Pregnancy Diet

Pregnant women often overlook the importance of a proper pregnancy diet and how it can benefit the overall health of the baby even after it is born. Many also still believe that they should be “eating for two” as the old adage goes, which is absolutely false. A healthy adult woman needs to consume about 2100 calories a day and while she is pregnant she only needs an extra 400 calories per day and no more. An expectant mother should also make sure to eat an overall healthy, nutritious and well-balanced pregnancy diet while she is expecting. At this point you might be asking yourself what to eat what pregnant?What To Eat When Pregnant

As a general rule, about ten percent of the recommended daily intake of calories should be in the form of protein, which is most commonly found in meat, fish, eggs, beans, milk and other dairy products. Fats, found in, for example, butter, oil and nuts should constitute about 35 percent of the calories, while carbohydrates should make up the remaining 55 percent, the most common sources of which are pasta, potatoes, rice and bread.

There are also several vitamins and minerals, which are essential to the proper development of the foetus. Perhaps the most important is Folic Acid, also known as Vitamin B9, and pregnant women should make sure they get enough of it, preferably through food, though supplements may also be taken. The main role of Folic Acid is ensuring correct development of the baby's nervous system and is primarily found in green, leafy vegetables, some fruits, as well as in rice and beans.

An adequate intake of Iron is also recommended during pregnancy as it ensures a good supply of blood to nourish the placenta and thus the foetus. However, since too much Iron in the body can lead to poisoning, taking Iron supplements without the direct advice of a doctor is not recommended. Some great natural sources of iron include whole-wheat bread, berries, dark green vegetables and red meat.

On the other hand, pregnant women should avoid consuming too much Vitamin A, as it has been known to cause birth defects. This is why eating liver, for example, should be avoided during pregnancy, though it is an excellent source of Iron.General Pregnancy Tips

The baby’s time in the uterus is the foundations of its future development and health, and expectant mothers should take care to alter their diet in the way that will most benefit their unborn child. But at the same time it is crucial that any diet change during pregnancy is only done under the careful guidance of a certified professional. The above diet suggestions are just that, suggestions, and a doctor should always be consulted when changing your diet if you are expecting a child.