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The Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy

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:

1. eliminate waste and toxins from you and your baby’s system on a regular basis;
2. aid the digestive process;
3. avoid dehydration and constipation; and
4. 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:

1. raw eggs (including certain dressings or sauces);
2. unpasteurized milk and cheese;
3. raw or rare fish and meats - definitely no sushi;
4. fish with high mercury levels;
5. 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,

MyPregnancyStages.com

Pregnancy Diet: Can One Bad Meal Impact Your Wellbeing?

May 4th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

We all know the importance of a well balanced healthy diet and the long term benefits it provides. We also know that nutrition is even more important during pregnancy. But is there any harm in eating “bad foods” on rare occasions or in moderation?

A recent study indicates that one “bad” meal can negatively impact your body’s ability to handle stress. This is significant because it highlights the negative impact that a single meal can have on your body. There is an immediate negative impact on your body’s reactivity to stress as a result of eating poorly.

The study was not pregnancy specific, but would equally apply for pregnant women. In my opinion, the results of this study are even more important during pregnancy and other high stress situations.

During pregnancy your body is going through a tremendous amount of change and is under a lot of stress for an entire nine month period. Your body’s ability to cope with this stress can have a significant impact on your health, emotional wellbeing and possibly the severity of your pregnancy symptoms. The fact that one unhealthy meal can negatively impact your body’s ability to cope with stress is very alarming and something that you need to consider. 

Eating an occasional “bad” meal during pregnancy will not cause significant health problems for you or your baby. However, it can have a negative impact on your stress handling abilities for that day. You may want to consider these consequences before deciding to stray from your normal healthy diet.

For more information about this medical study, please visit:

Full Medical Study Available Here

If you notice that you are having a bad day and are not able to cope as well as normal, something you ate may be responsible. If you do eat poorly, you should pay special attention to how you feel and react to evaluate the impact that your food choices are having on you.

Please keep this in mind when you are designing your pregnancy nutrition program. You are what you eat! 

 

To Your Health,

MyPregnancyStages.com

 

Pregnancy and Nutrition: Are Your Vitamins Safe for Baby?

April 23rd, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Pregnancy and nutrition are critical topics during your pregnancy. You need to begin a special nutrition and fitness program as soon as possible after conception. This includes: what you eat, what you should not eat, prenatal nutrition supplements and an exercise program. The first 13 weeks of your pregnancy are the most important since this is when your baby’s major organs and brain are being developed. This is also when most miscarriages occur. Pregnancy and nutrition are two words that every woman needs to understand. There have been some recent new developments with respect to pregnancy, nutrition and vitamins that are discussed below.

Upon becoming pregnant it is important to talk to your doctor about prenatal vitamins even if you currently take a multivitamin.  Your doctor will probably recommend that you stop taking your current nutritional supplements and take special prenatal supplements that are specifically designed for pregnant women. This is very important.

The Vitamins That Are Good For You Pre-pregnancy May Be Detrimental To Your Baby’s Development During Pregancy.

Why special vitamins?  Your body is undergoing changes and has a different role and your baby is developing and is very fragile. Since your body is being used for a different purpose, you have different nutritional needs.

A February 25, 2007 article, states that megavitamins should not be taken in pregnancy, because they may result in fetal malformation or disturbed metabolism.  The article also highlights the need for additional iron and folic acid in pregnant women. This article demonstrates the significance of having a proper pregnancy nutrition program to ensure that you obtain the addtitional nutrients your body needs during pregnancy. Failure to do so may result in birth defects, miscarriage and deformity. 

For the full article visit

www.newstodaynet.com/health/2502hl1.htm

Another article on February 27, 2007 reports that a recent US study found that regular use of prenatal multivitamins may not be sufficient to prevent vitamin D deficiencies in pregnant women and their infants.

Vitamin D deficiency early in life has been linked to rickets, as well as an increased risk for type 1 diabetes, asthma and schizophrenia. Again, a special pregnancy nutrition program may be needed to supplement your prenatal vitamins and to minimize damage to your developing baby. This topic should not be taken lightly, improper pregnancy nutrition can have serious consequences, and may be fatal, to your baby.

For the full article visit
www.upi.com/ConsumerHealthDaily/ Vitamin_D_deficiency_during_pregnancy/

Discuss your pregnancy nutrition, vitamins and exercise program with your doctor as early as possible. Be sure you tell your doctor about all vitamin, herbal supplements, over the counter medications and other items that you’re currently taking.  Do not assume anything.  When in doubt always ask, your baby’s life and proper development may depend on it.

 

To Your Health,

MyPregnancyStages.com

 

 

 

Pregnancy Fitness Guide

March 30th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Pregnancy and giving birth are two of the most wonderful experiences that you will have as a woman.  You’re excited but you’re also a little nervous or worried.Worried about what to eat, how much weight you should gain, what exercises you should be doing, etc.  You want to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.  (You’re also hoping you can get back into your old swimsuit soon after having your baby).  These feelings are normal.

You need at least one good resource that you can rely on to answer your questions. 

Although there are a lot of pregnancy resources on the market, there is one resource that has really captured my attention.  Why?  Because it is comprehensive and it’s gotten fantastic feedback from others.

You may have heard of the resource, it’s called “The Slim Mom Secrets System”.

This resource covers everything about having a fit and healthy pregnancy.  Including how you can get back to your pre-pregnancy shape (or better) within 30 - 60 days.  The pre and post pregnancy exercise videos are especially helpful.  Here’s a sample of what’s included:

1. what foods, supplements, beauty products, and exercises are safe, or dangerous, during each trimester;
2. simple tricks to prevent some of pregnancy’s most unpleasant side effects like acne, varicose veins, saggy breasts and cellulite;
3. an inexpensive and 100% natural nutrient you can take while you’re pregnant that has been shown in scientific studies to increase a baby’s IQ;
4. three foods you should eat while you’re pregnant (and after) to help prevent postpartum depression;
5. what time of day is best for eating to help your baby grow, and not your waistline; and
6. what you can do to increase your chances of having a shorter and easier labor, etc.

There’s a lot more and the program comes with an 8 week money back guarantee.  You should look at the website and consider taking advantage of their current special promotion.  It’s a very good price.

 

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