Oh, Baby! Eating for Pregnancy

Oh, Baby! Eating for Pregnancy

No matter where you are in your pregnancy, it ’ randomness never excessively late to begin eating healthier. In fact, nutriment can be one of the sweetest gifts you can give yourself and baby before and during pregnancy. Proper nutrition are building blocks for a goodly pregnancy. And, we are here to help. Every step of the way – whether we are prescribing your prenatal supplements or helping you make better eat choices, you can count on us .
awareness that the food you eat provides your baby with a foundation for growth and development is a adult footstep in the direction of optimum health.

Healthy Brain & Spine Development

Folic acid is a keystone nutrient that should be included in your diet to help prevent major give birth defects of the baby ’ south brain and spine such as anencephaly and spina bifida. Anencephaly is a serious birth defect that causes the baby to be born without parts of the genius and skull. It is estimated that more than 1200 pregnancies are affected by this stipulate each class in the US. Spina bifida is another give birth defect that happens when the spinal column and spinal cord don ’ triiodothyronine form properly .
At CBHA, we suggest that you begin taking 400 microgram of folic acerb supplement at the originate of your pregnancy to help prevent parturition defects. Your first trimester screen is the perfect starting sharpen to ensure you are off to a great depart !

Foods that contain folic acid

• Leafy greens – spinach and broccoli
• Beans
• Cereal – check for cereals with 100% of folic acid daily value
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Egg yolks

Growing Strong Bones & Teeth

Another important part of nutrition during pregnancy is calcium. Your body can ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate make calcium on its own, so it ’ mho significant to take a accessory or ensure you are getting an adequate measure through your diet. calcium helps support the growth of solid bones and teeth for your baby, and calcium reduces your risk of developing osteopetrosis late in life. We recommend that big mothers consume 1,000 magnesium of calcium per sidereal day either by accessory or food.

Foods that contain calcium

• Broccoli
• Milk
• Cheese (check with your doctor for a list of which cheeses are best)
• Beans

What to limit during pregnancy

During pregnancy, remember that what you eat, or swallow is besides consumed by the baby .

• Caffeine. You don’t need to completely quit your morning routine,
  but it is best to limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg—which is
  equal to a 12 oz. cup of coffee or tea per day. Avoiding sugar filled
  sodas as your source of caffeine is a great way to eliminate empty calories
  during pregnancy.
• Refined Sugar & Fats. Reducing sweets and foods high in fat and sugar
  helps you reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Checking ingredient
  labels will tell you where unnecessary sugars can be found.
• Foods high in fat or processed sugar. According to a study funded by the
  National Institute of Health, a diet high in fat and sugar during pregnancy
  may interact with a gene that controls early brain development in the
  fetus. This interaction potentially increases the risk for attention deficit
  hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in some children.
• Fish. Avoid fish with higher concentrations of mercury, which may include
  fresh tuna, swordfish, and mackerel. Instead, focus on fish with low concentrations
  of mercury – like tilapia, salmon, shrimp, canned tuna, cod, or
  catfish. Limiting fish to 2-3 servings per week.

What to avoid

Some things are merely not full for you during pregnancy. These include :

• Alcohol. Avoid alcohol during pregnancy to reduce the risks of miscarriage,
  still births, and life-long conditions.
• Cigarettes. Smoking during pregnancy can cause low birth weight and has
  been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Raw meat. Avoid raw and undercooked meat as well, often contaminated with
  bacteria like salmonella (sorry; no ceviche).
• Drugs. Talk with your doctor about drugs you may be taking when you are pregnant.
• Cat litter/waste. Parasites in cat waste can be harmful for your baby if
  you become infected. Delegate the changing of the litter box until after
  the baby is born and use gloves when you are pregnant and gardening.

And remember: you are not eating for two!

There is an proverb that when you are fraught, you are eating for two. But, it ’ mho significant to know that although you are eating for you and your baby, you are not eating for two. In fact, you merely need to take in an extra 300 calories per day to ensure you are consuming enough food for you and your pamper. These 300 extra calories should be nutrient dense foods ( veggies, fruits, legumes etc… ) to help support your growing little one. But remember, not all calories are adequate. It ’ south best to avoid empty calories during pregnancy such as cushy drinks, sweets, refined sugars, and carbs .
For extra information on pregnancy nutrition, please call us to make an appointee with our onsite registered dietician. We want to help support your pregnancy and ensure it is happy and healthy !