| For expectant mothers pregnancy nutrition is key to | | | | pregnant and lactating mothers. In order to achieve |
| having a healthy baby. Proper nutrition throughout the | | | | this level you need to drink at least four glasses of |
| pregnancy ensures that the unborn baby is able to | | | | milk. If you find you do not tolerate milk due to |
| get all the nourishment needed to develop and grow | | | | nausea or intolerance you could try eating yogurt or |
| to full size. This does not mean mothers-to-be have a | | | | cheese, or even cottage cheese. Getting your |
| carte blanche to eat everything in sight. | | | | calcium each day is very important. |
| Mothers who had pre-pregnancy nutritional problems | | | | During your pregnancy your eating habits might |
| or were overweight should not consider dieting during | | | | change. You may experience a short period of |
| their pregnancy. Every effort should be made to | | | | nausea in the beginning of your pregnancy. Some |
| follow doctors orders for proper weight gain. The | | | | women never have morning sickness at all. Many |
| actual figures vary however the average woman | | | | women have cravings for unusual foods. Eating |
| usually gains around twenty five to forty pounds | | | | pickles with ice cream is generally okay once in a |
| during her pregnancy. There are essential nutrients | | | | while, but keep in mind your overall pregnancy |
| every expectant mother should add to their daily | | | | nutrition plan and know that everything you eat does |
| intake. | | | | have an impact on your health and that of your |
| Folic acid and iron are the most important vitamins | | | | baby. |
| needed for proper pregnancy nutrition. Expectant | | | | Naturally, you want to avoid: |
| mothers should take 400 mg a day of Folic Acid, | | | | - Caffeine |
| which helps prevent spina bifida and other brain | | | | - Alcohol |
| damage from developing in the growing fetus. There | | | | - Artificial sweeteners |
| are natural sources of folic acid in some foods, like | | | | - High amounts of sodium |
| leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans and some | | | | - Un-pasteurized milk products such as eggnog |
| breakfast cereals. In addition, to prevent anemia it is | | | | Proper pregnancy nutrition will make a big difference |
| a good idea for you while planning your pregnancy | | | | in the birth weight and overall health of your |
| nutrition to keep iron-rich foods in mind such as: | | | | newborn. Eating healthy foods starts your baby off |
| - Lean red meats | | | | on the right track. |
| - Fish | | | | As always, if you have any concerns you should |
| - Chicken or turkey | | | | always ask your doctor about any nutritional advice. |
| - Whole grain breads | | | | They are there to guide you through your pregnancy |
| Your baby also needs calcium to build strong bones. | | | | and will gladly refer you to a registered dietician who |
| The U. S. Recommended Daily Allowance for Calcium | | | | can help you determine a plan that is just right for |
| for expectant mothers who wish to follow proper | | | | you. |
| pregnancy nutrition guidelines is 1000 mg per day for | | | | |