Pregnancy Food: What You Should Know
If you are expecting, you are probably well aware of the fact that your baby is getting its nourishment from you. With that responsibility comes the fact that your diet can’t stay exactly the same as it was before; you need to make a few modifications. The following tips will help both you and your baby stay healthy over the next few months, but make sure to discuss any changes you are making with your doctor to ensure they are right for you.
You will need to eat about 300 more calories every day while you are pregnant. Try to make these calories count; you want to increase your intake of folic acid, for example. Therefore, try to incorporate a lot of vegetables, fruits and whole grains into your diet. In addition, recognize that you probably won’t get everything your body needs from food alone; make sure to take a prenatal vitamin to round things out.
Calcium is crucial during pregnancy. It helps with the baby’s bone growth and it keeps your bones strong as well. During pregnancy, make sure you drink at least three glasses of milk a day. If you decide to breastfeed your baby, you should continue this habit the entire time you are nursing. Look for other ways to incorporate calcium into your diet; for example, use milk as a substitute for water whenever you can (like when you are cooking rice) or research foods that have calcium in them.
Drink as much as possible. Not only will it keep your system regular, it will also help your body prepare for the baby. To ensure that you are getting enough water each day, purchase a nice water bottle. Carry it around everywhere with you, making sure to stop periodically throughout the day. Take five large gulps from the bottle each time you pause. Finally, identify a few other drinks that you buy that are good for you and that will keep you hydrated. Orange juice is a good choice.
Finally, there are a few things you need to eliminate from your diet completely. Do not drink, not even a little. Alcohol can cause birth defects, and research does not support any safe limit for alcoholic intake during pregnancy. There are also several cheeses that you should stay away from, like feta and Brie. These products, along with deli meat and hot dogs, could contain listeria, which can have a devastating impact on your unborn child. Finally, try to reduce the amount of caffeine you take in. This means cutting back on things like coffee and soft drinks. Studies are mixed when it comes to caffeinated beverages; some have indicated that it could lead to miscarriage or low birth weight.
As you prepare for your new baby, you are going to make a lot of substantial changes to your life. Your diet is certainly one of them; what you eat has a direct impact on your little one’s health. Keep the information from this article in mind as you get ready to welcome the newest member of your family.
