The Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Nutrition becomes extremely important during pregnancy because of all the changes that your body is experiencing. Your body is taking on a new role and is developing a new human being. The nutrients that you eat are used during the development process and are also used as nutrients by your baby. These changes cause your nutrition needs change during pregnancy.
You need to contact your doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant. Your doctor will help you design a special pregnancy nutrition program that will provide the nutrients that you and your baby need. The first 13 weeks of pregnancy are the most critical because that is when your baby’s major organs and brain are being formed. Your pregnancy nutrition program is especially important during these 13 weeks to ensure proper development, minimize the chance of miscarriage and provide additional support for your body. Most miscarriages occur during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.
In addition to a pregnancy nutrition program, you need to begin taking prenatal vitamins and start a pregnancy exercise program. Special prenatal vitamins are needed because of the different nutritional needs of your body during pregnancy. Make sure that you also review all of the supplements, herbs, and other over the counter remedies that you take with your doctor. Do not assume that herbal supplements are safe during pregnancy. During pregnancy all of the rules that you used to follow need to be discussed in detail with your doctor. Pregnancy has it’s own set of rules and this applies especially to nutrition.
The More Water The Better
Your body needs a lot more water during pregnancy. Many experts suggest that you drink 11-12 glasses of water each day. Water includes just that, water. You can not include juice or other healthy beverages towards your daily water requirement. Not only is water important it is one of the most critical components of a pregnancy nutrition program. Remember we consist primarily of water: easily 50% + of our bodies are water. You are drinking water for both you and your baby.
If you do not like the taste of water, you can add a little juice or lemon for flavoring. In addition to drinking more water, you will need to cut down or reduce the consumption of certain beverages that may be harmful to your developing baby. Many doctors recommend reducing or eliminating soda, coffee and certain teas. Alcohol is definitely off limits during pregnancy.
Drinking a lot of water is needed for the following reasons:
- eliminate waste and toxins from you and your baby’s system on a regular basis;
- aid the digestive process;
- avoid dehydration and constipation; and
- ensure the proper flow of nutrients to your baby;
Drinking plenty of water may also help minimize food cravings and other pregnancy symptoms.
Pregnancy Nutrition - Common Foods to Avoid
Since you and your baby are vulnerable and more sensitive during the pregnancy process, there are certain foods that you should avoid. Here is a partial list:
- raw eggs (including certain dressings or sauces);
- unpasteurized milk and cheese;
- raw or rare fish and meats - definitely no sushi;
- fish with high mercury levels;
- unwashed fruits and vegetables; etc.
It is imperative that you thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables to remove bacteria, pesticides and other chemicals. Your doctor and a pregnancy nutrition guide should be consulted to develop a more complete list of foods to avoid.
Summary
Pregnancy nutrition and exercise are extremely important for the health of you and your baby. Special nutritional requirements begin as early as conception and are most critical during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.
A good pregnancy nutrition and exercise program can help ensure proper development, ease pregnancy symptoms and minimize the risk of miscarriage. A good pregnancy exercise program can even ensure a shorter and/or easier labor.
There is a lot that you need to learn about pregnancy and pregnancy nutrition and a Pregnancy Guide is highly recommended. There is too much for you to learn to rely merely on your doctor or talking to your loved ones.
It’s a lot of work and will require sacrifices but your baby will thank you.
To Your Health,
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