Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby during pregnancy . Choosing nutritious foods and managing your weight gain will help to prevent pregnancy complications, make labor easier, and support your baby’s healthy development. Making healthy choices during pregnancy is always a challenge, and it can feel even more overwhelming when your pregnancy was not planned. This advice will help you get a head start.
Eat a Variety of Foods
During pregnancy, it’s important to get a full range of nutrients, which is only possible if you eat from a variety of food groups. Build your meals around whole grains, lean proteins, fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. Filling your plate with representatives of all of these food groups will ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals that your baby needs. Remember to eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies, since different colored options usually contain different nutrients. Don’t follow a diet that limits or eliminates a certain food group, such as the keto diet, during pregnancy.
Manage Your Calories
Although you are eating for two during pregnancy, that doesn’t mean that you should double your calories. Most pregnant women need about 300 additional calories per day to support their developing babies and maintain a healthy weight gain. Your doctor can help you decide how many extra calories are appropriate for you based on your current weight and your specific needs.
Choose Iron-Rich Foods
Iron is especially important during pregnancy. Your body needs more iron when you’re pregnant, and if you don’t get it, you’re likely to feel weak, tired, and irritable. Lean red meat and poultry are good sources of iron, as are leafy green veggies, such as spinach and kale.
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Kittitas County helps women cope with unplanned pregnancies through counsel and practical assistance. If you need help dealing with the decision you face after an unexpected pregnancy, call (509) 925-2273 to speak to a Client Advocate in Ellensburg.
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