Healthy Habits
Approximately 300 extra calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with sweets and fats kept to a minimum. A healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy can also help to reduce some pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and constipation.
Aim for a healthy weight
A slow, steady rate of weight gain is often best. After the first trimester, you may gain about a pound a week. If you were overweight before pregnancy, you need to gain fewer pounds. Your healthcare provider can give you a healthy weight goal for your pregnancy.
Don’t diet
Now is not the time to diet. You may not get enough of the nutrients you and your baby need. Instead, learn how to be a healthy eater. Start by doing it for your baby. Soon, you may do it for yourself.
Some things might harm your growing baby
Don’t eat or drink:
- Alcohol
- Unpasteurized dairy foods and juices
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, or eggs
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Prepared meats, like deli meats or hot dogs, unless heated until steaming hot
- Fish that are high in mercury, like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and albacore tuna