Tips on How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy

Finding out that you're pregnant can be one of the most joyous occasions of your life. It can also be one of the most nerve racking occasions of your life. Many new mothers-to-be panic over how they're going to take care of their baby, will they be a good mother, and most of these thoughts come to women whom actually planned for this pregnancy! If you're fretting over any of these things, don't worry, EVERY expecting mother does!

One thing that an expecting mother might worry over is proper nutrition during the pregnancy. There is now a little person inside of her wholly dependent upon her. What the expecting mother does to her body not only affects just her anymore, but also this precious life growing inside of her.

Upon finding out that you are pregnant, you should immediately stop doing the following:

• Smoking
• Drinking Alcohol
• Using Cocaine, Marijuana, and other drugs

These three things can be dangerous to you and your newborn, so it is best to stop them immediately. Being pregnant is also a great way to help you stop these things for good!

Always consult your doctor about the proper diet and nutrition for your individual needs during pregnancy.

One great way to tell what is best for you during your pregnancy is to understand what it is that you're craving. Are you constantly craving meat? Perhaps you and your baby need more protein. So instead of constantly eating meat to suffice your cravings, try to incorporate things like, Almonds, Black Beans, Peanut Butter, etc. Your body will help you understand what you need, just listen to it! Below is a list of excellent foods for you and baby that are cram packed with nutritional benefits.

Protein Rich Foods

Yogurt

Almonds, Peanuts, etc.

Eggs (make certain to cook all the way)

Hard Cheeses

Beans

Vitamin C Foods

Citrus Fruits and their juices

Vegetable Juice

Spinach

Cauliflower

Peppers

Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries

Iron Rich Foods

Oysters (do not eat raw)

Pumpkin

Potato Skins

Spinach

Peas

Various cooked meats

Grain Foods

Tortillas

Breads

Rice

Cereals

Oatmeal

Pastas

Calcium Rich Foods

Milk (excellent for you and baby!)

Cottage Cheese

Yogurt

Orange Juice

Broccoli

Dried Fruits

Salmon (cooked)

Medical doctors have often speculated over what's the appropriate amount of weight for a pregnant woman to gain. For years they said, "Eat everything you can!" Many women would gain upwards to 70lbs. Today this is not the case. Most doctors recommend you only eat an additional 150 calories starting off, then go up to 300 extra calories daily during the end of your pregnancy. What seems to be the best suggestion is to eat when you're hungry, stop eating when you're full. What a thought! Like I said before, listen to what your body tells you. It knows when you need to eat and when you've had enough.

Things to Consider While Pregnant

• Smoking: Now is a great time to stop this nasty habit. It'll lead to nothing good for you or your baby. Smoking during pregnancy, and after, can cause respiratory issues, ear infections, miscarriages, and has even been attributed to causing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
• Alcohol: It is best to stop drinking as soon as you discover you are pregnant. Continued drinking, especially heavy drinking, can result in deformities and mental illness in your new baby. Remember, what you take in to your body you're also sharing with your baby!
• Drug Use: The same thing applies to drug use as it does to smoking and drinking, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Not only is this damaging to the fetus, but it is also not a very healthy life choice for yourself. Drug usage during pregnancy can result in miscarriages, deformities, stillbirths, early labor, and many effects that will affect your baby for the rest of her life.
• Caffeine: In large amounts, caffeine can be toxic to your new born. The risk of miscarriage with high caffeine usage is extremely high. Caffeine has also been attributed to causing heart problems and breathing problems in newborns. Small amounts of caffeine have been considered acceptable, but it is best to try to avoid consumption as much as possible. Be aware that caffeine can be found in sodas, teas, chocolates, and energy drinks.
• Uncooked Foods: Eating raw meats can be hazardous during pregnancy. Many raw foods can carry bacteria that is not good at all for the little baby growing inside of you. During your pregnancy it is best to avoid things like Sushi, canned meats, etc.

Remember that this new life is counting on you to make the right decisions for her. Eating healthy is one of the greatest things you can do for your baby to give her a healthy start in life. Always consult with your doctor about proper nutrition needs for you, as nutrition and pregnancy differ for every woman.

Good nutrition during pregnancy should be a family affair. Try to encourage your partner and any children you might have to eat healthy along with you to help give you that encouraging boost!