Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy: Get To Know The Proper Foods To Eat When Pregnant

A baby starts begins forming its major organs during the first few weeks of a pregnancy. It is therefore important to devise a nutrition plan that will begin prior to getting pregnant. A history of good eating habits before getting pregnant will translate to knowing the proper foods to eat when pregnant, which will result in good nutrition during pregnancy.

Why Nutrition in Pregnancy is Important.

Pregnancy nutrition needs to be taken seriously since the essential nutrients a baby requires to develop come from the mother's diet. A mother who takes the time to learn about the correct foods to eat when pregnant and in turn eats the proper foods ensures optimal nutrients to her baby through a well laid out nutrition during pregnancy plan. If the mother eats too many empty calories the baby's cell development can be compromised and the baby will have a low birth weight. Low birth weight babies are usually prone to numerous health problems. During the first few months of a pregnancy, a mother's metabolic rate increases and so does her circulation. This happens to ensure that the baby receives the nutrients needed to develop the baby's bones, organs and tissues. Poor nutrition during this phase will lead to an unhealthy baby.

Pregnancy is Not the Time to Diet.

Weight gain in the mother during pregnancy is normal and is definitely not discouraged. The pregnant mother's body gains weight not only because of the baby's weight but also due to the increased volume of blood, fat storage, increase in muscle size and an increase in size of the mammary glands as they prepare for milk production. However, the weight gain should be slow and steady with an average pregnancy weight gain of between 22 and 32 pounds. A well balanced nutrition plan ensures that nutrition during pregnancy is carefully monitored.

Making a Pregnancy Nutrition Plan.

To properly monitor your nutrition during pregnancy diligence is not required; What is required however, is a good understanding of the foods to eat when pregnant via the food guide pyramid. The food guide pyramid teaches pregnant mothers correct proportion size, which foods should be eaten in moderation, and it also teaches that a variety of foods are important to nutrition during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should eat the minimum recommended requirements of the pyramid.

Bread and cereals are at the base of the pyramid. This group supplies the necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fruits and vegetables make up the second level of the food pyramid. The sources of many essential vitamins are found in this group. Folic acid which is very important in the fetus's development can be found in this group, so are vitamin A and vitamin C. Experts recommend that pregnant women should eat at least one food high in vitamin A and one high in vitamin C daily. Proteins make up the third level of the pyramid, which are essential for healthy cell wall development. The final group which is comprised of fats and sugars can be consumed in moderation as they are not essential.

Learning about the correct foods to eat when pregnant is important as it helps start and maintain good nutrition during pregnancy. Pregnancy nutrition does not take time to plan and does not mean giving up favourite foods; it just requires healthy food choices.