Eating Healthy During Pregnancy


© Geneva M. Edwards
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Nutrients Are Important During Pregnancy..........

Now that you are pregnant you need more nutrients to help your baby grow and be healthy. Besides folic acid and iron you will need calcium because pregnant and lactating women require more because of your baby's developing bones. You can get this extra calcium by taking in three extra servings (three cups) of milk or dairy products daily. If you are lactose intolerant, you can still get this extra calcium. There are several low-lactose or reduced-lactose products available. In some cases, your doctor might even prescribe a calcium supplement.

Sodium is also important during pregnancy. Most health care providers will recommend 2,000 to 8,000 milligrams of sodium a day during pregnancy. Keep in mind that there are over 2,000 milligrams of sodium in one teaspoon of salt. Remember also that salt is in most foods, so the increased need for it during pregnancy is not too difficult to achieve. Most importantly, don't forget that sodium helps to regulate the water in your body. Therefore, too much sodium is not good and can lead to other complications in pregnancy (such as edema, high blood pressure, etc). So, it is especially important for you to monitor your sodium intake with your health care provider. Remember to drink plenty of fluids during your pregnancy. A woman's blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can help prevent common problems such as dehydration and constipation.

Why Cravings?...........

Have you ever thought about why your body craves certain foods during pregnancy? Research implies that the choices and other appetite cravings of pregnant women may be reflections of the changes in nutritional needs. Isn't that remarkable? You crave what your body needs to help your developing fetus grow into a health baby.

Eating Healthy vs. Over Eating.........

While you are pregnant, you will need additional nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. However, that does not mean you need to eat twice as much. Please don't over eat. Go to your health care provider and obtain a diet specifically for you during your pregnancy. Ask your health care provide the specific amount of nutrients you need. And please don't forget that your health care provider is your best resource for any questions you may have.

Let your knowledge work for you so that you will give birth to a healthy baby! Nothing else is more important.

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