Pregnancy Diet

There can’t be many experiences that make a woman think more seriously about her health and diet than the amazing months of pregnancy. Before becoming a mum-to-be, you may have taken good care of yourself by eating healthily and exercising or you may have had a busy job and had to eat on the run, but eating to have a healthy pregnancy and baby means a transition like no other.

If you were counting the calories before you were pregnant, or eating junk food, or you were on any kind of diet, stop them today, and consider your pregnancy diet.

When you are expecting a baby, your body is more efficient that at any other time in your life and it makes good use of the energy it obtains from the food you eat. Your appetite will probably fluctuate at the beginning of your pregnancy as your body adjusts to its new condition.

If you suffer from morning sickness in the early months, you may not feel like eating certain foods. Follow your instincts and eat what you like. Fortunately, morning sickness passes, and during the middle part of your pregnancy, and when you feel more like eating, your pregnancy diet will become more interesting for you.

Fish contains good proteins and omega-3 fatty acids as well as Vitamin D, so including fish twice a week on your menu will benefit both you and your baby. But like all foods, too much of it isn’t good. Oysters, undercooked foods like chicken, eggs, and meat, should be avoided too. Certain cheeses like Stilton, Brie and Camembert, should be avoided because they can contain listeria bacteria that is harmful for your baby.

Folic acid is very important for both you and your baby so definitely include foods containing that in your pregnancy diet, especially in the early months. Breakfast cereal contains it and is easy to eat even when you’re suffering from morning sickness. 400 micrograms of folic acid is recommended up to week twelve of your pregnancy and it is available too as a supplement.