How to Stay Health When Eating For Two
Eating a variety of healthy foods will help you to consume the right amount of vitamins and nutrients during each stage of the pregnancy.
Weight Gain Throughout Your Pregnancy
Weight gain and calorie intake during pregnancy varies from person to person, so talk with your OBGYN about the amount of calories you need. Your obstetrician will monitor your weight to make sure you are gaining a healthy amount of weight throughout the pregnancy. Depending on your weight before becoming pregnant, it is typically healthy to gain 2 to 4 pounds during the first trimester, and 3 to 4 pounds each month during the second and third trimesters.
Healthy Nutrition for Pregnant Women
In addition to eating a balanced diet, a prenatal or multivitamin with folic acid should be taken daily throughout the pregnancy. Getting enough iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, helps the babies get the nutrients they need to develop.
Foods to Avoid When Pregnant
While it is recommended that you avoid eating certain foods when pregnant, it is best to discuss any concerns about your diet with your obstetrician first:
- Refrigerated meat spreads
- Refrigerated smoked seafood
- Deli meats and hot dogs
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurized milk or juice
- Fish with high mercury levels, like swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark
Keep these tips in mind when shopping, preparing, and eating during your pregnancy.
Food Preparation Safety
Eating and handling food safely to is even more important when you are pregnant. To prevent foodborne illness, be careful to wash your hands after touching raw meat and prevent raw meat from touching other surfaces. Be sure to cook the meat completely or reheat to the appropriate temperature before eating.
REMEMBER: Contact LakeLand Premier Women's Clinic to schedule a prenatal checkup or your first prenatal appointment if you think you are pregnant.