|
From the moment of conception, the pregnancy diet plays an important role in the development of the fetus in the Uterus. Calorie needs increase, vitamin and mineral needs increase and the role of food choices becomes more important than ever before. The female body is no longer about caring only for itself, but for supporting the baby growing inside mom.
Starting the Pregnancy Off RightThe first two weeks after conception, the mom to be will need a diet rich in folic acid. Folic acid is responsible for the brain formation in the baby. While many foods we eat every day include small amounts of folic acid, the amount needed for those beginning weeks can only be achieved through supplementation. The attending physician will often prescribe a prenatal vitamin on the first day of the positive pregnancy test.
The specific relation of folic acid to the growing fetus involves neural tube defects. These defects can occur in the brain and spinal cord when enough folic acid is not present in the beginning days of cell division and the crucial first two weeks of life. The 400 mcg needed per day is included in all prenatal vitamins, but a healthy pregnancy diet rich in fortified breakfast cereals, enriched grain products, beans and leafy green vegetables will add even more folic acid to the pregnant diet.
For mothers who are planning on becoming pregnant, but have yet to conceive, the prenatal vitamin can be added to a before pregnancy diet in order to ensure the most optimal levels of folic acid in Mom's body before the baby needs this supplement.
Mom's Diet: Babies HealthAfter conception occurs, mom's diet will need to be watched closely. High levels of caffeine intake, fat intake and intake of salt can hinder the health of both mom and baby. The basics of a healthy pregnancy diet include 6 ounces of grain per day, 2 ½ cups of vegetables per day, 2 cups of fruit per day, 3 cups of milk per day, 5 ½ ounces of protein per day, and plenty of water.
With a growing belly, mom will need to watch the amounts of food she eats at each sitting and may find that eating 6 or 7 smaller meals every day provides a better comfort level, especially in the later stages of the pregnancy when the fetus takes over much of the space in the abdominal cavity.
Healthy Pregnancy Weight GainThe weight gain during pregnancy will very from mom to mom. One thing that all doctors agree upon is the fact that too little weight gain during pregnancy is not healthy for mom or baby as is too high a weight gain. The perfect weight gain for a traditional, singlet pregnancy will fall in the 25 to 35 pound range.
The weight gained during pregnancy is really not weight on mom at all. When following a health pregnancy diet, the weight gain will primarily be attributed to the additional blood needed for the baby, the water held in the body during the pregnancy for hydration, the placenta weight and the weight of the baby.
When a mom to be is pregnant with more than one baby at a time, the weight gain will be increased depending on the number of babies growing in the womb.
Things to Stay Away From While PregnantMany mothers tend to keep their pregnancy diet quite similar to the diet they ate before becoming pregnant. This is perfectly normal, as long as the correct amount of calories and nutrients are eaten each day. However, recent studies and accepted practice tend to warn pregnant moms about some of the foods they should avoid when pregnant.
Diet soda in a pregnancy diet can be harmful to baby. Recent studies have found that diet soda (ones containing caffeine) double the risk of miscarriage in women who consumer 200 mg or more each day of caffeine. Doctors recommend staying away from any diet colas during pregnancy and replacing those caffeine drinks normally consumed with milk or water.
Other foods to avoid when pregnant include raw meat, deli meat, fish with mercury, smoked seafood, fish exposed to pollutants, raw shellfish, raw eggs, soft cheeses, un-pasteurized milk, pate, alcohol, and unwashed vegetables.
Losing the Weight After BabyDuring the first few weeks after baby is born, mom's body will need to work hard to heal from the wounds created during the birth of baby and on the job of returning to normal blood and fluid levels, so no calorie cutting should occur. For moms who are breastfeeding, an additional 500 calories will be needed as part of the post pregnancy diet or lactation diet for the duration of the time spent breast-feeding. For all other moms, after the doctor releases you (normally 6 weeks after the birth of baby) you will be able to cut calories and workout at normal levels. Due to the time spent off your feet, women need to start out slow and work up to their pre pregnancy workout levels to ensure no muscle injury after baby.
Taking Family Along for the RideA pregnancy diet is the perfect way to adopt a healthier lifestyle for everyone in the household. While mom may be eating smaller portions more often during the day, the rest of the family can learn the benefits of adding a multi-vitamin to their every day diet and moderating the amount of food eaten at each meal.
If you find that dad is gaining weight along with you during your pregnancy, take the time to talk with him about weight loss after pregnancy. While you will be giving birth to the baby and losing the majority of the weight within days of birth, he, on the other hand, will have to work off those extra pounds.
Your pregnancy is a special time of growth. Not only are you growing as a family, but also your body is the home for a new and wonderful life. As your tummy grows, your baby grows and the pregnancy diet needs will change. One thing is sure to remain the same throughout the entire pregnancy diet menu plan, and that is healthy foods in healthy portions.
Shop Online at our Weight Loss Store or if not looking for product try posting your experiences, questions or comments in our Weight Loss and Exercise Forums.
As customary we here at Weight Loss HQ hope you take the time to rate and social bookmark this article if and only if you found it useful and think others would like it (you can rate it poorly too). All of this can be done at the top and bottom of this article and every article we write.
 Add as favourites (93) |  Quote this article on your site | Views: 907
|
P90X
