How to have a Healthy Baby with the Proper Pregnancy Diet

Ever wonder what you should be eating and drinking during your pregnancy?  Now that you have a new life growing inside of you, that can of coke and plate of cheesy fries just aren’t going to cut it anymore.  A healthy pregnancy diet should consist of well-balanced meals with a wide range of nutrients.  Set some goals for yourself so you can stay on track.  

First try making a pregnancy diet plan.There are certain guidelines you need to follow.  You have to consume at least 300 calories more than you normally would but don’t make those empty calories.Choose nutrient-rich foods and eat from all the different food groups with a strong base of fresh fruits and vegetables.  

The Nutrients Imperative to a Healthy Pregnancy and Baby

Pregnant women need to make sure they are getting enough fiber, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, and Folic Acid, among other vitamins and minerals.  Ditch the white bread, rice, and pasta for whole-grain varieties.  Whole-grains are a rich source of fiber and carbohydrates.Also make sure to eat at least 4 servings of dairy products or other calcium-rich foods like leafy greens on a daily basis.  A pregnancy diet should consist of 1000-1300mg of calcium daily.  

To follow a healthy pregnancy diet, you need to consume at least 27mg of iron per day.  This is especially important to prevent anemia.  Iron-rich foods include red meat, liver, raisins, and spinach.  To get the required 70mg of Vitamin C per day, eat citrus fruits or vegetables like broccoli, green peppers, and tomatoes.  

Choose a variety of vegetables from the colorful and exotic to the commonplace.Eat at least one serving of orange vegetables like pumpkins and carrots to get your daily dose of Vitamin A.At least 400mcg of folic acid on a daily basis is needed to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida.To get enough folic acid, eat green leafy veggies and beans.  To make sure you are getting enough of all these important vitamins and minerals, all pregnant women are recommended to take a prenatal vitamin in addition to following a healthy pregnancy diet.  

You may have realized that after finding about the news of your pregnancy, you needed to get yourself together and change your diet.  A proper pregnancy diet will help you have a healthier pregnancy, labor, and baby.  By following these simple guidelines, you will be one step closer to better health for you and your baby.  

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