Nutrition and Your Pregnancy... ...It Does Matter!
Nutrition and Your Pregnancy... ...It Does Matter!
By Chuck Arnone
When a woman is healthy, balancing carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables usually ensure good nutrition.
|
Women with fears of weight gain or with eating disorders may choose to work with a health professional, to ensure that pregnancy does
not trigger an eating disorder. |
Some women find eating dry crackers before rising from bed in the morning helpful for nausea.
You'll need to avoid eating or drinking certain things during pregnancy, such as: certain
types of fish, such as swordfish, canned tuna, and other fish that may be high in mercury (your doctor can help you decide which fish you can
eat) foods that contain raw eggs, such as mousse or Caesar salad raw or undercooked meat and fish processed meats, such as hot dogs and deli
meats , unpasteurized cheeses, such as feta, brie, blue, and goat cheese unpasteurized milk, juice, or cider.
Try eating frequent, small meals,
and avoid greasy foods. At least in the later stages of pregnancy, she needs to consume more energy than usual, but this does not mean eating
twice as much. In general, eating a variety of fresh, whole (unprocessed) plant foods has proven hormonally and metabolically favorable compared
to eating a monotonous diet based on processed foods.
Since studies indicate that most women get less than half the recommended
amount of folic acid, the March of Dimes recommends women consider a supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid preconceptually to prevent the
incidence of neural tube defects.
If increased weight gain is recommended, an emphasis should be placed on high-calorie food group items that
contain a higher fat and sugar content. Iron is the only recommended nutrient for which requirements cannot be reasonably met by diet alone during
pregnancy. Thirty milligrams of ferrous iron is recommended, and iron should be taken on an empty stomach.
Calcium supplements, if recommended,
should be taken with meals. When the development of major organs begins during early pregnancy, often before a woman starts prenatal care or
realizes that she is pregnant, preconception care is recommended for every woman of reproductive age.
Trying to conceive is the
most natural and pleasurable part of having a baby, but can also be the most stressful. As your body adjusts to the growing baby, you may have
nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings, and stress.
A stress free pregnancy is one of the greatest gifts that you can give your new baby and.more
rest is needed as the woman copes with the added stress of extra weight. Massaging sore areas of the body during pregnancy can reduce aches and
stress. Relaxation techniques can be used to cope with such conditions as stress or morning sickness.
Finally, mood swings and stress are common
symptoms reported by many women in the early stages of pregnancy. The following herbs are recommended for pregnant women: red raspberry leaf
tea is regarded as an all-purpose remedy.
There are seven main classes of nutrients that the body needs: carbohydrates, proteins,
fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber and water. Most people think of nutrition as optional if they are taking prenatal vitamins, but the fact remains
that prenatal vitamins are a supplement, think of them as your lifeguard. Prenatal vitamins are a necessary staple in pregnancy.
Your doctor
will want you to start taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, calcium, and iron as soon as possible. These vitamins and minerals help
ensure the baby's and mother's health as well as prevent some types of birth defects. Ask your doctor if you should change prenatal vitamins
if it seems to be making your nausea worse.
Meanwhile get plenty of sleep, eat right, take your prenatal vitamins and get some moderate exercise
by taking short walks. However your odd food cravings may not be as strong if you are taking your prenatal vitamins and fish oil capsules. The
importance of pre-natal vitamins and fish oil capsules, your doctor will tell you; that if you are trying to conceive, or you believe you may
be experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, you should be taking daily pre-natal vitamins.
It is important that the mother's diet contains sufficient
protein, iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins C and D for the formation of the baby's muscles, bones, and teeth, and to make hemoglobin. Supplementary
iron and vitamins C and D are often recommended, but iron tablets can cause constipation and other distressing effects in some people.
Heating
techniques may also reduce food's content of many heat-labile nutrients such as certain vitamins and phytochemicals, and possibly other yet to
be discovered substances.
Nonetheless, processed foods tend to have an inferior nutritional profile than do whole, fresh foods, regarding content
of sugar and high GI starches, potassium/sodium, vitamins, fiber, and of intact, unutilized (essential) fatty acids.
According to the United
Nations World Health Organization (WHO: 1996), more than starvation the real challenge in developing nations today is malnutrition- the deficiency
of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids) that no longer allows the body to ensure growth and maintain its vital functions.
We
are now in the 21st century, have the luxury of liquid vitamins and an absorption rate of 98%. The benefits of this mean a healthier you, whether
you are pregnant or not. There are so many online sources to consult with in the comfort of your home; there should be no problem in finding
all the information you need. Take care of your mind & body!
About the Author:
Pregnancy is an important matter & Chuck
Arnone has highlighted the necessary requirements for your nutrition. http://www.provitaminliquid.com
More About Family |
|
|
Inexpensive Medical and Dental Insurance Contrary to popular belief, inexpensive medical and dental insurance is not a thing of the past. Tea Leaves Reading for Fun or Profit The ancient art of reading tea leaves in a cup is quite simple, and can be learned in a very short time. |
