Nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy and baby

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Nutrition is Key to a Healthy Pregnancy and Baby When starting to plan for a pregnancy the most important worry most young couples encounter is whether they will have a healthy baby or not – nutrition is one of the key factors to having a healthy baby.

Eating a folate rich diet before and during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for your baby's health, for the food you eat is your baby's main source of nutrition. Making balanced, smart choices about your nutrition during pregnancy can help you promote your baby's growth and development.

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User Comments

28 April, 2012 | Varsha Panday | Reply

What's a healthy weight gain in pregnancy?

28 April, 2012 | Farha | Reply

Should I not take some supplements during pregnancy?

30 April, 2012 | Poonam | Reply

Dear Ms Farha,
A healthy pregnancy diet promotes good growth and development of the baby. The basic principles of healthy eating remain the same, but, some nutrients need special attention.
Most pregnant women benefit from taking supplements of folic acid, calcium and iron to ensure that they do not suffer from any deficiencies. These need special attention because:
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in the baby.
Calcium is needed for healthy and strong bones and teeth for both the mom and baby. Calcium also helps the circulatory, nervous and muscular systems.
Since the volume of blood doubles during pregnancy, iron is needed to prevent anemia.
Your gynaecologist will advise you on the right dose and timing for these supplements. You must be very particular about these supplements because any lack of these nutrients can have long term adverse effects on you and your baby.
We wish you a healthy pregnancy!

28 April, 2012 | Mrinal | Reply

Dear Farha,
Please do not stop taking any supplements your doctor has recommended. Your physician knows best what your body's needs are. This article is bringing awareness to the need to ensure that your baby is getting the necessary nutrients to grow and develop well. Basic supplements like multivitamins, folic acid supplements or for iron deficiency anemia are some of the supplements your physician may prescribe. But do be careful of taking any supplements you may see advertized in magazines or TV etc. There are other supplements that can cause harm - so always ask your doctor before you try any supplement on your own.
Meanwhile, eat healthy, balanced food and get in some gentle exercise and enjoy this beautiful time before you become a mother. Good luck.

28 April, 2012 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Listen to your body signals. Your own appetite is the best indication of how much food you need to eat and you may find it fluctuating during the course of your pregnancy:
* In the initial weeks in fact even before you find out you are pregnant you may not feel like eating proper meals, especially if it is your first pregnancy. You may suffer from nausea or extreme drowsiness or even sickness. Try then to eat smaller but more frequent meals throughout the day.It would be good to see what you can tolerate and eat that. Usually it is foods like fruits, both fresh and dry, nuts, dry toast etc
* During the middle part of your pregnancy your appetite will usually come back with a bang. You may be hungry and feel like eating more than usual. This is the time you focus on eating healthy foods as mentioned in the article both in terms of type and amount.
* Towards the end of your pregnancy your appetite will probably increase. If you suffer from acidity, heartburn or a full feeling after eating you may find it helpful to have small frequent meals and have plenty of water too.
Focus on this sub topic `How many servings should I eat from each food group?
The best rule is to eat when you are hungry and to choose healthy food rather than calorie-rich dishes with little nutritive value.

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Tags: Anemia, Eat Healthy, Gestational Diabetes, Healthy Foods, Nutrition, Nutritional Myths, Nutritional Supplements, Pregnancy / Lactation, Vitamins & Supplements, Women's Health

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