Nutrition During Pregnancy: Eating for Two Safely and Healthily

Pregnancy is a joyful and exciting time, but pregnant mothers must also know their diets. Nutrition throughout pregnancy is essential for your and your baby's health and well-being.

Our obstetrician-gynaecologists at Dr Elsa de Menezes Best OB/GYN have witnessed firsthand the significance of proper nutrition throughout pregnancy. Eating for two does not imply increasing your calorie intake or indulging in all of your urges. The idea is to consume a well-balanced diet with enough nutrients to support your baby's growth and development without jeopardizing your health.

If you are expecting or want to get pregnant, here are some recommendations to help you feed two safely and healthily, preparing for a good pregnancy and birth.

5 Ways to Ensure Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy

1. Eat a wide range of foods. Variety is essential for prenatal nutrition. To give your body and baby the nutrition they require, you must consume a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Aim to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, as they are high in vitamins and minerals. Choose lean proteins such as poultry, fish, eggs, beans and healthy fats like avocado, almonds, and olive oil to achieve your protein needs.

1. Keep track of your portion sizes. While eating enough to support your baby's development is crucial, it is also critical not to overeat. A healthy pregnancy weight gain ranges from 25 to 35 pounds, depending on your beginning weight. You need an extra 300 to 500 calories daily to support your baby's growth, so eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to maintain your energy levels and keep hunger at bay.

2. Stay hydrated. Proper hydration is vital during pregnancy because it helps supply nutrients to your baby and aids in the growth of the placenta. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day, and consider including hydrating foods in your diet, such as melons, cucumbers, and soup.

3. Avoid some foods. While many foods are okay to eat while pregnant, others should be avoided. Raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and some types of fish (such as shark and swordfish) should be avoided because they may contain hazardous bacteria or high levels of mercury.

1. Take the prenatal vitamins. Even if you consume a healthy, balanced diet, obtaining all the nutrients you require when pregnant might be difficult. That is why taking a daily prenatal vitamin is critical, which can help address nutritional gaps and ensure adequate intake of crucial nutrients such as folic acid and iron.

Remember to consult with your OB/GYN to develop a personalized nutrition plan that addresses any special dietary needs or restrictions and to contact them if you have any questions or concerns.

Pregnancy Care in Passaic County, New Jersey

At Dr Elsa de Menezes Best OB/GYN, we provide comprehensive obstetrical treatment, which includes advice on optimal pregnancy diet. Our board-certified physicians specialize in prenatal care and offer support and clinical care during labour, delivery, and postpartum care. They excel at making the childbirth experience as safe and comfortable as possible for high-risk pregnancies.

In addition, we provide 24-hour coverage for our emergency room and labour and delivery unit, which are outfitted with specially qualified neonatologists and Level III (the highest level) neonatal critical care.

For further information on our excellent obstetrical services, please call +971 4 554 7273. Use our easy-to-use online Request an Appointment form to set up a consultation with one of our empathetic physicians.

Here's to a happy, healthy pregnancy!