Your Prenatal Diet

A good prenatal diet actually starts before you get pregnant. The healthier you eat before you conceive the better it will be for both you and the baby. But even if your eating habits leave much to be desired you can still make changes that will affect your prenatal health.

Vitamins and Minerals

The obstetrician should prescribe a good prenatal vitamin supplement. This is very important and expectant mothers should not slack on taking their vitamins. The female body works very hard during pregnancy and needs extra vitamins and nutrients to help it do the work of growing a baby. Many mothers are still working and constantly on the go during the whole nine months. This can often mean eating on the run. Vitamins make sure you get what your body needs.

Weight Gain

Do not get caught up in the myth that you are eating for two. While your body is working harder and needs a bit more energy you still need to eat sensibly. A healthy mom should gain around 25 pounds during her pregnancy. Excessive weight gain should be avoided. Do not worry if you lose a few pounds in the first trimester, or do not gain anything during that time frame, since morning sickness is often a factor. Make sure your doctor knows if you are consistently unable to eat at all or when weight loss becomes significant.

Vegetables and Protein

Eating a healthy diet while you are pregnant is important. Avoid sugary, processed foods that promise only empty calories. Avoid soda. Eat salads, fresh fruits and whole grains. Take small steps, such as substituting wheat bread for white on your sandwiches. Have an apple for lunch instead of a doughnut.

Protein is very important while the baby is growing. Your body needs the fuel and the baby needs the protein, as well. If you are a vegetarian you will need to make sure you get adequate protein. Meat, chicken, beans and eggs are all good sources of protein for expectant moms.

Dealing with Stomach Problems

It seems while you are pregnant you are either nauseated or have heartburn. Avoiding certain types of foods can help both of these situations. Eat smaller meals, more often. Avoid overeating and stay away from greasy meals. Spicy food can cause heartburn and you may find that your digestive system reacts differently while you are pregnant. Suddenly, foods you once loved you cannot stand the smell of and you start to crave McDonald’s hamburgers at three o’clock in the morning. Make sure you get plenty of fiber to ease the problem of constipation.

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