Posts Tagged ‘Correct’

Discovering that you are expecting is one of the most exciting times in your life! However, coupled with that discovery are a lot of new challenges. Obviously you are going to need to put on some weight during your pregnancy, and keeping that under control can be a challenge. However, by simply choosing the correct foods to eat when pregnant you can be sure that you are sufficiently fuelling your body and your growing baby without gaining unnecessary weight.

Pregnancy nutrition may seem like it is a mysterious concept, but a lot of it is rooted in simple common sense. Nutrition is important in your everyday life, and more so when choosing the foods to eat when pregnant. You must make sure that you are eating a balanced selection of food, properly hydrating yourself, and ingesting enough vitamins and minerals to fully function. This is especially important because you are now the sole source of nutrition for your little one, and you want him or her to develop properly.

Pregnant mothers should strive to get the bulk of their nutrition from food, but may find that their doctor will still prescribe nutritional supplements for them. This is perfectly natural as your doctor knows how much your body is going through and realises that you may need these extra supplements. Remember that the nutrition provided both by food and supplements are essential requirements for your baby. Lack of these elements can lead to a number of difficulties such as developmental disorders and miscarriage.

A mother-to-be will need to increase her calorie count by approximately 200 – 300 calories per day, to take account of the extra demands on her body. The foods that she eats on a daily basis must therefore fit into her pregnancy nutrition plan. It’s important to remember not to focus on eating more food during pregnancy, but to focus on eating better food during pregnancy. Remember, everything that you put into your mouth is actually food and fuel for your little ones growth. Because of that, empty calories like cookies, cupcakes and chips, will not be truly helpful and are not recommended foods to eat when pregnant. These are of zero nutritional value, and quite often are deemed fast foods with harmful additives and preservatives in them.

Proper foods to eat when pregnant include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, lean meats, fish and nuts. In fact, these foods have an exceptionally positive impact on your child’s development. Remember to use common sense: stay away from processed fast foods, alcohol, caffeine and raw meats. All these types of foods can have a negative impact on your baby.

Of course you will worry about how much weight you will gain throughout your pregnancy. Weight gain is normal as your baby grows and your body produces extra fat, blood, and other essential fluids. However make sure you consult your doctor on a regular basis as he will monitor your weight and keep you informed of progress. Additionally, you will want to talk to him about what type of physical activity you can integrate into your pregnancy routine to help keep your weight gain down.

By learning about the proper foods to eat when pregnant, pregnancy nutrition will take on a whole new meaning. Instead of simply just eating you are now fueling both you and your developing child. By adhering to your pregnancy nutrition plan you will be able to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and you new baby!

Most of the women are confused about the average weight gain during pregnancy. Not all women need to gain the same number of pounds. Pregnancy doesn’t mean gorging on whatever food that comes your way thus leading to mindless addition of pounds. This depends more on your overall health, height, and weight before pregnancy.

Pregnancy Weight Problems

If you do not gain enough weight during pregnancy, there may be fetal malformations. If your body does not get enough nutrients, your baby will find it hard to get enough for its good and healthy growth. That leads to a dependence on your reserves which might lead to deficiencies.

On the other hand, if there is excess gain, you might increase the risk of diabetes or labor problems. Several studies have revealed that more than average weight gain during pregnancy paves the road to obesity in women after delivery. So, watch those pounds sticking to your body!

Suggested Week By Week Gain

The recommendation for average increase varies from country to country. Doctors usually suggest a 1 kg (2.2 pounds) per month. This results in a total weight gain of 9-10 kg (18-25 pounds) during the entire pregnancy period. But, before you start munching on food to add pounds to your body, it is best to consult your doctor because each woman has a unique body build that determines how much flab on her body is acceptable at this period.

Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart

Want a simple method of determining the acceptable average weight gain? Try this formula: divide your weight in kg by your height in meter squares. The number that you get acts as an indicator for normalgain.

If you get any number between 18 and 20, you are thin. About 13-17 kg (28.6-37.4 pounds) is what you need for average mass during those nine months.
If you get between 20 and 23, you are normal. About 12 kg (26.4 pounds) is what you need to gain during the entire pregnancy period.
If you get number 23, you are large. Just 8-11 kg (17.6-24.2 pounds) is enough for a healthy pregnancy. Try to add fewer pounds if possible.

And please do not go for the common myth of ‘eating for two’ during pregnancy. This is not true. You only need 300 calories extra everyday during pregnancy. Follow this rule and you will have no problems getting a healthy average weight gain during pregnancy.