Your Diet & Your Baby's Growth

* fewer complications during pregnancy and delivery;

* less chance of birth defects;

* less chance of a premature baby;

* a stronger, healthier baby at birth; and

* a stronger, healthier you.

From the instant of concept, your infant depends on the nutrient you consume to provide vitality, protein, vitamins, calcium, iron, and new minerals. Your own system has increased needs for many nutrients during this period, overly.

Paying particular care to getting a better diet will repay away. Both you and your infant will be healthier. Good nourishment is significant still before you know you are pregnant. In the best month after concept the infant has already begun to organize all the organs and system parts.

In the earlier months the infant is developing its physiological form. In the later months the infant is growing longer and heavier. So, from the time of concept through birth, nourishment is essential. Your own health depends on your diet, overly.

While you are supplying nutrients for your infant, your own system continues to require all the nutrients just as before. In fact, during pregnancy you need much of many nutrients just for yourself. Your system is storing protein and calories that will be needed during nursing.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT?

Nutrition experts suggest that meals and snacks be planned to include a variety of foods from these general groups: Another category often mentioned is fats, oils, and sweets. These foods provide mostly calories, with very few nutrients and should be eaten only in limited amounts.

* Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta

* Vegetable

* Fruit

* Milk, yogurt, and cheese

* Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts