How to Keep Your Diet in Check While Pregnant
A lot of issues come up when you discover that you are pregnant. One of the most important is that of weight gain. You don’t want to gain too much, as it may be hard to lose it after the child is born. On the other hand, you need to consume enough so that both you and the child meet your nutrition needs. It can be a delicate balancing act.
Your doctor will tell you a range of weight gain that will suit your size and body type. Usually it’s in the neighborhood of twenty-five pounds. If you can keep it around that, you should lose most of the belly soon after your child arrives. The weight of the baby, the amniotic fluid and the placenta will take up most of that.
Managing that feat can be problematic from at least two sources. One is morning sickness, and the other is hunger. Both can be dealt with at home most of the time, though if the nausea and vomiting are all day visitors, you may need to talk to your OB.
Morning Sickness: The exact reason women have this problem isn’t clear, but it is usually brought on by the smell or taste of triggers. It isn’t the same for each woman nor is it the same for each pregnancy. Some scientists believe it may have something to do with toxins that might be present.
No matter the reason, it’s extremely uncomfortable and highly annoying. There are a few things you can do about it, though. The advice my mother gave me was to keep a packet of saltine crackers by my bed and eat a couple of them before I got up. That worked for pregnancy #2, but not for #1.
Peppermint or basil tea may also help you overcome the sensation, though when it comes to herbs during pregnancy it is always best to ask your doctor. Many herbs can cross the placental barrier and cause problems for the baby.
Hunger: While you’re never exactly eating for two, in the last stages of pregnancy you will need to consume more calories so that the baby can grow properly. Most of the time, that should be about 300 extra calories.
What you choose to eat will have a big role in whether or not you are hungry all of the time. If you eat filling foods that are low in calories, you are likely to avoid the problem most of the time. Look for foods with healthy fats such as avocados and olive oil, and avoid the higher calorie foods like fried chicken.
Cravings: They are real, and some of the time, they serve a purpose. If you find yourself craving something healthy, such as orange juice or milk, your body could be telling you that it needs the nutrients found in these items. On the other hand, if you’re craving a huge burger, it may be more of a need for comfort foods. You may want to avoid giving in to that kind of desire.
Pregnancy is hard on your body, but you can get through it without gaining a lot of weight if you put your mind to it. Ask your doctor about how much you should gain and when in the pregnancy you should concentrate on it. You may also want to ask about exercises that are safe while you’re carrying the baby.
