Eating for two when pregnant

It is important that you eat a variety of nutritious foods. If you choose to eat a variety of nutritious foods, you will be assured of consuming adequate calories, which determines weight gain, which is one of the most important signs of how your pregnancy is progressing.

Not eating enough, will lead to you baby being robbed of important calories and nutrients, possibly resulting in premature delivery, low birth weight, or more health problems. Healthy eating will ensure a healthy pregnancy, and more importantly, and healthy baby.

That however, doesn't mean you can eat what you want, the daily energy needs during the first trimester are the same as they were before, about 2200 calories depending on your height and weight. This will increase by only 100 to 300 calories per day during the second and third trimester, but, this varies from one pregnant woman to the next, and the amount of exercise u get.

Variety of wholesome foods The simplest way to give your baby the nutrients is to eat a variety of wholesome foods:

• 6 or more daily servings of grains. Bread, pasta, rice and other grain products provide vitamin B. If they are whole grains, they also supply trace minerals like calcium, iron and selenium. They also add fiber to help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
• 5 to 9 daily servings of fruit and vegetables. These fresh, canned or frozen foods supply beta carotene, vitamin C and folic acid. These are essential to the growth of your baby, and both your health.
• 3 to 4 daily servings of low fat or non-fat dairy products. Dairy products supply calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B2 and magnesium, nutrient's essential for normal bone, muscle and nerve function.
• 3 daily servings of extra lean meats or other protein sources. Essential for blood, muscle and nerve development.

Ideally you should try and spread your meals throughout the day, in small meals and snacks. While you are pregnant you should avoid alcohol, tobacco, medications, (unless prescribed and supervised by a physician)