Best Things to Eat While Pregnant
What are the best things to eat while pregnant? The answer is simple: many of the same nutrient-rich, low-fat foods that healthy persons should eat every day. However, it is even more essential that pregnant women follow the recommended nutritional guidelines, as well as some additional suggestions.
On average, pregnant women should increase their daily caloric intake by about 300 calories, yet morning sickness is a common mitigating factor for many women. It can become difficult to consume the essential vitamins and minerals that are needed at such a critical stage.
To counteract this effect, women should attempt to find foods that are easiest for her to digest and keep down, while concurrently taking nutritional supplements that will provide her with the nutrients that she is unable to get from diet alone.
Specifically, the best things to eat while pregnant should include the following daily: fruits and vegetables: 6-10 servings; breads, grains, and cereals: 5-10 servings; milk and dairy: 4-5 servings; protein, 4-5 servings. Additionally, there are several foods that should be eliminated, as they could be harmful for the fetus.
Pregnant women should not consume raw meat or eggs, or mercury-containing fish such as swordfish. Likewise, unpasteurized cheeses should be avoided. Women should not drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or take illegal drugs of any kind. This is necessary in order to avoid birth defects that can be caused by these agents. Lastly, caffeine intake should be minimized.
The best things to eat while pregnant also include vitamins and mineral supplements, which should be taken every day. Look for formulas specific to pregnant women. Ideally, they should contain vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and folic acid.
Not surprisingly, calcium is necessary for bone development, while iron is needed for red blood cell development. Iron is particularly critical, as many women of child-bearing age are deficient in iron already. Lastly, folic acid is considered to be one of the best things to eat while pregnant. Folic acid is responsible for the formation of the fetus's spinal cord and brain.
It can be found in leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach. However, it is recommended that it be taken in supplement form as well, as the daily requirement of folic acid is difficult to achieve through diet alone. In summary, the best things to eat while pregnant include the nutritious components of a well-rounded diet.
On average, pregnant women should increase their daily caloric intake by about 300 calories, yet morning sickness is a common mitigating factor for many women. It can become difficult to consume the essential vitamins and minerals that are needed at such a critical stage.
To counteract this effect, women should attempt to find foods that are easiest for her to digest and keep down, while concurrently taking nutritional supplements that will provide her with the nutrients that she is unable to get from diet alone.
Specifically, the best things to eat while pregnant should include the following daily: fruits and vegetables: 6-10 servings; breads, grains, and cereals: 5-10 servings; milk and dairy: 4-5 servings; protein, 4-5 servings. Additionally, there are several foods that should be eliminated, as they could be harmful for the fetus.
Pregnant women should not consume raw meat or eggs, or mercury-containing fish such as swordfish. Likewise, unpasteurized cheeses should be avoided. Women should not drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or take illegal drugs of any kind. This is necessary in order to avoid birth defects that can be caused by these agents. Lastly, caffeine intake should be minimized.
The best things to eat while pregnant also include vitamins and mineral supplements, which should be taken every day. Look for formulas specific to pregnant women. Ideally, they should contain vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and folic acid.
Not surprisingly, calcium is necessary for bone development, while iron is needed for red blood cell development. Iron is particularly critical, as many women of child-bearing age are deficient in iron already. Lastly, folic acid is considered to be one of the best things to eat while pregnant. Folic acid is responsible for the formation of the fetus's spinal cord and brain.
It can be found in leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach. However, it is recommended that it be taken in supplement form as well, as the daily requirement of folic acid is difficult to achieve through diet alone. In summary, the best things to eat while pregnant include the nutritious components of a well-rounded diet.
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