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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.

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

 

 

 

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