There are a lot of do’s and don’ts when it comes to pregnancy, but you can do anything for 9 months, right? Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is very important. Women who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk for pregnancy related serious conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and even the need for a cesarean section. By making a conscious decision to get healthier during your pregnancy or before you try to become pregnant, you are decreasing your risk of several pregnancy related health problems. Plus, you are giving your baby a healthier start.
Eating for Two?
If you are looking to have a dietary overhaul for your pregnancy, look towards eating more lean meats, fruits and vegetables that have been well washed or cooked, healthy grains and drinking a lot of water. You need about 1000 extra calories every day during your pregnancy, but those should be used well with healthy food and snacks, like an apple with peanut butter, not wasted on a Big Mac! Talk with your doctor at the Woman’s Clinic about how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy and develop a strategy to meet your goal.
What To Avoid
There are a lot of things you should avoid while you are pregnant because they could bring a risk to you and your baby. You should never eat raw meat or raw eggs while pregnant, as they could contain bacteria that could make you very sick. Caffeine should be avoided in large amounts, but most doctors agree an equivalent of one cup of coffee a day is ok. Deli meat and hot dogs contain nitrates and may have listeria which is linked to miscarriage. While hot dogs should be avoided, you can eat deli meat if it is cooked until steaming and eaten immediately. Fish is great to eat while pregnant because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and is a healthy, lean source of protein. However, some fish have high mercury levels, including shark and swordfish, which are linked to poor drain development. Canned tuna is ok in moderation and should not be eaten more than once a week. Soft cheese and unpasteurized milk products are also on a 9 month hiatus. Unpasteurized dairy products may also contain listeria and lead to illness.
How Can The Woman’s Clinic Help?
The Woman’s Clinic staff is here to help you get serious about your diet during pregnancy. You can get many of your questions answered by visiting the Obstetrics page of our website. Our doctors want you and your baby to have a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. A healthy change starts with you!
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