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How to Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy

September 9th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

You took the home test and the tip of the stick turned pink right on schedule. Congratulations! Now that you know you are pregnant, you are shouldered with the very important task of ensuring that both you and your baby stay in top health for the next nine months. If this sounds easier said than done, relax. There are some simple tips that you can follow from that very first pregnancy symptom to keep you and your baby healthy and happy until the big due date arrives.

You are What You Eat

This may be true throughout life, but it is especially true during the months of pregnancy. Many women find that eating five or six small meals a day is much easier on an already stressed digestive system. Make sure you are loading up your plate with plenty of fresh produce and whole grains for the biggest bang for your nutritional buck. It is also important to take the prenatal vitamin that your doctor prescribes without fail, since the nutrients found in this simple pill will make all the difference in a healthy pregnancy. Don’t take any type of additional supplements, medications or herbal remedies without checking with your doctor first to ensure their safety.

The List of Don’ts During Pregnancy

Yes, there are a few things you should refrain from during those important nine months, both for your health and the safety of your baby. Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking street drugs are all prescriptions for disaster during pregnancy, since overuse of some of these substances can result in birth defects or a less than healthy newborn. It is also important that you never ride in or drive a car without your safety belt, since accidents can and do happen! It is also important not to overdo physical activity during this time; when your body tells you to stop and rest, listen to it by all means. It is a lot of work growing a baby inside your body, and the resources that it needs to do this job properly may not leave you with as much stamina for other things.

Take Care During Pregnancy

If there was ever a time to indulge in a little extra pampering and care, this is the time. Don’t skimp on your sleep during pregnancy, since your body needs sufficient rest to care for that little life inside. Take time to exercise, even if it is a moderately paced walk around the neighborhood at night. This will help to keep your body in shape during pregnancy and prepare it for the work of labor and delivery that lies ahead.

Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting time, but it should also be a healthy time. By following these important tips, you can do plenty to help ensure that both you and your baby remain happy and healthy until the big birth day arrives.

The Best Diet for Pregnancy: Foods that should be in any Pregnant Woman’s Diet

September 9th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

The key to any healthy pregnancy is a good diet.  You probably know that the best diet for pregnancy is low in fat and includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean meats.  Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are very important for health during pregnancy and for your baby include but are not limited to iron, folic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber.  In order to get these nutrients, we can take a prenatal supplement but most importantly, we need to eat well.  The best diet for pregnancy should include the following nutrient-rich, super-foods. 

Red Meats that Make the List

While the benefits of low fat meats like fish and poultry are praised, red meats often get a bad rap because their fat content has been linked to various health problems.  Eating lean cuts of red meat a couple times a week during pregnancy is a good idea however because they provide B-complex vitamins and important minerals like iron and zinc.  The best diet for pregnancy includes lean cuts of red meat like sirloin steak and pork tenderloin.  

The Three Bs: Beans, Broccoli and Berries

The best diet for pregnancy includes beans, broccoli and berries and here’s why.  Beans like chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans are packed with nutrients like iron, fiber, protein, calcium, and zinc.  Beans are a vegetarian pregnant woman’s best friend.  Berries supply a good dose of Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folate.  You can eat them in place of unhealthy, fat-laden desserts and pastries in order to satisfy that persistent sweet tooth.  Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that contains a wide range of nutrients including folate, lutein, fiber, and calcium. 

It’s All About Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are all the rage, especially for women who are expecting.  Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids promote brain development and vision in babies.  The best diet for pregnancy should include salmon, eggs with omega-3, and flax seeds, all of which will provide you with these famous fatty acids.  Chewing on a palm full of flax seeds is not tasty and no fun so in order to incorporate flax seeds into your diet, crush them and put them on salads, cereals, and oatmeal. 

Believe me.  Once you start adding these foods to your diet, you will notice a change in your general sense of well being.  If you make the effort to eat pregnancy super-foods and follow the best diet for pregnancy, you will feel better, look better, and contribute to the healthy development and birth of your baby.

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

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