Kamis, 01 September 2011

Eating During Pregnancy

By Richard Bucket


For an easier, less stressful pregnancy, it is always best to start eating healthier before you become pregnant. That way, you don't have to make so many changes to your diet, which may only add stress (even positive changes can be stressful at first).

If you happen to have a difficult time eating a balanced diet during your first trimester, you are not the only one. Your eating may be sporadic due to periods of nausea. Some will be able to eat regularly and be able to gain much weight, while others may have a hard time keeping their food down and as a result, lose weight.

It is important during your first trimester should be to prevent malnutrition. Babies need nutrients, so you want to eat nutrient rich foods and drink plenty of water, to avoid dehydration.

When you have a baby growing inside of you, you'll need to eat for yourself, and your baby. Daily you will need to consume around 300 calories more than what you usually eat, so make sure to eat when you are hungry, and really listen to your body. Now it is as important as ever to eat raw fruits and vegetables daily, with vegetables being consumed in greater quantities. Fruits and vegetables are essential for good health, and they are prime sources of nutrients.

While being pregnant, it is recommended that the expecting mother gets around 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day. This is so the baby can develop healthy bones, and so the mom can maintain strong bones. Calcium is available in easy to assimilate foods such as kale, spinach and other dark leafy greens, almonds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and flax. Calcium supplements are always available as well.

Fiber is essential for digestive health, especially your colon. You need it to help maintain regular bowel movements. If you get constipated, it is usually due to not enough fiber or not enough water, or both. Make sure to eat plenty of fiber rich vegetables and fruits. This way of getting fiber makes a whole lot more sense than taking a fiber supplement.

When eating a balanced diet, protein deficiency isn't often a problem. It may be a problem if you aren't making sure to add a protein source such as beans, nuts, and seeds with most meals.

Since iron supplements shouldn't be taken during pregnancy, because they can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and constipation, it is best to get it from whole food sources. You can get iron from different kinds of seaweeds, dark leafy greens, sun-dried tomatoes, potatoes, sesame seeds, and other kinds of seeds and nuts.

Vitamin supplements may or may not be needed, it all depends on if you are regularly eating a balanced diet. If you want to make sure, or need help figuring out what to do, consult a health care professional to see if you should be taking vitamin supplements.




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