Nutritional Advice During Pregnancy

Guidelines for Healthy Nutrition During Pregnancy

Good pregnancy nutrition is an essential part of prenatal care. Healthy pregnancy nutrition helps to make a successful pregnancy by reducing complications and promoting adequate growth and development of the baby. The guidelines below provide important information on healthy nutrition during pregnancy. One of the best gifts for your baby is to provide a healthy diet during pregnancy. It is recommended that you see your doctor to ensure you are adhering to a healthy diet during pregnancy.

• Eat the amount of food necessary to gain weight at the rate recommended by your doctor.
• Include a variety of foods (from all food groups) as well as the right amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients required during pregnancy.
• Limit junk foods
• Eat meals and snacks at regular intervals. Do not skip meals.
• Do not omit foods from essential food groups.
• Buy foods that are labeled "enriched" or "fortified" or made of whole grain.
• To improve absorption of iron, include meat, poultry, fish or vitamin C-rich foods to meals.
• Drink milk or milk products often.
• Salt foods to taste, unless otherwise recommended by your health care provider.

• No studies have stated that any level of alcohol is safe for pregnant women. Because of this, not drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the safest decision.
• Stop smoking! Cigarette smoking while pregnant can increase risk of complications.
• If you normally consume coffee, tea or soft drinks, cut down to no more than one to two cups a day.

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10/17/2005 5:01:16 PM