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Nutrition For Pregnancy

Food you eat can affect your health and that of your baby during pregnancy. The best thing you should do is to balance your diet. During your pregnancy, you will need to adjust your eating habits a little. Here are some tips for pregnant women to receive sufficient nutrients for both themselves and their baby.

• In the First Trimester

If it is hard for you to maintain your balanced diet during the first trimester, do not worry about it. What you feel is not really different from what other pregnant women feel. Because of queasiness, some pregnant women will not stop eating and end up with weight increase. Others cannot swallow food which leads to weight loss.

• During the first trimester, be more careful about the problems of malnutrition and dehydration.

Malnutrition and dehydration are common problems which can occur with pregnant women at any time during the first trimester. Make sure that you do not have these problems.

• Calories

During your pregnancy, your body requires 300 calories extra apart from the quantity of calories your body needs in normal situation. Eat whenever you feel hungry. Try to eat as many kinds of food as you can. Just start from the bottom of the food pyramid.

You can gain weight by eating small meal and increase an amount of fat in your diet. Eat immediately when you get hungry. Remember that you must eat for two persons not one.

• Calcium

During the second trimester, you will need approximately 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day for your bones and that of your baby. The amount is a bit more than a quart of milk. Calcium is not easily found in food. Apart from milk, you can find calcium in dairy products, calcium fortified juices and calcium tablet.

• Fiber

The common problem of pregnant women is constipation which can be prevented by fiber consumption. Fiber can be found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Taking fiber supplements which include Metamucil and Citrucel is safe during pregnancy.

• Protein

Pregnant women who eat healthy diet will not have a problem of protein deficiency unless they are strict vegetarians.

• Iron

During the first period of their pregnancy, some women may face with the problem of iron deficiency. Iron can be mostly found in green vegetables and meats. You should avoid iron supplements as they can lead you to internal symptoms; cramping, constipation or diarrhea.

• Vitamins

Ask your doctor for advice about prenatal vitamins needed. Folate is one of the most essential nutrients needed by the pregnant. If you have enough of it, you may not need to take all vitamins. Check with your doctor.

• Calcium

During the second trimester, you will need approximately 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day for your bones and that of your baby. The amount is a bit more than a quart of milk. Calcium is not easily found in food. Apart from milk, you can find calcium in dairy products, calcium fortified juices and calcium tablet.

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About Author:
Ken Butt is the professional freelance writer. He's also the webmaster of Best-healtyeating.com.