for low vitamin B 12 absorption, we forewarn her to adapt to a lifelong behavioural strategy of consuming the right food.

4. The grandmother-advice of eating for two people is wrong. Only an additional 300 calories is needed, per day, to achieve the 25-35-pound weight gain recommended for women.

5. Lean meat, green leafy vegetables, beans and lentils, berries, broccoli, eggs, fruits, sweet potato and pumpkin seeds are some of the foods we recommend.
Fernando is Anushka Sharma's nutritionist.