One of the most challenging decisions for many couples during pregnancy is whether or not to find out their baby’s gender. Recent surveys suggest that between 50% and 70% of expectant couples decide to find out the sex of their child before birth. Some of these couples stick to old wives tales and myths about gender, while others pursue more scientific procedures performed by health care professionals. Whatever you and your partner decide, take some time to learn more about the different procedures that can be used to find out your baby’s gender
Why Find Out Your Baby’s Gender?
Many couple’s relish the idea of waiting to find out the gender of their baby. Of course, this can make pregnancy and the labor and delivery process much more exciting. However, there are also many good reasons to find out the sex of your baby before delivery. Common reasons for finding out
baby’s sex include:
•It can allow you to choose a name early on.
•It can make planning nursery decorations easier.
•It allows you to buy gender-specific clothes.
•It can make planning celebrations after birth (such as circumcision) much easier.
•It may increase your bond with baby.
•It allows parents to who may pass on sex-specific genetic defects to find out their baby’s risk for certain disorders.
Clinical Procedures to Find out Gender
If you and your partner decide to find out the sex of your baby, you may decide to pursue certain clinical testing procedures. These procedures can often tell you the sex of your baby with great accuracy.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is usually the most common procedure used to determine a baby’s gender. Throughout pregnancy, it is likely that you’ll receive a few different ultrasounds. Ultrasounds between the 18th and 26th week of pregnancy are usually the most accurate when it comes to determining the sex of a fetus.
During your ultrasound, your health care practitioner will run a hand-held device over your abdomen. This device passes sound waves through your uterus, creating a picture of your fetus. This picture can then be analyzed for sex-specific characteristics, such as a penis or vagina. It is important to remember that ultrasound isn’t 100% accurate, though. The accuracy of ultrasound does depend upon the type of equipment used, the age and position of your baby, and the skill of your health care practitioner.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a genetic test typically performed on pregnant women who are at higher risk for certain genetic diseases or birth defects. It can provide information on the genetic status of your baby, and can also determine your baby’s gender. It is usually performed between the 9th and 18th week of pregnancy.
During an amniocentesis, fluid from your uterus is removed using a needle. This fluid (the amniotic fluid) contains vital information about your baby. It can be analyzed to determine your baby’s sex. Results typically take between two and four weeks, however, they are close to 99% accurate. Amniocentesis does carry a risk of miscarriage however: miscarriage occurs in about 1% of all amniocentesis procedures.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Chorionic villus sampling can also be used to determine the gender of your baby. However, CVS is usually reserved for women who are at high risk of having a baby with a genetic or chromosomal abnormality.It is typically performed in between the 8th and 11th week of pregnancy.
During CVS, samples of the cells from small projections on your placenta (called villi) are removed. These cells are then analyzed for their genetic structure. CVS is also 99% accurate in determining the sex of a fetus. However, CVS is not without its risks. This procedure carries a 4% risk of miscarriage and is also associated with an increased risk for infection, premature labor, and fetal damage.
Other Popular Methods to Determine Gender
If you are not interested in pursuing a clinical procedure to find out your baby’s gender, than you may want to turn to some old wives tales and myths to help you find out if you are having a boy or a girl. There are hundreds of different myths in circulation about gender in pregnancy. Here are just a few of the more popular ones.
You will have a boy if:
•baby’s heart rate is under 140 beats per minute.
•you are carrying low and in front
•your urine is bright yellow
•your right breast is bigger than your left
•you don’t experience any morning sickness in the first trimester
You will have a girl if:
•baby’s heart rate is faster than 140 beats per minute
•you are carrying high and all over
•your urine is clear
•your left breast is bigger than your right
•you sleep on your right side
String and Ring Test:
This "test" can also predict whether you will have a boy or a girl. Tie your wedding band or other ring on to a piece of string. Hold this string so that the ring hangs down in front of your belly. Gently swing the string: if the ring moves in a circular pattern, you are having a boy; if it moves in a straight line, you are having a girl.
Chinese Lunar Calendar:
The Chinese lunar calendar is a calendar that can be used to predict the sex of your baby. It takes the age when you conceived and your date of conception into consideration. From these dates, it can predict if you will have a boy or girl.
If you are more interested in knowing Baby's Gender, the following link may be useful to you. www.TellMePinkorBlue.com or www.fortunebaby.com.
All the best for your Pregnancy....:)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Jai Santhoshi madha pooja
Santhoshi Matha Pooja Vidhanam
You can start the pooja on any friday for any num of weeks.never eat or touch katta or Pulippu.
they include tamrind,tomatos,curd,dosa,idly,yellow banana, (try avoiding all fruits except green babana which is given as prasad).
wash u'r hair on the pooja fridays.
never talk lies and dont indulge in sex.
people sleep on the floor that night.
After the num of weeks pooja is over on the last friday u have to do udhyapana. either call 8 small boys and serve them food or pay money in the temple and they will do the rest. never give money in the form of dhakshina.
pooja saman:
2 deepams
ghee or oil to light the lamp
agarbathi
flowers
karpooram
thamalapakku
coconut
pasuppu
kumkum
quarters 3(25 cent coins my girl)
fried channa(handfull)
bellam(little)
akshinthalu
pasupu vinayakudu
water(pancha pathram and udharani---if u dont have panchpatram then keep a glass of water and a spoon with pasupu kumkum on all four sides)
Pooja vidhanam
light 2 deepams and the scented sticks(2). keep the pasupu vinayakudu on one thamalapakku.keep kumkum on all four sides.
now take some channa and bellam in one hand and place the other on top of it and wish for wat u want or tell god the reason y u'r doing the pooja.
after praying keep it aside in one plate.this is u'r prasad.
start by praying to lord vinayaka.
SHUKLAM BHARADHRAM VISHNUM SASHIVARANAM CHATURBHUJAM
PRASANNAVADANAM DHYAAYET SARVAVIGNOPASHAANTAYE.
TADEVA LAGNAM SUDHUNAM TADEVA
TAARABALAM CHANDRA BALAM TADEVA
VIDHYA BALAM DAIVABHALAM TADEVA
LAKSHMEEPATE ANGHRIYUGAM SMARAAMI
PRANAYAMAM
OM BHOOHU OM BHUVAHA OM SUVAHA
OM MAHAHA OM JANAHA OM TAPAHAHA
OM SATYAM OM TATSAVITURVA RENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YONA PRACHODAYATH
O MAAP JYOTEERASAHA AMRUTAM BRAHMAHA
BOORBHUVASSUVAROM.
SANKALPAM
keep flowers n akshadha in u'r left palm n close with the right n place it over u'r right thigh n chant the following
MAMOPAATHA SAMASTA DURITAKSHAYADVAARA SHREE
PARAMESHWARA PREETYARTHAM
KARISHYA MAANASYA KARMANAHA NIRVIGHNENA PARI SAMAAPTHYATHAM
AADAU VIGNESHWARA POOJAM KARISHYAE
put the flowers n akshidha on the turmeric puliyar
VIGNESHWARA POOJA
GANAANAAM TVAA GANAPATIGUM HAVAMAHE
KAVIM KAVEENAAM UPAMASRA VASTAMAM.
JYESTHA RAAJAM BRAHMANAAM BRAHMANASPADA
AANAH SHRUVAN NOOTIBHIH SEEDA SAADHANAM
EKADANTAYA VIDHMAHAE VAKRATUNDAYA DHEEMAHI,
TANNO DANTEE PRACHODAYATH
ASMIN HARIDRAA DIMBE SUMUKHAM
MAHAGANAPATHIM DHYAYAAMI AAVAHAYAAMI(put flowers or akshidha)
AASANAM SAMARPAYAMI(turmeric)
ARGHYAM SAMARPAYAMI(POUR A SOON OF WATER IN THE BASE PLATE)
PAADYAM " " " "
AACHAMANEEYAM SAMARPAYAMI
SNAANAM SAMARPAYAMI " "
SNAANAANTRAM AACHAMANEEYAM SAMARPAYAMI " "
VASTRA ALANKAARA UPAVEETAARTHAM AKSHATHA SAMARPAYAMI (AKSHIDHA)
GANDHAM SAMARPAYAMI (TURMERIC OR SANDLEWOOD POWDER)
GANDHASYOPARI HARIDRAA KUMKUMAM SAMARPAYAMI(KEEP KUMKUM ON MANJA PULIYAR)
PUSHPAIHI POOJAYAMI (do archana with flowers and akshadha)
OM SUMUKA YANAMAHA
OM YEKADANTHAYA NAMAHA
OM KAPILAA YA...
OM GAJAKARNIKAYA ...
OM LAMBODHARAYA ...
OM VIKATA YA...
OM VIGNARAJAYA ...
OM GANAADHIPAAYA ...
OM DHOOMAKETAVEY ...
OM GANA DHEEKSHAAYA ...
OM PHAALACHANDRIYA ....
OM GAJAANANAAYA ....
OM VAKRATUNDAYA ....
OM SURPAKARNAYA...
OM HERAMBAYA ....
OM SKANDHA POORVAJAYA....
OM MAHAGANAPATHY NAMAHA
NAANA VIDHA PARIMALA PATRA PUSHPANI SAMARPAYAMI
OM MAHA GANADHIPATAYE NAMAHA
KADHALEE PHALAM NIVEDAYAM SAMARPAYAMI(POUR WATER IN THE PLATE)
PAANIYAM SAMARPAYAMI(WATER)
THAMBOOLAM SAMARPAYAMI(WATER)
light the camphor and say the following
EKADANTAAYA VIDMAHEE VAKRATUNDAYA DHEEMAHI
TANNO DANTEE PRACHODAYAT
KARPOORA NEERAJANAM SANDARSHAYAAMI
NEERAJANAM ANANTRAM AACHAMANEEYAM SAMARPAYAAMI(POUR WATER)
PRAYER
VAKRATUNDA MAHAAKAYA SOORYAKOTI SAMAPRABHA
NIRVIGHNAM KURUME DEVA SARVA KAARYESHU SARVADAA
now move the turmeric ganesh to the top a bit and say the following
VIGNESHWARA YATHAASTAANAM PRATISTHAAPAYAAMI
GANAPATHI PRASADAM SHIRASA GRUHNAAMI(take the akshidha and flowers frm the god and keep in u'r hair)
PLACE A THAMALAPAKKU ON EITHER SIDE OF TURMERIC GANESHA AND KEEP A COIN ON IT.
ON ONE SIDE IS NAVAGRAHA DEYVUDU AND THE OTHER SIDE IS ASHTADIKPALAKUDU.
KEEP TURMERIC AND KUMKUM BOTTU ON IT AND PUT FLOWERS AND ASKHIDHA.
NOW ALSO DO THE SAME TO THE DEEPAM.LIGHT LITTLE CAMPHOR AMD SHOW TO THE DEEPAMS,ASHTADIKLAPAKA AND NAVAGRAHA.
SHATHOSHI MAA POOJA PRARAMBH
WASH THE COCONUT.APPLY TURMERIC ON THE COCONUT AND KEEP EYES,NOSE N LIPS.KEEP THIS
SUKLAM BARADHARAM.......
OM BHOOHU....OM BHUVAHA.....
SANKALPAM(KEEP FLOWERS N AKSHIDHA IN U'R HANDS AND PRAY)
MAMO PAATTA SAMASTA DURITAAKSHA YADVAARAA,SHREE PARAMESHWARA
PREETHYARTHAM,SHUBHE SHOBHANE MUHURTHEY
AADYABRAHMANAHA DVITEEYA PARAARDHE SHVETA VARAHA KALPE
VAIVASTAMANVANTARE,ASHTAAVIMSHATITAME,KALIYUGE,PRA THAMAPATHEY,
JAMBHOODVEEPEY,BRATHAVARSHE, BARATHAKANDEY,
MEROHO DAKSHINA DIKH BAGHEY,SHAKAABDEY ASMIN VARTHAMAANE,
VYAAVAHAARIKA,PRADHAVAADI SHASHTHI SAMVATSARAANAA MADHYE NAAMASAMVATSARE(name of the year in sanskrit),AYANE(dakshinaayaney or uttharaayam)RTOU(season)maase(name of the telugu month)PAKSHEY(shuklapaksham or krishna paksham )YAAM (DAY)SHUBHA THITHAU...BHRUGUVAASARA YUKTAAYAM...NAKSHATRA(NAME OF THE NAKSHTRAM ON THAT DAY)YUKTAAYAM,SHUBHAYOGA,SHUBHAKARANA EVAMGUNA,VIGNESHANA,VISHISTAAYAM ASYAAM(NAME OF THE DAY)MAMA BHARTUSHCHA ANYONYA PREETIPURASSARAM,AVIYOGAARTHAM SAT SANTAANA PHALAAPTYARTHAM,SAKALA SOBHAGYA SIDDHYARTHAM ISHTAKAAMYAARTHA SIDDHYARTHAM SHREE SANTHOSHEE MATRU POOJA KARISHYE....
(KEEP A COIN IN ANOTHER SMALL PLATE.THIS IS REGARDED AS SANTHOSHI MATHA AAKARAM.)
AAVAHITHA BHAVA,STAPITHA BHAVA,SUPRASANNA BHAVA,VARDHA BHAVA,SUMIKI BHAVA,PRASIDHA PRASHIDHA PRASIDHA
PADHYAM SAMARPAYAMI(WATER)
ARGAYAM SAMARPAYAMI(WATER)
PANCHAMRITHA SNANAM SAMARPAYAMI
POUR WATER ON THE COIN AND BATH THE GODESS
1ST SPOON WATER IS MILK,CURD,HONEY,SUGAR
KALASHASYA MUKHE VISHNUH,kanthe RUDRAH SAMAASHRITAH
MOOLE TATRA STHITO BRAHMAA MADHYE MATRUGANAAHA SMRTAAHA.
KUKSHAU TU SAAGaraah sarve,SAPTADHVEEPAA VASUNDHARAA,
rgvedoATHA YAJURVEDHA,SAAMAVEDO ATHARVANAHA.
ANGAISHCHA SAHITAAHA SARVE KALASHAAMBU SAMAASHRITAAH.
AAYAANTU DEVAPOOJAARTHAM,DURITAKSHAYA KAARAKAAHA.
GANGE CHA YAMUNE CHAIVE GODAAVARI SARASWATHI
NARMADHEY SINDHU KAVERY JALE ASMIN SANNIDHIM KURU.
AAGAMAARTHUM TU DEVAANAAM,GAMANAARTHAM TU RAKSHASAAM.
GHANTAARAVAM KAROMYAADAU DEVATAAHVAANA LAANCHANAM.
now wipe the coin and keep it near the kalasam and keep turmeric and kumkum.
show agarbathi and put flowers and show karpooram.keep the pooja flowers in ur' hair.
now its time to read the story.
after reading the story show mangala harathi(kumkum water).
sing a song on ammavaru and eat the channa and belam together 1st.
then give it to others.evening do light the deepam.
next day have a bath,remove the kalasham.
break the coconut and clean the pooja place.
light the deepam,scented sticks,show harathi and keep the coconut as naiyedhya.
u can use the coconut that very same day also.
till the saturday pooja is over do not touch or eat pulupu.
Eating Well When You're Pregnant :)
Eating well during pregnancy is more than simply increasing how much you eat. You must also consider what you eat.
Although you need about 300 extra calories a day — especially later in your pregnancy, when your baby grows quickly — those calories should come from nutritious foods so they can contribute to your baby's growth and development.
Eating Well When You're Pregnant
Do you wonder how it's reasonable to gain 25 to 35 pounds (on average) during your pregnancy when a newborn baby weighs only a fraction of that? Although it varies from woman to woman, this is how those pounds may add up:
•7.5 pounds: average baby's weight
•7 pounds: extra stored protein, fat, and other nutrients
•4 pounds: extra blood
•4 pounds: other extra body fluids
•2 pounds: breast enlargement
•2 pounds: enlargement of your uterus
•2 pounds: amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
•1.5 pounds: the placenta
Of course, patterns of weight gain during pregnancy vary. It's normal to gain less if you start out heavier and more if you're having twins or triplets — or if you were underweight before becoming pregnant. More important than how much weight you gain is what makes up those extra pounds.
When you're pregnant, what you eat and drink is the main source of nourishment for your baby. In fact, the link between what you consume and the health of your baby is much stronger than once thought. That's why doctors now say, for example, that no amount of alcohol consumption should be considered safe during pregnancy.
The extra food you eat shouldn't just be empty calories — it should provide the nutrients your growing baby needs. For example, calcium helps make and keep bones and teeth strong. While you're pregnant, you still need calcium for your body, plus extra calcium for your developing baby. Similarly, you require more of all the essential nutrients than you did before you became pregnant.
ContinueListenA Nutrition Primer for Expectant MothersWhether or not you're pregnant, a healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. The U.S. government publishes dietary guidelines that can help you determine how many servings of each kind of food to eat every day. Eating a variety of foods in the proportions indicated is a good step toward staying healthy.
Food labels can tell you what kinds of nutrients are in the foods you eat. The letters RDA, which you find on food labeling, stand for recommended daily allowance, or the amount of a nutrient recommended for your daily diet. When you're pregnant, the RDAs for most nutrients are higher.
Here are some of the most common nutrients you need and the foods that contain them:
Nutrient Needed for Best sources
Protein cell growth and blood production lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, beans, peanut butter, tofu
Carbohydrates daily energy production breads, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits, vegetables
Calcium strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines or salmon with bones, spinach
Iron red blood cell production (to prevent anemia) lean red meat, spinach, iron-fortified whole-grain breads and cereals
Vitamin A healthy skin, good eyesight, growing bones carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes
Vitamin C healthy gums, teeth, and bones; assistance with iron absorption citrus fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices
Vitamin B6 red blood cell formation; effective use of protein, fat, and carbohydrates pork, ham, whole-grain cereals, bananas
Vitamin B12 formation of red blood cells, maintaining nervous system health meat, fish, poultry, milk
(Note: vegetarians who don't eat dairy products need supplemental B12)
Vitamin D healthy bones and teeth; aids absorption of calcium fortified milk, dairy products, cereals, and breads
Folic acid blood and protein production, effective enzyme function green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, nuts
Fat body energy stores meat, whole-milk dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, margarine, vegetable oils
(Note: limit fat intake to 30% or less of your total daily calorie intake)
BackContinue
ListenImportant NutrientsScientists know that your diet can affect your baby's health — even before you become pregnant. For example, recent research shows that folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects (including spina bifida) from occurring during the earliest stages of fetal development — so it's important to consume plenty of it before you become pregnant and during the early weeks of your pregnancy.
Even though many foods, particularly breakfast cereals, are fortified with folic acid, doctors now encourage women to take folic acid supplements before and throughout pregnancy (especially for the first 28 days). Be sure to ask your doctor about folic acid if you're considering becoming pregnant.
Calcium is another important nutrient. Because your growing baby's calcium demands are high, you should increase your calcium consumption to prevent a loss of calcium from your own bones. Your doctor will also likely prescribe prenatal vitamins for you, which contain some extra calcium.
Your best food sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products. However, if you have lactose intolerance or dislike milk and milk products, ask your doctor about a calcium supplement. (Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, bloating, or gas after eating milk or milk products. Taking a lactase capsule or pill, or using lactose-free milk products may help.) Other calcium-rich foods include sardines or salmon with bones, tofu, broccoli, spinach, and calcium-fortified juices and foods.
Doctors don't usually recommend starting a strict vegan diet when you become pregnant. However, if you already follow a vegetarian diet, you can continue to do so during your pregnancy — but do it carefully. Be sure your doctor knows about your diet. It's challenging to get the nutrition you need if you don't eat fish and chicken, or milk, cheese, or eggs. You'll likely need supplemental protein and may also need to take vitamin B12 and D supplements.
To ensure that you and your baby receive adequate nutrition, consult a registered dietitian for help with planning meals.
BackContinue
ListenFood Cravings During PregnancyYou've probably known women who craved specific foods during pregnancy, or perhaps you've had such cravings yourself. Some theories held that a hunger for a particular type of food indicated that a woman's body lacked the nutrients that food contains. Although this turned out not to be so, it's still unclear why these urges occur.
Some pregnant women crave chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, and comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and toasted white bread. Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consuming things that aren't food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.
But following your cravings is fine as long as you crave foods that contribute to a healthy diet. Often, these cravings let up about 3 months into the pregnancy.
Food and Drinks to Avoid During PregnancyNo level of alcohol consumption is considered safe during pregnancy. Also, check with your doctor before you take any vitamins or herbal products. Some of these can be harmful to the developing fetus.
And although many doctors feel that one or two 6- to 8-ounce cups per day of coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine won't harm your baby, it's probably wise to avoid caffeine altogether if you can. High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, so limit your intake or switch to decaffeinated products.
When you're pregnant, it's also important to avoid food-borne illnesses, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Foods to steer clear of include:
soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as "fresh") such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheeseunpasteurized milk, juices, and apple ciderraw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse and tiramisuraw or undercooked meats, fish, or shellfishprocessed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats (these should be well-cooked)fish that are high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackeral, or tilefishIf you've eaten these foods at some point during your pregnancy, try not to worry too much about it now; just avoid them for the remainder of the pregnancy. If you're really concerned, talk to your doctor.
BackContinue
ListenMore About FishFish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet — they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and low in saturated fat. But limit the types of fish you eat while pregnant because some contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage to the developing nervous system of a fetus.
Mercury, which occurs naturally in the environment, is also released into the air through industrial pollution and can accumulate in streams and oceans, where it turns into methylmercury. The methylmercury builds up in fish, especially those that eat other fish.
Because canned albacore (or white) tuna and tuna steaks are generally considered to be higher in mercury than canned light tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you eat no more than 6 ounces a week. A 2006 review by Consumer Reports, though, showed that some canned light tuna can contain levels of mercury even higher than that of white tuna. But the FDA maintains that the levels are safe if consumption of the fish is limited, and that the current recommendations should stand.
It can be confusing when recommendations from trusted sources differ. But since this analysis indicates that amounts of mercury in tuna may be higher than previously reported, some women may want to eliminate tuna from their diet while pregnant or when trying to become pregnant.
Almost all fish and shellfish contain small amounts of mercury, but you can safely eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, clams, pollock, catfish, and tilapia.
Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about how much — and which fish — you can eat.
BackContinue
ListenManaging Some Common ProblemsBecause the iron in prenatal vitamins and other factors may cause constipation during pregnancy, try to consume more fiber than you did before you became pregnant. Try to eat about 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Your best sources are fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, cereals, or muffins.
Some people also use fiber tablets or drinks or other high-fiber products available at pharmacies and grocery stores, but check with your doctor before trying them. (Don't use laxatives while you're pregnant unless your doctor advises you to do so. And avoid the old wives' remedy — castor oil — because it can actually interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients.)
If constipation is a problem for you, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when increasing fiber intake, or you can make your constipation worse. One of the best ways to avoid constipation is to get more exercise. You should also drink plenty of water between meals each day to help soften your stools and move food through your digestive system. Sometimes hot tea, soups, or broth can help. Also, keep dried fruits handy for snacking.
Some pregnant women find that broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and fried foods give them heartburn or gas. You can plan a balanced diet to avoid these foods. Carbonated drinks also cause gas or heartburn for some women, although others find they calm the digestive system.
If you're frequently nauseated, eat small amounts of bland foods, like toast or crackers, throughout the day. If nothing else sounds good, try cereal with milk or a sweet piece of fruit. To help combat nausea, you can also:
Take your prenatal vitamin before going to bed after you've eaten a snack — not on an empty stomach.Eat a small snack when you get up to go to the bathroom early in the morning.Suck on hard candy.How to Know If You're Eating Well During PregnancyThe key is to eat foods from the different food groups in approximately the recommended proportions. If nausea or lack of appetite cause you to eat less at times, don't worry — it's unlikely to cause fetal harm because your baby gets first crack at the nutrients you consume.
And although it's generally recommended that a woman of normal weight gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy (most gain 4 to 6 pounds during the first trimester and 1 pound a week during the second and third trimesters), don't fixate on the scale. Instead, focus on eating a good variety and balance of nutritious foods to keep both you and your baby health
A Nutrition Primer for Expectant Mothers
Whether or not you're pregnant, a healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. The U.S. government publishes dietary guidelines that can help you determine how many servings of each kind of food to eat every day. Eating a variety of foods in the proportions indicated is a good step toward staying healthy.
Food labels can tell you what kinds of nutrients are in the foods you eat. The letters RDA, which you find on food labeling, stand for recommended daily allowance, or the amount of a nutrient recommended for your daily diet. When you're pregnant, the RDAs for most nutrients are higher.
Here are some of the most common nutrients you need and the foods that contain them:
Nutrient Needed for Best sources
Protein cell growth and blood production lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, beans, peanut butter, tofu
Carbohydrates daily energy production breads, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits, vegetables
Calcium strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines or salmon with bones, spinach
Iron red blood cell production (to prevent anemia) lean red meat, spinach, iron-fortified whole-grain breads and cereals
Vitamin A healthy skin, good eyesight, growing bones carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes
Vitamin C healthy gums, teeth, and bones; assistance with iron absorption citrus fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices
Vitamin B6 red blood cell formation; effective use of protein, fat, and carbohydrates pork, ham, whole-grain cereals, bananas
Vitamin B12 formation of red blood cells, maintaining nervous system health meat, fish, poultry, milk
(Note: vegetarians who don't eat dairy products need supplemental B12)
Vitamin D healthy bones and teeth; aids absorption of calcium fortified milk, dairy products, cereals, and breads
Folic acid blood and protein production, effective enzyme function green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, nuts
Fat body energy stores meat, whole-milk dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, margarine, vegetable oils
(Note: limit fat intake to 30% or less of your total daily calorie intake)
Important Nutrients
Scientists know that your diet can affect your baby's health — even before you become pregnant. For example, recent research shows that folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects (including spina bifida) from occurring during the earliest stages of fetal development — so it's important to consume plenty of it before you become pregnant and during the early weeks of your pregnancy.
Even though many foods, particularly breakfast cereals, are fortified with folic acid, doctors now encourage women to take folic acid supplements before and throughout pregnancy (especially for the first 28 days). Be sure to ask your doctor about folic acid if you're considering becoming pregnant.
Calcium is another important nutrient. Because your growing baby's calcium demands are high, you should increase your calcium consumption to prevent a loss of calcium from your own bones. Your doctor will also likely prescribe prenatal vitamins for you, which contain some extra calcium.
Your best food sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products. However, if you have lactose intolerance or dislike milk and milk products, ask your doctor about a calcium supplement. (Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, bloating, or gas after eating milk or milk products. Taking a lactase capsule or pill, or using lactose-free milk products may help.) Other calcium-rich foods include sardines or salmon with bones, tofu, broccoli, spinach, and calcium-fortified juices and foods.
Doctors don't usually recommend starting a strict vegan diet when you become pregnant. However, if you already follow a vegetarian diet, you can continue to do so during your pregnancy — but do it carefully. Be sure your doctor knows about your diet. It's challenging to get the nutrition you need if you don't eat fish and chicken, or milk, cheese, or eggs. You'll likely need supplemental protein and may also need to take vitamin B12 and D supplements.
To ensure that you and your baby receive adequate nutrition, consult a registered dietitian for help with planning meals
Food Cravings During Pregnancy
You've probably known women who craved specific foods during pregnancy, or perhaps you've had such cravings yourself. Some theories held that a hunger for a particular type of food indicated that a woman's body lacked the nutrients that food contains. Although this turned out not to be so, it's still unclear why these urges occur.
Some pregnant women crave chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, and comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and toasted white bread. Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consuming things that aren't food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.
But following your cravings is fine as long as you crave foods that contribute to a healthy diet. Often, these cravings let up about 3 months into the pregnancy.
Food and Drinks to Avoid During Pregnancy
No level of alcohol consumption is considered safe during pregnancy. Also, check with your doctor before you take any vitamins or herbal products. Some of these can be harmful to the developing fetus.
And although many doctors feel that one or two 6- to 8-ounce cups per day of coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine won't harm your baby, it's probably wise to avoid caffeine altogether if you can. High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, so limit your intake or switch to decaffeinated products.
When you're pregnant, it's also important to avoid food-borne illnesses, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Foods to steer clear of include:
•soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as "fresh") such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese
•unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
•raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse and tiramisu
•raw or undercooked meats, fish, or shellfish
•processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats (these should be well-cooked)
•fish that are high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackeral, or tilefish
If you've eaten these foods at some point during your pregnancy, try not to worry too much about it now; just avoid them for the remainder of the pregnancy. If you're really concerned, talk to your doctor
More About Fish
Fish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet — they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and low in saturated fat. But limit the types of fish you eat while pregnant because some contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage to the developing nervous system of a fetus.
Mercury, which occurs naturally in the environment, is also released into the air through industrial pollution and can accumulate in streams and oceans, where it turns into methylmercury. The methylmercury builds up in fish, especially those that eat other fish.
Because canned albacore (or white) tuna and tuna steaks are generally considered to be higher in mercury than canned light tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you eat no more than 6 ounces a week. A 2006 review by Consumer Reports, though, showed that some canned light tuna can contain levels of mercury even higher than that of white tuna. But the FDA maintains that the levels are safe if consumption of the fish is limited, and that the current recommendations should stand.
It can be confusing when recommendations from trusted sources differ. But since this analysis indicates that amounts of mercury in tuna may be higher than previously reported, some women may want to eliminate tuna from their diet while pregnant or when trying to become pregnant.
Almost all fish and shellfish contain small amounts of mercury, but you can safely eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, clams, pollock, catfish, and tilapia.
Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about how much — and which fish — you can eat
Managing Some Common Problems
Because the iron in prenatal vitamins and other factors may cause constipation during pregnancy, try to consume more fiber than you did before you became pregnant. Try to eat about 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Your best sources are fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, cereals, or muffins.
Some people also use fiber tablets or drinks or other high-fiber products available at pharmacies and grocery stores, but check with your doctor before trying them. (Don't use laxatives while you're pregnant unless your doctor advises you to do so. And avoid the old wives' remedy — castor oil — because it can actually interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients.)
If constipation is a problem for you, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when increasing fiber intake, or you can make your constipation worse. One of the best ways to avoid constipation is to get more exercise. You should also drink plenty of water between meals each day to help soften your stools and move food through your digestive system. Sometimes hot tea, soups, or broth can help. Also, keep dried fruits handy for snacking.
Some pregnant women find that broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and fried foods give them heartburn or gas. You can plan a balanced diet to avoid these foods. Carbonated drinks also cause gas or heartburn for some women, although others find they calm the digestive system.
If you're frequently nauseated, eat small amounts of bland foods, like toast or crackers, throughout the day. If nothing else sounds good, try cereal with milk or a sweet piece of fruit. To help combat nausea, you can also:
•Take your prenatal vitamin before going to bed after you've eaten a snack — not on an empty stomach.
•Eat a small snack when you get up to go to the bathroom early in the morning.
•Suck on hard candy.
How to Know If You're Eating Well During Pregnancy
The key is to eat foods from the different food groups in approximately the recommended proportions. If nausea or lack of appetite cause you to eat less at times, don't worry — it's unlikely to cause fetal harm because your baby gets first crack at the nutrients you consume.
And although it's generally recommended that a woman of normal weight gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy (most gain 4 to 6 pounds during the first trimester and 1 pound a week during the second and third trimesters), don't fixate on the scale. Instead, focus on eating a good variety and balance of nutritious foods to keep both you and your baby healthy.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2009
Reference: http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit
Although you need about 300 extra calories a day — especially later in your pregnancy, when your baby grows quickly — those calories should come from nutritious foods so they can contribute to your baby's growth and development.
Eating Well When You're Pregnant
Do you wonder how it's reasonable to gain 25 to 35 pounds (on average) during your pregnancy when a newborn baby weighs only a fraction of that? Although it varies from woman to woman, this is how those pounds may add up:
•7.5 pounds: average baby's weight
•7 pounds: extra stored protein, fat, and other nutrients
•4 pounds: extra blood
•4 pounds: other extra body fluids
•2 pounds: breast enlargement
•2 pounds: enlargement of your uterus
•2 pounds: amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
•1.5 pounds: the placenta
Of course, patterns of weight gain during pregnancy vary. It's normal to gain less if you start out heavier and more if you're having twins or triplets — or if you were underweight before becoming pregnant. More important than how much weight you gain is what makes up those extra pounds.
When you're pregnant, what you eat and drink is the main source of nourishment for your baby. In fact, the link between what you consume and the health of your baby is much stronger than once thought. That's why doctors now say, for example, that no amount of alcohol consumption should be considered safe during pregnancy.
The extra food you eat shouldn't just be empty calories — it should provide the nutrients your growing baby needs. For example, calcium helps make and keep bones and teeth strong. While you're pregnant, you still need calcium for your body, plus extra calcium for your developing baby. Similarly, you require more of all the essential nutrients than you did before you became pregnant.
ContinueListenA Nutrition Primer for Expectant MothersWhether or not you're pregnant, a healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. The U.S. government publishes dietary guidelines that can help you determine how many servings of each kind of food to eat every day. Eating a variety of foods in the proportions indicated is a good step toward staying healthy.
Food labels can tell you what kinds of nutrients are in the foods you eat. The letters RDA, which you find on food labeling, stand for recommended daily allowance, or the amount of a nutrient recommended for your daily diet. When you're pregnant, the RDAs for most nutrients are higher.
Here are some of the most common nutrients you need and the foods that contain them:
Nutrient Needed for Best sources
Protein cell growth and blood production lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, beans, peanut butter, tofu
Carbohydrates daily energy production breads, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits, vegetables
Calcium strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines or salmon with bones, spinach
Iron red blood cell production (to prevent anemia) lean red meat, spinach, iron-fortified whole-grain breads and cereals
Vitamin A healthy skin, good eyesight, growing bones carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes
Vitamin C healthy gums, teeth, and bones; assistance with iron absorption citrus fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices
Vitamin B6 red blood cell formation; effective use of protein, fat, and carbohydrates pork, ham, whole-grain cereals, bananas
Vitamin B12 formation of red blood cells, maintaining nervous system health meat, fish, poultry, milk
(Note: vegetarians who don't eat dairy products need supplemental B12)
Vitamin D healthy bones and teeth; aids absorption of calcium fortified milk, dairy products, cereals, and breads
Folic acid blood and protein production, effective enzyme function green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, nuts
Fat body energy stores meat, whole-milk dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, margarine, vegetable oils
(Note: limit fat intake to 30% or less of your total daily calorie intake)
BackContinue
ListenImportant NutrientsScientists know that your diet can affect your baby's health — even before you become pregnant. For example, recent research shows that folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects (including spina bifida) from occurring during the earliest stages of fetal development — so it's important to consume plenty of it before you become pregnant and during the early weeks of your pregnancy.
Even though many foods, particularly breakfast cereals, are fortified with folic acid, doctors now encourage women to take folic acid supplements before and throughout pregnancy (especially for the first 28 days). Be sure to ask your doctor about folic acid if you're considering becoming pregnant.
Calcium is another important nutrient. Because your growing baby's calcium demands are high, you should increase your calcium consumption to prevent a loss of calcium from your own bones. Your doctor will also likely prescribe prenatal vitamins for you, which contain some extra calcium.
Your best food sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products. However, if you have lactose intolerance or dislike milk and milk products, ask your doctor about a calcium supplement. (Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, bloating, or gas after eating milk or milk products. Taking a lactase capsule or pill, or using lactose-free milk products may help.) Other calcium-rich foods include sardines or salmon with bones, tofu, broccoli, spinach, and calcium-fortified juices and foods.
Doctors don't usually recommend starting a strict vegan diet when you become pregnant. However, if you already follow a vegetarian diet, you can continue to do so during your pregnancy — but do it carefully. Be sure your doctor knows about your diet. It's challenging to get the nutrition you need if you don't eat fish and chicken, or milk, cheese, or eggs. You'll likely need supplemental protein and may also need to take vitamin B12 and D supplements.
To ensure that you and your baby receive adequate nutrition, consult a registered dietitian for help with planning meals.
BackContinue
ListenFood Cravings During PregnancyYou've probably known women who craved specific foods during pregnancy, or perhaps you've had such cravings yourself. Some theories held that a hunger for a particular type of food indicated that a woman's body lacked the nutrients that food contains. Although this turned out not to be so, it's still unclear why these urges occur.
Some pregnant women crave chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, and comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and toasted white bread. Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consuming things that aren't food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.
But following your cravings is fine as long as you crave foods that contribute to a healthy diet. Often, these cravings let up about 3 months into the pregnancy.
Food and Drinks to Avoid During PregnancyNo level of alcohol consumption is considered safe during pregnancy. Also, check with your doctor before you take any vitamins or herbal products. Some of these can be harmful to the developing fetus.
And although many doctors feel that one or two 6- to 8-ounce cups per day of coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine won't harm your baby, it's probably wise to avoid caffeine altogether if you can. High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, so limit your intake or switch to decaffeinated products.
When you're pregnant, it's also important to avoid food-borne illnesses, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Foods to steer clear of include:
soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as "fresh") such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheeseunpasteurized milk, juices, and apple ciderraw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse and tiramisuraw or undercooked meats, fish, or shellfishprocessed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats (these should be well-cooked)fish that are high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackeral, or tilefishIf you've eaten these foods at some point during your pregnancy, try not to worry too much about it now; just avoid them for the remainder of the pregnancy. If you're really concerned, talk to your doctor.
BackContinue
ListenMore About FishFish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet — they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and low in saturated fat. But limit the types of fish you eat while pregnant because some contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage to the developing nervous system of a fetus.
Mercury, which occurs naturally in the environment, is also released into the air through industrial pollution and can accumulate in streams and oceans, where it turns into methylmercury. The methylmercury builds up in fish, especially those that eat other fish.
Because canned albacore (or white) tuna and tuna steaks are generally considered to be higher in mercury than canned light tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you eat no more than 6 ounces a week. A 2006 review by Consumer Reports, though, showed that some canned light tuna can contain levels of mercury even higher than that of white tuna. But the FDA maintains that the levels are safe if consumption of the fish is limited, and that the current recommendations should stand.
It can be confusing when recommendations from trusted sources differ. But since this analysis indicates that amounts of mercury in tuna may be higher than previously reported, some women may want to eliminate tuna from their diet while pregnant or when trying to become pregnant.
Almost all fish and shellfish contain small amounts of mercury, but you can safely eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, clams, pollock, catfish, and tilapia.
Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about how much — and which fish — you can eat.
BackContinue
ListenManaging Some Common ProblemsBecause the iron in prenatal vitamins and other factors may cause constipation during pregnancy, try to consume more fiber than you did before you became pregnant. Try to eat about 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Your best sources are fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, cereals, or muffins.
Some people also use fiber tablets or drinks or other high-fiber products available at pharmacies and grocery stores, but check with your doctor before trying them. (Don't use laxatives while you're pregnant unless your doctor advises you to do so. And avoid the old wives' remedy — castor oil — because it can actually interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients.)
If constipation is a problem for you, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when increasing fiber intake, or you can make your constipation worse. One of the best ways to avoid constipation is to get more exercise. You should also drink plenty of water between meals each day to help soften your stools and move food through your digestive system. Sometimes hot tea, soups, or broth can help. Also, keep dried fruits handy for snacking.
Some pregnant women find that broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and fried foods give them heartburn or gas. You can plan a balanced diet to avoid these foods. Carbonated drinks also cause gas or heartburn for some women, although others find they calm the digestive system.
If you're frequently nauseated, eat small amounts of bland foods, like toast or crackers, throughout the day. If nothing else sounds good, try cereal with milk or a sweet piece of fruit. To help combat nausea, you can also:
Take your prenatal vitamin before going to bed after you've eaten a snack — not on an empty stomach.Eat a small snack when you get up to go to the bathroom early in the morning.Suck on hard candy.How to Know If You're Eating Well During PregnancyThe key is to eat foods from the different food groups in approximately the recommended proportions. If nausea or lack of appetite cause you to eat less at times, don't worry — it's unlikely to cause fetal harm because your baby gets first crack at the nutrients you consume.
And although it's generally recommended that a woman of normal weight gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy (most gain 4 to 6 pounds during the first trimester and 1 pound a week during the second and third trimesters), don't fixate on the scale. Instead, focus on eating a good variety and balance of nutritious foods to keep both you and your baby health
A Nutrition Primer for Expectant Mothers
Whether or not you're pregnant, a healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. The U.S. government publishes dietary guidelines that can help you determine how many servings of each kind of food to eat every day. Eating a variety of foods in the proportions indicated is a good step toward staying healthy.
Food labels can tell you what kinds of nutrients are in the foods you eat. The letters RDA, which you find on food labeling, stand for recommended daily allowance, or the amount of a nutrient recommended for your daily diet. When you're pregnant, the RDAs for most nutrients are higher.
Here are some of the most common nutrients you need and the foods that contain them:
Nutrient Needed for Best sources
Protein cell growth and blood production lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, beans, peanut butter, tofu
Carbohydrates daily energy production breads, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits, vegetables
Calcium strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines or salmon with bones, spinach
Iron red blood cell production (to prevent anemia) lean red meat, spinach, iron-fortified whole-grain breads and cereals
Vitamin A healthy skin, good eyesight, growing bones carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes
Vitamin C healthy gums, teeth, and bones; assistance with iron absorption citrus fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices
Vitamin B6 red blood cell formation; effective use of protein, fat, and carbohydrates pork, ham, whole-grain cereals, bananas
Vitamin B12 formation of red blood cells, maintaining nervous system health meat, fish, poultry, milk
(Note: vegetarians who don't eat dairy products need supplemental B12)
Vitamin D healthy bones and teeth; aids absorption of calcium fortified milk, dairy products, cereals, and breads
Folic acid blood and protein production, effective enzyme function green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, nuts
Fat body energy stores meat, whole-milk dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, margarine, vegetable oils
(Note: limit fat intake to 30% or less of your total daily calorie intake)
Important Nutrients
Scientists know that your diet can affect your baby's health — even before you become pregnant. For example, recent research shows that folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects (including spina bifida) from occurring during the earliest stages of fetal development — so it's important to consume plenty of it before you become pregnant and during the early weeks of your pregnancy.
Even though many foods, particularly breakfast cereals, are fortified with folic acid, doctors now encourage women to take folic acid supplements before and throughout pregnancy (especially for the first 28 days). Be sure to ask your doctor about folic acid if you're considering becoming pregnant.
Calcium is another important nutrient. Because your growing baby's calcium demands are high, you should increase your calcium consumption to prevent a loss of calcium from your own bones. Your doctor will also likely prescribe prenatal vitamins for you, which contain some extra calcium.
Your best food sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products. However, if you have lactose intolerance or dislike milk and milk products, ask your doctor about a calcium supplement. (Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, bloating, or gas after eating milk or milk products. Taking a lactase capsule or pill, or using lactose-free milk products may help.) Other calcium-rich foods include sardines or salmon with bones, tofu, broccoli, spinach, and calcium-fortified juices and foods.
Doctors don't usually recommend starting a strict vegan diet when you become pregnant. However, if you already follow a vegetarian diet, you can continue to do so during your pregnancy — but do it carefully. Be sure your doctor knows about your diet. It's challenging to get the nutrition you need if you don't eat fish and chicken, or milk, cheese, or eggs. You'll likely need supplemental protein and may also need to take vitamin B12 and D supplements.
To ensure that you and your baby receive adequate nutrition, consult a registered dietitian for help with planning meals
Food Cravings During Pregnancy
You've probably known women who craved specific foods during pregnancy, or perhaps you've had such cravings yourself. Some theories held that a hunger for a particular type of food indicated that a woman's body lacked the nutrients that food contains. Although this turned out not to be so, it's still unclear why these urges occur.
Some pregnant women crave chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, and comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and toasted white bread. Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consuming things that aren't food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.
But following your cravings is fine as long as you crave foods that contribute to a healthy diet. Often, these cravings let up about 3 months into the pregnancy.
Food and Drinks to Avoid During Pregnancy
No level of alcohol consumption is considered safe during pregnancy. Also, check with your doctor before you take any vitamins or herbal products. Some of these can be harmful to the developing fetus.
And although many doctors feel that one or two 6- to 8-ounce cups per day of coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine won't harm your baby, it's probably wise to avoid caffeine altogether if you can. High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, so limit your intake or switch to decaffeinated products.
When you're pregnant, it's also important to avoid food-borne illnesses, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, which can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Foods to steer clear of include:
•soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as "fresh") such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese
•unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
•raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse and tiramisu
•raw or undercooked meats, fish, or shellfish
•processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats (these should be well-cooked)
•fish that are high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackeral, or tilefish
If you've eaten these foods at some point during your pregnancy, try not to worry too much about it now; just avoid them for the remainder of the pregnancy. If you're really concerned, talk to your doctor
More About Fish
Fish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet — they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and low in saturated fat. But limit the types of fish you eat while pregnant because some contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage to the developing nervous system of a fetus.
Mercury, which occurs naturally in the environment, is also released into the air through industrial pollution and can accumulate in streams and oceans, where it turns into methylmercury. The methylmercury builds up in fish, especially those that eat other fish.
Because canned albacore (or white) tuna and tuna steaks are generally considered to be higher in mercury than canned light tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you eat no more than 6 ounces a week. A 2006 review by Consumer Reports, though, showed that some canned light tuna can contain levels of mercury even higher than that of white tuna. But the FDA maintains that the levels are safe if consumption of the fish is limited, and that the current recommendations should stand.
It can be confusing when recommendations from trusted sources differ. But since this analysis indicates that amounts of mercury in tuna may be higher than previously reported, some women may want to eliminate tuna from their diet while pregnant or when trying to become pregnant.
Almost all fish and shellfish contain small amounts of mercury, but you can safely eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, clams, pollock, catfish, and tilapia.
Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about how much — and which fish — you can eat
Managing Some Common Problems
Because the iron in prenatal vitamins and other factors may cause constipation during pregnancy, try to consume more fiber than you did before you became pregnant. Try to eat about 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Your best sources are fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, cereals, or muffins.
Some people also use fiber tablets or drinks or other high-fiber products available at pharmacies and grocery stores, but check with your doctor before trying them. (Don't use laxatives while you're pregnant unless your doctor advises you to do so. And avoid the old wives' remedy — castor oil — because it can actually interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients.)
If constipation is a problem for you, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when increasing fiber intake, or you can make your constipation worse. One of the best ways to avoid constipation is to get more exercise. You should also drink plenty of water between meals each day to help soften your stools and move food through your digestive system. Sometimes hot tea, soups, or broth can help. Also, keep dried fruits handy for snacking.
Some pregnant women find that broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and fried foods give them heartburn or gas. You can plan a balanced diet to avoid these foods. Carbonated drinks also cause gas or heartburn for some women, although others find they calm the digestive system.
If you're frequently nauseated, eat small amounts of bland foods, like toast or crackers, throughout the day. If nothing else sounds good, try cereal with milk or a sweet piece of fruit. To help combat nausea, you can also:
•Take your prenatal vitamin before going to bed after you've eaten a snack — not on an empty stomach.
•Eat a small snack when you get up to go to the bathroom early in the morning.
•Suck on hard candy.
How to Know If You're Eating Well During Pregnancy
The key is to eat foods from the different food groups in approximately the recommended proportions. If nausea or lack of appetite cause you to eat less at times, don't worry — it's unlikely to cause fetal harm because your baby gets first crack at the nutrients you consume.
And although it's generally recommended that a woman of normal weight gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy (most gain 4 to 6 pounds during the first trimester and 1 pound a week during the second and third trimesters), don't fixate on the scale. Instead, focus on eating a good variety and balance of nutritious foods to keep both you and your baby healthy.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2009
Reference: http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit
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