subject: Every Expecting Mom Should Have a Prenatal Nutrition Plan [print this page] Every Expecting Mom Should Have a Prenatal Nutrition Plan
Whether it's the first or last trimester, every pregnant mother should have a well thought out prenatal nutrition plan. This can be discussed with the Obstetrician, who is likely to be very knowledgeable about the various vitamins and minerals that are needed to have a happy, healthy baby.
Folic acid, among other nutrients, is one of the most important. Many newer prenatal vitamin blends contain folic acid and other essential nutrients. Simply taking prenatal vitamins regularly is not enough. The body absorbs nutrients from food more easily, so there are dietary considerations that pregnant women should think about.
Eating plenty of green leafy vegetables is important, especially during pregnancy when iron stores may be easily depleted. Pregnant women should really focus on eating a well balanced diet and avoiding the junk foods, because they may become full very quickly during a meal and extra nutrients are required to aid in the baby's development.
Drinking plenty of orange juice and getting calcium through milk, dairy products, or dairy substitutes is highly recommended. Avoiding caffeine is also advisable, as it can bind iron absorption. For those times when a snack is necessary, it is best to consume fruits like grapes, berries or citrus, rather than reaching for the ice cream or fast food, which is loaded with fat and salt and of very little nutritional value.
A great alternative is a cup of yogurt with some nuts sprinkled on top or mixed with a favorite fruit. A pregnant women generally needs to consume an additional 300 calories during the second and third trimester. This is not much so nearly every calorie that is consumed should count.
