|
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is just like any other time, the only difference is you are now eating and living for two. Everything you eat and any habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking, taking drugs or medications, now affect another life. Most activities that you participated in before pregnancy you may still be able to continue.
The most important part of your diet is that it needs to be well balanced. When eating for two you will become hungrier than usual but remember extremes are not necessary, and can be dangerous. During pregnancy the ideal weight gain in between twenty-four and thirty-five pounds. Women that are underweight before pregnancy should gain approximately thirty-five pounds during pregnancy, and women that are overweight before pregnancy should gain approximately twenty pounds during pregnancy. This will insure the baby has a normal birth weight, and also you will not keep all the weight after birth.
When eating during pregnancy nutritious foods will be your target. Most women experience cravings for chocolate and other fattening foods, these are acceptable, but be cautious of over indulgence. If you aim for nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables, this will insure the baby get the weight not you.
The extra calories that are needed during pregnancy need to come from protein, such as milk, meat, fish and poultry. Protein is the basic building blocks of your unborn child’s development. Carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, and cereals give the unborn child energy for developing. If you do not eat enough carbohydrates, the baby is forced to find other sources of energy, usually from fat. This is not healthy for you or your unborn child. To aid the child in the absorption of vitamins, fat is also needed. Foods such as butter, cheese, meat, whole milk are all good sources. Calcium is needed to help develop strong bones and muscles. Iron is also needed to build blood and blood vessels, foods like cereals, vegetables and spinach are great sources for iron.
|
| |
