Enemies By Design: How The US And USSR Shaped Each Other's Identity

Starting off your day with a healthy well-balanced diet is the best thing you do for yourself and your baby.  This way, you'll only need to make a few adjustments during your pregnancy.

 

If you find it tough to maintain a balanced diet during your first trimester, you can rest assured that you’re not alone.  Due to queasiness, some women will eat all of the time and gain a lot of weight in the process.  Other women have trouble getting food down and subsequently lose weight. 

 

Preventing malnutrition and dehydration are your most important factors during the first trimester. 

 

Calories

When you are pregnant, you need to consume around 300 calories more than usual every day.  The best way to go about doing this is to listen to your body when you are hungry.  You should try to eat as many foods as possible from the bottom of the food pyramid.

 

If you gain weight too slowly, try eating small meals and slightly increasing the fat in your diet. You should always eat when you are hungry, as you are now eating for 2 instead of one.

 

Calcium

By the second trimester, you'll need around 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day for your bones and your baby, which is more than a quart of milk.

Calcium is something that's missing from many diets.  Along with milk, other great sources of calcium include dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, and even calcium tablets.

 

Fiber

Fiber can help to prevent constipation, which is a common pregnancy problem.  You can find fiber in whole grains, fruits, and even vegetables.  Fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are safe to take during pregnancy.

 

Protein

Unless you happen to be a strict vegetarian, your protein intake is not normally a problem for women who eat a healthy diet.

 

Iron

A lot of women will start their pregnancy off with a bit of iron deficiency.  Good sources of iron include dark leafy green vegetables and meats.  Iron supplements should be avoided, as they can cause internal symptoms such as cramping, constipation, or diarrhea. 

 

Vitamins

Seeing as how you get a majority of the vitamins you need in your diet, you may want to discuss prenatal vitamins with your doctor.  Folate is one of the most important, and if you are getting enough of it, you may be able to avoid vitamins all together - just as your doctor to make sure.

 

 Don’t eat certain foods.

To protect your baby, it is important to avoid consuming certain foods that may contain harmful bacteria. Refrain from consuming the following:

 Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, such as sushi or raw oysters.

Raw or undercooked meats, poultry, or eggs.

Unpasteurized juice, milk, or cheese. Ensure that the label indicates "pasteurized."

Take a prenatal supplement every day.

Ensure you take a prenatal supplement daily, as it is essential for everyone during pregnancy. Consult your doctor or nurse to determine the most suitable prenatal vitamin for your needs.

 

Additionally, it is important to obtain an adequate intake of the following vital nutrients:

 

Folic acid aids in the prevention of certain birth defects affecting the brain and spine. Look for a prenatal supplement containing 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid. For more information on obtaining sufficient folic acid, refer to the provided link.

 

Iron is crucial for your baby's development, and many pregnant women do not consume enough iron. Consult your doctor to determine if you require a prenatal supplement containing iron. To learn more about iron, please visit the link provided.

 

Iodine plays a vital role in your baby's brain development. If you use salt at home, ensure that it is iodized salt, which contains added iodine. Prenatal supplements might not contain iodine, so consult your doctor to determine if you need an iodine supplement. For further information on iodine, refer to the provided link.

 

Choline is also essential for your baby's brain development. Incorporate choline-rich foods into your diet, such as low-fat and fat-free dairy products, eggs, lean meats, seafood, beans, and lentils. It's important to note that many prenatal supplements lack choline. If you suspect you may not be getting enough choline, discuss this with your doctor.