Pregnancy Nutrition: Steps to Eating Well for a Healthy Baby

When you are pregnant, everything you put into your body is essentially going into your baby! Think of how you are planning on feeding your baby once he or she is born; most likely you want to provide them with a healthy, nutritious diet. This is exactly what you need to do when eating during pregnancy. Your unborn child has no say in the food they consume through you, so be fair, mom! Proper nutrition is the key element to a happy, healthy newborn.

It is sometimes hard to think clearly during the first trimester when morning sickness begins, but it's important to prevent yourself from desperately eating whatever is available to rid your body of nausea. I know this from experience: When I found out I was pregnant with twins, I panicked. I have always been petite, and I realized that my size added to the danger of a premature birth, as well as the fact that this is very common among twins. During that first trimester, it can be so difficult to gain weight. Greasy, fried, and fast food seem like an easy way to pack on the pounds, but beware: It's not that simple! Appearing to have gained weight does not necessarily mean that your body is healthily adjusting to the changes it's going through.

Like I said before, think of how you would feed a child. I don't think any parent would want to take their new baby through the McDonald's drive thru four times a week! The best healthy foods to eat during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, are vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products, and white meat. Even though you are taking prenatal vitamins or folic acid supplements (if not, you definitely should be), your body is still going to need an ample amount of the essential nutrients to keep your baby healthy. A moderate amount of red meat will provide iron to the body, but I suggest sticking with green vegetables like spinach. An iron deficiency can cause anemia, which is extremely dangerous for mom and baby. If you suspect you have a serious nutrition issue it is best to consult your doctor; he or she can help you come up with a diet plan that is tailored specifically to you and your baby's needs.

In the first trimester your diet should consist of light, fresh produce and plenty of water and juices. Drinking water, especially for twins, is crucial to keeping yourself and your baby properly hydrated. Keep a glass of water near you at all times, and plan on refilling it several times throughout the day. Early-risers: instead of coffee, fill your favorite thermos with ice water. Sounds boring, but caffeine is off-limits during pregnancy; this might even help you kick your coffee addiction for good! Since heavier foods are most likely going to increase your queasiness, add plenty of cheese and dairy products to your meals.

For pregnant women concerned about gaining too much weight, low fat dairy products are a great way to obtain the essential amount of calcium in your diet. If you already prefer low fat milk, yogurt, and other dairy items, it is not necessary to switch to products with a higher amount of fat content. Your body will gain weight at its own pace. I have seen women put on pregnancy weight at the very beginning, and also women who only have a small bump until the end of the second trimester. Listen to your doctor: If a professional is telling you not to worry, it's best not to worry. Stress is bad for the baby too! I had an extremely difficult time keeping food down during the first trimester, but still managed to gain extra pounds. Even if you don't feel you have been eating any more than usual, your body knows what to do with the nutrients you provide it with. You will unavoidably gain the weight, just relax and concentrate on eating the right foods while pregnant.

It's a good idea to eat a bowl of cereal upon waking up every morning, especially if you are not usually a breakfast person. Cereals provide fiber to assist the digestive system, and many cereal brands today offer healthy varieties with extra vitamins and minerals. Plus, eating first thing in the morning can help lighten the amount of nausea you feel throughout the day. Add slices of fruit to your cereal, or snack on different fruits throughout the day. The natural sugar in fruit is known to help prevent diabetes related to pregnancy. Changing your eating habits is best done early on in the pregnancy. Healthy foods for your baby are also beneficial to you! By keeping up with your new nutritious lifestyle, you're also giving your body the chance to return to a healthy physical state after pregnancy. You are also educating yourself on what is important to include in your child's diet, which allows you to keep them healthy in the future. Healthy mommies make healthy babies!