Discovering that you are pregnant opens a whole new world before you. Suddenly, your focus shifts as your one and only job becomes just nine months long; to attend to the health of you and your baby. If you are not a person who visits the doctor often then the transition to monthly – and soon weekly – doctor visits can feel strange. But these visits are just one of the things you will be doing to ensure the health of your fetus. As you will soon discover, pregnancy diet is another.

As we all know, eating a proper diet can save us a lifetime of health problems and even early death. Even with this knowledge it can still seem a battle to maintain a healthy diet. But with pregnancy, suddenly it is no longer just about us. And when the results of a healthy pregnancy diet can mean a healthy pregnancy, a full-term, problem-free delivery, and a healthy baby – then it doesn’t seem like much of a battle anymore.

Following a proper pregnancy diet ultimately means following the instructions of your doctor. Depending on your pre-pregnancy health and weight, your doctor will indicate how much/little weight it is advised that you gain. Be sure to monitor you weight gain accordingly as excessive weight gain can result in problems such as hypertension and gestational diabetes. Your doctor will advise you as to the number of daily calories that are healthy for your particular body.

Aside from caloric considerations, a pregnancy diet means focusing on healthy foods. Try to avoid foods high in salt, fat, and preservatives. Also minimize fried and greasy foods. Instead, focus on natural, whole foods such as fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and complex whole grains. Also be sure to introduce lean meats such as chicken and fish as great sources of protein.

As part of your pregnancy diet, you will also more than likely be advised by your doctor to increase your calcium intake through yogurt, milk, soy, and cheese.

As a supplement to your pregnancy diet you will more than likely be given a pre-natal vitamin to round out your nutritional needs. This vitamin also includes a higher dose of iron which is essential to a healthy pregnancy.

In addition to eating what you are advised to eat, it is just as important to avoid those things that you are advised against. Be sure to follow the instructions of your doctor in eliminating those foods that are not a part of a healthy pregnancy diet.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful journey; and certainly a healthy one if you stay committed to following the advice of your doctor and a healthy, well-rounded pregnancy diet.

The maintenance of pregnancy diet is an important part of the cycle, of giving birth to a new- born infant. Many researchers, dietitians and good doctors recommend a pregnant woman to follow a well-planned pattern of food habits. Enriched diet makes a the mother and child both fit and healthy.

Vitamins And Proteins:-
Intake of foods enriched in vitamins and proteins is a compulsory part of the pregnancy diet. Lots of fresh water, fruit juices, milk etc. not only makes the would be mother feel fit but also helps the baby grow healthy. Any food which a pregnant lady cannot digest easily should be avoided. Excessive fats is also not a part of the diet. Dry fruits like coconut, almonds, raisins are very nutritious and energy giving. Green vegetables and milk products also count upon.

Avoid Over Diet:-
Intake of essential proteins and vitamins is a part of pregnancy diet. Women may sometimes tend to gain more weight during this phase. Gaining weight can cause complications in child birth. This may affect the child’s health also. An over-weight pregnant woman should consult a doctor. Her diet patterns should be regulated and she should follow simple exercises as recommended by her doctor.

Carbohydrates And Other Essentials:-
Pregnancy diet may not include an intake of many carbohydrates, but a limited amount is essential. Green vegetables, fruits with less sugar and whole grains are a store of carbohydrates. Intake of carb rich food should be done in a well planned way. Above all a pregnant lady should take lots of fresh water and juices to stay active. A light and brisk walk during the later stages of pregnancy helps during child birth. A pregnancy diet should be kept in mind, with a list of do’s and don’ts for a safer side.

A Complete Guide to Pregnancy Diet

Pregnancy diet should be the topmost priority for a pregnant woman. It’s what you eat that makes the fetus healthy. If you’re malnourished, your baby cannot be healthy. Therefore, a diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water is what you need to have for a healthy pregnancy.

Your Diet During Pregnancy Should Contain…

Carbohydrates

You need energy at this time and carbs are the best source for it. You must take:

*Cereals
*Whole-grain bread
*Pasta
*Rice
*Potatoes
*Fresh fruits and vegetables

Protein

Proteins stimulate growth of cells and formation of blood. You must take:

*Peanuts
*Pulses and legumes
*Tofu, cottage cheese

Iron

You just can’t do without Iron! It prevents anemia and aids in red blood corpuscles (RBC) production. You must take:

*Spinach
*Iron fortified cereals and whole grain breads
*Drumsticks
*Beetroots

Calcium

For strong bones and teeth, proper functioning of nerves, and muscle contractions, calcium is a must. If you don’t take adequate amount of this mineral in your pregnancy diet, your baby will suck it from your body reserves, thus, rendering you vulnerable to osteoporosis. Hence, you must take:

*Cheese
*Milk
*Yoghurt
*Spinach

Vitamin A

If you want good eyesight, glowing skin and strong bones, include this vitamin in your diet. You must take:

*Dark green leafy vegetables
*Carrots
*Sweet potatoes
*Mangoes

Vitamin B6 and B12

It’s no use taking protein, carbs, and fats, if you’re deficient in Vitamin B6. This is because this vitamin aids in proper assimilation of these nutrients. Vitamin B6 and B12 help in RBC formation and proper functioning of nervous system. You must take:

*Whole grain cereals
*Gram
*Bananas
*Milk

Vitamin C

It’s important for strong teeth, gums, and bones. You must take:

*Citrus fruits
*Tomatoes
*Broccoli
*Vitamin C fortified fruit juices

Vitamin D

This vitamin helps in the assimilation of calcium. It helps to make your bones and teeth strong. You must take:

*Exposure to adequate sunshine
*Fortified milk
*Milk products
*Whole grain breads
*Cereals

Folic Acid For Pregnancy

You should start taking folic acid before pregnancy and continue till the first few months of pregnancy. Folic acid prevents birth defects and neural tube defects in your baby. It aids in the production of enzymes as well as production of blood and protein. Even if you take folic acid in your pregnancy diet through natural sources, doctors advise to take it as a supplement as well. You must take:

*Dark yellow vegetables and fruits
*Green leafy vegetables
*Beans
*Peas
*Nuts

Your Pregnancy Diet Should NOT Contain…

*raw eggs or any food that contains raw eggs
*fish with high mercury content like swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel
*milk that has not be pasteurized, cheese, juices, and apple cider
*raw or undercooked fish, meat, and processed meat
*caffeine
*cigarettes
*alcohol
*Non-edible items such as clay. Some women have a craving for such stuff. This condition is called pica. However, eating such items can be dangerous for your baby. Consult your doctor to handle these urges.

Take a good pregnancy diet and have a happy and healthy pregnancy!

By Charles Johnson - pregnancy-period.com

Balanced Pregnancy Diet was filed under Healthy Diet. Write your comment for Balanced Pregnancy Diet.