Eating Healthy While Pregnant

Eating right during your pregnancy is important, not only for the health of your unborn baby, but for your own health as well. If you are making plans for adoption, doing all you can to ensure your baby’s health is essential. To give your baby the best start in life, you should begin eating right as soon as you discover you are pregnant.

Recommended Servings

Your doctor may put you on a special diet for various reasons. If you are allowed an ordinary “pregnancy” diet, the specific nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby are included in the following daily diet:

Necessary Vitamins in a Pregnancy Diet

Keep in mind that your body will need a higher level of vitamins while you are pregnant. Your doctor may prescribe a prenatal vitamin supplement that has larger amounts of calcium and iron. To ensure you and your baby are getting the best nutrition, remember to eat fortified foods that are high in calcium and other vitamins. Many cereals and orange juices are fortified with vitamins and should be part of your healthy diet.

Folic acid is another essential supplement necessary for the optimal health of your baby. You should begin taking folic acid as soon as you discover you are pregnant, and continue taking the supplement through the first weeks of your pregnancy. Folic acid is known to aid in preventing birth defects of the spine and brain.

Natural sources of folic acid include orange juice, beans, peanuts, green leafy vegetables, peas, enriched grain products, broccoli and asparagus. Folic acid is just one of the many healthy benefits of adding these foods to your diet. Your medical professional will provide you with additional information on the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy.

Eating right will be good for your baby and for you, too. Not only will a healthy diet be best for your baby, but it will also reduce your risk for gestational diabetes and excess weight gain. Losing those extra pounds is much easier the fewer you have to lose. Here is even more information about a healthy pregnancy diet.

Drinking plenty of water and getting the sleep you need will help your hormones stay balanced and your emotions remain stable. Consult with your health care provider before trying any new medications or herbal supplements which your doctor has not prescribed for you. Some substances can be harmful to you or your baby. So, always ask first. And remember, smoking cigarettes or pot is very harmful to you and your baby. If you find you are struggling with harmful use or abuse of any substance, seek help. This could be a good time for you to move closer to a healthy lifestyle.

Call or text our Pregnancy Option Hotline 24 Hours a day at 1-800-923-6784.