A nutritious diet is essential if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. When eating for two, you’ll need more of almost everything! Focus on getting enough iron, folate, vitamin D, protein, and vital fats for your baby’s growth and development. Take a 400mcg folic acid vitamin daily to help prevent birth abnormalities.
If your weight was average prior to pregnancy, increasing 25-35 pounds is acceptable and healthy. However, gaining too little or too much weight can be harmful to both you and your baby. Ideally, your infant should weigh more than 5 1/2 pounds. Babies with very low birth weights struggle to survive and flourish. The food you eat influences this, but more research is needed to determine how diet affects birth weight if you already eat properly.
When pregnant, take extra precautions to ensure food safety. Bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella are serious threats to your baby’s health. Cook meat thoroughly, and avoid raw sprouts and unpasteurized milk products. Limit high-mercury fish (such as swordfish and tuna) because excessive quantities of mercury can harm a baby’s brain.
If you’re vegetarian/vegan or follow a particular diet, be sure you’re getting adequate protein, B12, iron, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids from non-meat/egg sources. These provide adequate nutrition for both you and your kid. Teen mothers must also ensure that their diet has enough nutrients for both mom and baby’s development. Stay active during pregnancy as long as your doctor allows!
The basic truth is that what you eat affects your baby, and it is especially crucial when pregnant! If you have any doubts about what foods you should or should not eat throughout your pregnancy, consult your doctor.
It is critical to eat healthily during pregnancy. But feeling unwell during the first few months is completely normal. When you feel less nauseated, gradually introduce more fruits and vegetables. Don’t worry about having a perfect diet yet!
When your bump expands in the second trimester, it’s important to increase your nutrition! Protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins are essential for your baby’s development. Breakfast options include spinach omelettes and Greek yogurt. At lunch, fill up on chicken sandwiches and milk. Avoid hazardous foods such as raw deli meats and fish. Safety first!
The final stretch!
Cravings throughout the third trimester are real. Allow yourself to give in from time to time! Just do your best to consume balanced meals and snacks. Lots of water and milk are also1 essential. Happy Parenting!!
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