Archive for nutrition during pregnancy
Peanuts and Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsAsk any parent who has a child who is allegeric to peanuts how difficult their live has become. Food shopping can take hours because every food label must be read it and studied to make sure it contains no traces of peanuts. Arrangements for peanut free foods must be made with the child’s school ahead of time and other children’s birthdays parties can be a parent’s worse nightmare. Peanut allergies although common can be one of the most fatal allergies a child could suffer from. Some children are so sensitive to their peanut allergy that if they come into contact with peanuts just from someone else’s skin, their life can be at risk. Peanut allergies can lead to anaphylactic shock which is a sever allergic reaction that can be fatal.
Peanut allergies are usually not diagnosed until a child reaches the age of 2 or even three years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that parents who have a peanut allergy in the family should wait until their child is at least three years old before giving them peanuts or anything containing peanuts. There are even some conservative obgyns who advise their pregnant patients not to eat peanuts especially if when they are in their third trimester regardless of if there is a history of peanut allergy in the family or not.
The reason for this is because in order for a peanut allergy to develop, the child has to come into contact with small traces of a peanut. This contact sensitizes the child so that they later have a severe allergic reaction. Some experts believe that this first sensitization can occur during pregnancy. It is believed that a tiny amount of peanut protein can cross the placenta. In fact a recent study showed that if a women ate peanuts or peanut butter while pregnant their baby could be four times more likely to develop a peanut allergy than a child whose mother didn’t eat any peanuts during her pregnancy.
This isn’t to say though that if you have a no history of nut allergies you should avoid peanuts at all costs. In fact, peanuts and peanut butter are very beneficial to you and your baby. Peanuts are a useful source of folic acid and protein, both which are very important to your and your growing baby. Peanuts and peanut butter has been said to help some women get through the first trimester morning sickness. Keep in mind however that there have been some instances when women who had no history of peanut allegeries in their family and ate a over whelming amount of peanuts or even peanut butter through out their pregnancies wound up with children who had a peanut allergy.
Before you decide to throw out all your peanuts and say good bye to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, talk to your doctor. Give your doctor a detailed family history and let him know if there are any peanut allergies in your family. With your doctors help you will be able to create a healthy peanut eating plan for your pregnancy. If you do not feel comfortable at all eating peanuts due to the risk do not let anyone change your mind. It is your body and your child and you have the right to make that decision.
The Ultimate Recipe for Nutrition During Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsIt is no question that keeping a well-balanced diet is integral during the entire stage of pregnancy. A lot of women take it to themselves to even visit nutritionists while pregnant so as to get an expert’s advice. In truth, you do not need an expert’s help all the time. There are things that you can do all on your own without having to pay a lot of money for something that you can learn through reading this very article. Everyone knows that during pregnancy, the more conscious you are about the way you eat, the better chances of giving birth to a healthy baby. Bear in mind that since your baby is living inside your womb, whatever you eat and consume shall directly affect your child as well. For instance, if you are eating junk food while pregnant, this will also be consumed by your unborn child.
To make sure that you have all the essential nutrition during pregnancy, always start the day by eating a hearty breakfast. As a standard rule when it comes to health, the breakfast is always the most important meal of the day. You may add a glass of milk to this meal or a few chunks of fruits to immediately complete the needed vitamins and minerals to aid in your baby’s growth. As a pregnant woman, it is perfectly alright to eat about four to six small meals on a daily basis so as to veer away from possible heartburn or the feeling of overeating. You may want to also focus on food groups that are rich in calcium so as to nurture the growth of your baby’s bones as well as yours in preparation for the process of giving birth to your child. For protein, you can look into eating fish, chicken or lean meat so as to continuously supply your muscles with the right minerals. If you are craving for a few sweets, it does not hurt to have an occasional scoop of ice cream so long as you do not make a habit out of it. As you already know fruits and vegetables should always be on the top of your list for every meal. These foods will definitely help you nurture your child even more as it stays inside your womb.
Gaining Weight Too Fast During Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsAny obgyn will tell you that the recommended weight gain for pregnancy is 25-30 pounds. Some women will gain more, some will gain less. But how can you tell if you are gaining too fast during your pregnancy. Too much weight gain can increase your chances of a c section and put you at risk for being overweight after.
Some doctors say that if you put on more than 3 1/2 pounds in your first trimester and are of a normal weight you are putting weight on too fast. If you are overweight and put on more than 2 pounds, you are gaining too fast. Keep in mind though that even if you gain a lot in your first trimester, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will gain a lot your whole pregnancy.
Some women gain a lot in the first trimester because morning sickness has them only able to eat carbs and nothing else and still end their pregnancy gaining no more than 25 pounds. If however you find that your weight gain is still not slowing down once you enter your second trimester, there are some tips you can try to help slow it down.
First, cut out the useless calories. It is never a good idea to diet while you are pregnant but if you are gaining too much you do need to slow down the rate at which you are gaining. Apply some basic calorie cutting strategies such as using skim milk instead of whole milk, taking skin off your chicken and grilling or broil instead of frying or sautéing. You will also want to cut out most of your sweets. These are empty calories that are providing no nutritional value to you or your baby.
Next, cut down on the fat you are taking in. Look at what you are eating and how it may have hidden fat in it. Some salad dressings can be loaded with fat, so you might want to try putting your dressing on the side. Watch how much oil you use when you are cooking or when you are going out to eat and stick to good oils such as extra virgin olive oil.
Get active! You could be gaining weight faster because you are not active. As long as your doctor gives you the go ahead, start a walking program. Walking is one of the best things you can do for your body and your baby. Not only does it help with your weight gain, but some women and doctors swear that walking through out most of your pregnancy could help ease the pains of childbirth. If you can not walk due to weather conditions you might want to look into joining a prenatal exercise class.
Lastly pay attention to what you are eating. So many people don’t pay attention to what they eat and find that they are overeating without even realizing it. How many times have you sat on the couch watching a movie and decided to have some potato chips only to realize that you have eaten the whole bag? Try to keep all your meals at the table and take your time while eating.
Even though you are eating for two, gaining just enough weight will not only make delivery and recovery easier for you, it will also make getting the weight off after pregnancy come off that much faster.
The Importance of Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsThroughout your pregnancy you are going to experience a number of aches and pains. While Doctors and midwives used to disregard these as normal pains of pregnancy in our days they know better and that is why they recommend you eat a well balanced diet throughout your pregnancy. In this article I will show you just a few examples of how having proper nutrition during pregnancy can help you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
For instance, having problems with teeth and gums is a frequent problem you may experience. In order to avoid this you need to insure that you have enough calcium and vitamin C in your diet. You can easily get the added calcium and vitamin C from a piece of cheese, nuts or even a piece of sugar free gum.
Another common aliment during pregnancy is dizziness or lighheadedness; this can be increased when meals are too far apart. This is why it is essential to eat several small meals throughout the day as opposed to three large meals. You will also want to eat as healthy as possible and refrain from junk food whenever possible as to avoid the dreaded sugar rush.
Yet another complaint during pregnancy is swelling. For the most part a certain amount of swelling is common severe swelling could be a sign of preeclampsia. Actually, swelling is common that over seventy five percent of all pregnant women experience will actually experience swelling to some degree. Swelling during pregnancy is mostly commonly caused by water retention. You can avoid unnecessary water retention by refraining from eating salty foods and drinking lots of water.
Although some of us may be blessed with vibrant and shiny hair during our pregnancy it is rather common for our hair to fall out or become brittle. This is mostly caused by deficiencies in vitamins A, B and C therefore it is imperative that you have proper nutrition during your pregnancy that includes eating healthy and taking vitamins.
Remember proper nutrition during pregnancy doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated just follow some simple guidelines and your baby will have a happy and healthy pregnancy. After all when you eat healthy during your pregnancy so does your baby.
Pregnancy Nutrition – What You Need to Know!
Posted by: | CommentsProper nutrition during pregnancy is one of the best gifts you can give to your unborn baby. But don’t forget, eating well healthy for your unborn baby means eating well for you. Many moms to be forget that they too benefit from proper nutrition during pregnancy. After all what you put into your body while pregnant directly effects how your unborn baby copes with and recovers from all the physical and emotional changes you go through during pregnancy.
Truth be told, most pregnant women do not walk around the rosy glow all nine months. During the first trimester we are walking around in a fog a not so nice shade of green from morning sickness and exhaustion. Thing tend to clear up in the second trimester as far as tiredness and morning sickness are concerned but we now have to deal with leg cramps and back aches
By the time we reach the third trimester, we are back to walking around in a fog due to the lack of sleep, as well as more back aches, swollen feet and heartburn. Eating foods with complex carbohydrates can help reduce your fatigue and staying away from foods filled with fats and can help reduce heartburn.
Research has shown that pregnant women who maintain proper nutrition during pregnancy usually have a safe and simple pregnancy. Other studies have proven that common pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or high blood pressure can be directly related to deficiencies in our diets.
Perhaps one of the greater benefits of proper nutrition during pregnancy is that it could help you during labor and delivery. In fact a well balanced pregnancy diet has been said to help prevent preterm labor. Labor occurring prior to 37 weeks of gestation. Any woman who has given birth knows the amount of energy required to last through the hours of contractions and pushing. Having proper nutrition during pregnancy will ensure that you have the necessary energy and strength needed for delivery.
It is especially necessary to continue healthy eating after delivering your. During the period following delivery, your body will need lots of resources to recover the shock of child birth. Therefore, eating well following your delivery is just as vital as it was when you were pregnant.
Another bonus of proper nutrition during pregnancy is that you may never stop eating healthy. This will help to set the basis for a lifetime of eating healthy for your children. For your complete guide to Nutrition During Pregnancy as well as tips and advise on Pregnancy visit www.YourMaternityResource.com
Eating to Beat Pregnancy Fatigue
Posted by: | CommentsAsk any pregnant woman who is in her first or third trimester how they are feeling and the answer will almost always be “tired”. One of the first clues that many women have that they may be expecting a visit from the stork is the fact that they find themselves droopy eyed in the middle of the day for no reason.
You may find that doing a simply task as walking around the block leaves your desperate for an afternoon nap. The energy you use to have is now faced with the challenge of growing a baby and your body is hard at work. You are also producing more blood, using more water and nutrients and have a higher heart rate and metabolism when you are pregnant. While the best defensive against the tiredness you will face is to get more sleep. There are also some healthy foods choices you can make that will help you get through your day if you do not have the opportunities to take naps.
First, adjust the size of your meals. Anyone who eats a large meal is going to feel tired afterwards regardless of if they are pregnant or not. Being pregnant is going to make the effect of a big meal that much worse. Most of your energy is going to be used towards digesting the meal so of course you will feel sluggish and drained. Eat smaller meals and eat more often. Eating six small meals a day will help you combat fatigue.
Eating a good breakfast is the best way to start your day. You are refueling your body after a long foodless night with a good breakfast. A good breakfast is not a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. You want to stick to complex carbs and protein. Whole grain cereal and a banana for example. These foods will stay with you and keep your blood sugar and energy level up for quiet a while.
Do not skip lunch. There are many people who skip lunch thinking they will make up for it by having a big dinner. This is bad when you are not pregnant but it’s even worse when you are pregnant. You need that midday meal to help refuel your body. As with your breakfast, you should keep it filled with whole grains and protein. Have a whole grain pita and stuff it with chicken salad and add a side of grapes or an apple.
Plan to eat most of your calories during the day. A pregnant woman needs an extra 300 calories a day throughout their second and third trimester. The first trimester those are not needed yet. You should eat these extra calories through out the day in the form of healthy snacks such as nuts, cheese, veggies and dip. Do not save your biggest meal until the end of the day. Your body needs these calories to help you get through your day. Steer clear of the quick sugar fixes like candy and soda. In the end these will only make you more tired.
Lastly, make sure you are getting enough iron. Eat iron fortified food such as spinach and lean red meat to keep your energy up. There are times when extreme fatigue could be the symptom of an iron deficiency and you might need an iron supplement also.
Besides eating well, make sure you get plenty of rest even if this means pushing your bedtime up and giving up those late night TV talk shows. As any parents of newborns will tell you, get your rest while you still can.
Click here for more great tips on nutrition during pregnancy.
Eating Right During Your Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsYou already know it is important to eat a well-balanced diet, but it is even more important when you are pregnant. Keep in mind now you are eating for two. Whatever you eat, the baby eats as well. In fact the baby actually takes your nourishment’s so you must eat enough for both of you. The healthier you eat the better it is for the pregnancy and you.
Never miss a meal while you are pregnant, especially breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and your baby has probably been waiting since he/she woke up in the middle of the night. You may learn that if you wait so long before eating you start to feel sick, this is your body telling you to eat. Do it! Read More→
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsOnce you start thinking about having a baby, you should start thinking about what you eat. Any expectant mother will want first and foremost to optimize her health and that of her growing baby. Proper nutrition during pregnancy is an important aspect to that effort.
While there are many factors that affect weight gain during pregnancy your nutrition is a major key to having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
For instance did you know that pregnant women only need about 300 extra calories per day in order to maintain healthy nutrition throughout their pregnancy? Eating much more then 300 calories a day extra will lead to excess weight gain, which is not healthy for you or your unborn baby. Have you ever wondered why the average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25 and 35 pounds when newborns usually weigh on average 7.5 lbs? Read More→
Eating to Conceive
Posted by: | CommentsAlmost every woman knows that it is important to eat well while you are pregnant. The benefit it provides you and your baby is invaluable. But, do you also know how important it is to eat well even before you get pregnant? If you are actively trying to get pregnant you have to make sure your body is prepared to accept the challenge. The first thing you should do before even beginning to try is to talk to your doctor to see how you measure up health wise. Does he think you need to lose a few pounds before getting pregnant or does he feel you need to gain a few? Your doctor may recommend that you change your eating habits and start exercising.
As soon as you decide you want a baby, you should begin to get in the habit of eating healthier. Slowly begin to cut out caffeine. If you smoke, now is a good time to quit rather than waiting until you have that positive test. Smoking can decrease your fertility and increase your risk of a miscarriage if you are still smoking when you are pregnant.
Another thing you can do is to start taking prenatals or at least a multivitamin supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. You can also begin to add food into your diet that is rich in folic acid such as spinach and other green vegetables, peanuts, and orange juice. You can also start by taking a prenatal vitamin also. These vitamins contain iron, folic acid, and calcium along with vitamin C, D, B and vitamins B6 and B12 also.
Reevaluated your diet. Start to eat foods that have plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Lay off the fat and excess sugar. You want to eat foods that have a high nutrient density. Eat at least five portions a day of fruits and vegetables along with protein and iron rich foods like dried fruit, and green vegetables. Try to steer clear of raw fish like sushi, and steer clear of undercook shellfish, meat or chicken. You also want to try to avoid fish that has high mercury content like swordfish, shark, or king mackerel. Cut out any food that has unpasteurized milk in it including cheeses such as brie, camembert, and some Mexican cheese. Also cut out foods that have raw egg in it including homemade cookie dough.
Make sure you up your water intake. Water should always be your first beverage choice before, after and during your pregnancy. Water helps to flush your system of toxins. Once you’ve gotten your eight glasses in, you can drink fruit and vegetable juices also.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do before you get pregnant is to cut out all alcohol. The American College of Obstetricians and gynecologists have stated that women who drink might have a harder time getting pregnant than women who do not drink. Another reason why you should give up alcohol is that most birth defects that are caused by alcohol exposure usually occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, usually before you even know you are pregnant.
Getting your body prepared for pregnancy is one of the best decisions you could make. Your body will be more prepared for the challenge of growing a baby and the experience will be a little easier on your body.
Proper Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy
Posted by: | CommentsAny expectant mother will want first and foremost to optimize her health and that of her growing baby. Proper nutrition is a major key to that effort.
The amount of additional calorie intake that pregnant women need, may be a surprise. Only about 300 extra calories per day is recommended by experts. Much more than that can lead to excess weight gain, which is not healthy for mom or baby. An extra tuna fish sandwich or bagel with low-fat cream cheese can do the trick. Avoid the urge to indulge cravings. … Read More→
