Friday, September 14, 2007

Diet During Pregnancy

Pregnant women need to be cautious to their diet as what they consume will pass to the baby. Women need to be careful in everything they eat as some of the food might affect the development of the baby. So understand the food that is allowable during pregnancy will help to prevent the miscarriages, still birth that nobody wishes. Pregnant women need to bear in mind that what you consume will pass to your baby so think before you eat!

Breakfast is the key meal to start off your day. Do not skip breakfast during pregnancy. If you are sick of morning meals, choose something small such as fruits and milk for breakfast. Breakfast is a must for all pregnant women.

Pregnant women advise to have 4-6 meals throughout the day instead of 3 normal meals. Divide the amount of food to smaller portion and more meals as this will help to reduce the effects of heartburn and bloated feeling during pregnancy. But do not over eat as you might face some difficulty to reduce your weight after giving birth.

Having the right nutrition is very important during pregnancy. Consume more calcium, vitamin and mineral product, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. Cereal is also encouraged during pregnancy as cereal contains high fiber which will aid constipation. Protein intake is also important during pregnancy as protein assist in maintaining muscles, enzyme and hormones. Lean meat, poultry and fish are high in protein.

Fruit and vegetables is highly encourage as fruits and vegetables contain high fiber and vitamins. Take more green food such as broccoli and green beans.

Raw meat and raw egg should be avoided during pregnancy. As the raw meat and egg contain bacteria which will lead to miscarriage or still birth. If you are really craving for deli meat, cook until well done as this help to kill the bacteria. The bacteria contain in the raw meat and egg is harmless for normal consumption but it is not allow during pregnancy as our body immune system decrease when we get pregnant so the bacteria will be harmful to our body. Unpasteurised milk and soft cheese will cause birth defects and miscarriages.

Although fish are encouraged as it is the source of protein but some type of fish is inhibit due to the high content of mercury. Mercury will restrain the baby development and cause brain damage to your baby. High mercury fish include shark, tuna. sea bass and swordfish.

Alcohol and drug is exactly NO during pregnancy. You should stop alcohol and drug intake during pregnancy as this will inhibit the brain development of your child. Overdose of caffeine will also increase the possibility of miscarriage and low birth weight. Restrict your caffeine consumption to not more than 300mg per day.

Understand the right diet during pregnancy is important as this affect your child brain development and growth. To have a healthy newborn, small sacrifice is worth the value of.

Eating Habit During Pregnancy- Part 1

Eating Habit for Pregnancy -Part 2