Maintaining a healthful and nutritious diet during pregnancy is essential for all expectant mothers, because it significantly affects the baby's development. You should adopt a nutritious diet that meets your needs and the baby's, even before you become pregnant in order to limit complications during and after pregnancy. The following is a list of common questions about nutrition and pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to have a baby, consult your obstetrician to determine your specific dietary needs.
Should I Eat for Two?
Pregnant women commonly hear from friends and family that they need to eat for two, now that they are expecting. In actuality, this is a myth that can put the mother and baby at risk due to excessive weight gain during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the average woman's calorie needs increases by only about 300 calories a day, mainly during the second and third trimesters.
Can I Use Artificial Sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners have been a source of controversy for many years; some studies suggest that they can have negative side effects. The truth is that not enough research is available on the effects of sweeteners among the pregnant population to determine whether significant health risks exist. According to the American Pregnancy Association, current studies suggest that aspartame and sucralose are safe to use during pregnancy. Products with saccharin, however, are not recommended since saccharin may cross the placenta and infiltrate into fetal tissue.
Should I Take a Vitamin and Mineral Supplements?
Based on the overall quality of your diet, you may not need to take a vitamin or mineral supplement during pregnancy. This is only the case if you eat a healthful, well-balanced diet before and during pregnancy. Pregnant women should, however, consume 30 mg of supplemental iron throughout the second and third trimesters.
How Can I Get Enough Calcium if I Am Lactose-Intolerant?
Intolerance of milk products is not uncommon. If you are unable to tolerate milk products, you need to find other sources of calcium to fill that void in your diet. The best way to obtain calcium is from foods such as legumes, green vegetables or tofu. You should consume between 1,200 and 1,500 mg of calcium daily during pregnancy.
If I Gain Weight too Rapidly, Is It Safe to Diet?
Some women may gain weight rapidly while pregnant for a variety of reasons. Regardless of why you gain weight, you should never restrict calories or attempt to lose weight while pregnant. According to the website Sutter Health, excessive calorie restriction during pregnancy ultimately restricts the nutrients delivered to the baby, and that could cause significant developmental problems.
