What to Eat

• When you are pregnant, you should follow a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Web MD recommends 6 to 11 servings of high-fiber breads or grains, 2 to 4 servings of fruits and four or more servings of vegetables. Fruits and vegetables can also help you get the proper amount of fiber for your diet. In addition, Web MD recommends that you eat 4 servings of dairy products, which help you meet your increased calcium requirement, and 3 servings of protein that can help you get enough iron. Your vitamin C and folic acid needs will also be increased when you are pregnant. Web MD says that overall, you should increase your calorie intake by 300 calories during your second and third trimester.
  
  

Food and Drinks to Avoid in a Pregnancy Diet

• There are obvious things that should not be consumed when you are pregnant. Alcohol is a common no-no, but what else should you avoid when you are pregnant? The American Pregnancy Association says that you should not indulge in deli meats, fish with mercury, smoked seafood, raw seafood, raw eggs, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, pate and unwashed vegetables. Caffeine is a hot topic in pregnancy diets. The best option is to avoid caffeine altogether. However, if you really want caffeine, it's OK in small doses--but not in the first trimester. After the first trimester, caffeine should be limited to less than 300 mg per day. You should also limit the amount of fat and cholesterol you consume when pregnant.
  
  

Prenatal Vitamins

• It is recommended that you take a prenatal vitamin or supplement before getting pregnant and during pregnancy to ensure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals to help your unborn child develop properly. Your doctor should be able to recommend an over-the-counter option.
  
  

Pregnancy Cravings

• It's a well-known fact that pregnant women crave different foods. It's OK to indulge in your cravings during pregnancy; just make sure it isn't preventing you from getting proper nutrition. Also, make sure when indulging in your cravings that you get energy or nutrients from this. Remember, everything is best in moderation.
  
  

Morning Sickness

• The American Pregnancy Association reports that in most women who experience morning sickness, it only lasts until their 12th week of pregnancy. That's good news, right? Even better news is that you can eat to help ease morning sickness. The American Pregnancy Association suggests that women experiencing morning sickness should keep a stash of food by their bed and eat before they get out of bed in the morning. Crackers, pretzels and dry cereal usually help. They also recommend eating bland foods, eating often throughout the day and drinking fluids a half hour before eating a meal.