Nutrition And Pregnancy – What Foods And Nutrients Are Important

Ideally, the time to think about nutrition and pregnancy is before you conceive.

Eating well throughout your pregnancy helps to ensure that you and your baby are healthy.

By eating healthy foods, you are reducing the risks of birth defects for your baby. The right food choices may prevent some of the discomforts that pregnancy may precipitate. In addition, you will have the energy to go through labor with fewer complications.

Healthy Foods during Pregnancy

Greek yogurt with active cultures is one of the best sources of protein and calcium available for pregnant women. Do not consume the varieties with artificial sweeteners. Add your own fruit for added sweetness. If you suffer from nausea or heartburn, you may find that Greek yogurt makes you feel more comfortable.

I recommend Greek yogurt over other types of yogurt as it has markedly more protein than “regular” yogurt. Either full fat or low fat Greek is an excellent choice. You may be able to tolerate yogurt even if you cannot tolerate other dairy products.

In addition, the active cultures in yogurt help to restore a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body. Hormonal changes place women at risk of yeast infections during pregnancy. The cultures in yeast help to restore proper balance and may reduce the likelihood of yeast infections.

Berries are rich sources of vitamin C, bioflavonoids and rutin. All berries are healthy, but blueberries are among the best. Eat organic ones so that you will not be introducing pesticides to your developing baby. Rutin and other phytochemicals contained in blueberries aid your cardiovascular system as it grows to accommodate your baby’s needs and prepares for labor.

Berries are great for immune health. Being sick is no fun anytime. Being sick while pregnant is even worse. Immune boosting foods, such as berries, help you to stay well. They are great sources of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. The rutin in blueberries helps to strengthen your veins. They may help prevent varicose veins from developing.

Whole Grains Are A Must During Pregnancy

Whole grain foods such as breads, cereals, and dried peas and beans provide fiber that prevents constipation and high blood pressure. Many women suffer from constipation during pregnancy. Including high fiber foods will make you more comfortable and prevent the need for employing the use of stool softeners and laxatives. Constipation may be due to the pressure which your baby places on the digestive tract. In addition, prenatal vitamins contain iron which is very constipating.

Another benefit of high fiber whole grain foods is that they reduce cholesterol levels. Gallstones are made up of cholesterol. Pregnancy can speed up gallstone formation. I have known many women who needed surgery for gallstones within a very short time of giving birth.

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