Pregnancy Nutrition

THE BABBLE TAKE

If everybody, pregnant or not, followed the recommendations on food and nutrition for pregnant women, the world would no doubt be a healthier place. Rather than “eating for two”, proper nutrition while pregnant is about eating regular, well-balanced meals and getting plenty of fluids -  in short maintaining a normal, healthy diet. That is not to say that there aren’t a few things pregnant women need to be extra careful about. There are various foods that are fine for most adults but experts say are potentially dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies. For instance doctors caution pregnant women to stay away from fish with high levels of mercury and unpasteurised dairy products, so if you’re skittish about that sort of thing you may have to say goodbye to sashimi and gorgonzola for a couple of months. Another small but subtle difference in nutritional needs for pregnant women is the importance of getting adequate amount of calcium and folic acid as a lack of those nutrients during crucial times in the pregnancy can lead to birth defects or be harmful to the mother. Finally, while pregnancy is not the right time to go on a diet, when it comes to nutrients, most of the time your body will prioritise the foetus, so having a hard time getting enough food due to morning sickness is more likely to take a toll on you than your baby.

BabyCentre Australia
“Diet For A Healthy Pregnancy”

“Your body becomes more efficient when you’re expecting a baby and makes even better use of the energy you obtain from the food you eat. Following the old saying “eating for two” is not necessary. The average woman needs an extra 300 kilojoules in her diet per day for the first trimester, 600kJ during the second trimester and 900kJ in the last trimester. One slice of bread is the equivalent of 300 kJ. “…read the full article

Net Doctor
“What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?”

“What is true is that during pregnancy a woman has to provide good nutrition for two individuals. The growing baby gets all its nourishment from its mother through the umbilical cord, so diet is very important. If the mother is lacking in any vitamins and nutrients her baby might lack them too.” …read the full article

Health and Age
“Nutrition for Pregnant Women”

“A pregnant woman’s nutrition directly influences the course of the pregnancy and normal fetal development, and also the long-term health of the mother and child. In the first half of pregnancy, nutrition requirements mainly concern quality, while in the second half, quantity is also an issue, to ensure fetal growth. Proper nutritional habits should already be established at the start of this second life — if possible even before conception.” …read the full article

ACT Health
“A Healthy Pregnancy Is Important For You And Your Baby”

“You can expect a weight gain of around 10- 13kg during your pregnancy. Some women may safetly gain more than this. The pattern of weight gain is also important. A gain of 1-2kg in the first three months and then 11/2-2kg per month is desirable.” …read the full article

Birthing Naturally
“Pregnancy Nutrition”

“The basics of sound nutrition are the basics of pregnancy nutrition. You must eat a variety of foods, and you must eat enough of them to support the work your body is doing. While pregnant your body uses about 200 extra calories a day, so you don’t need to “eat for two,” but you do need to be sure the food you are eating is the best quality available to you.” …read the full article