Eating a healthy pregnancy diet

A healthy diet during pregnancy is doubly important: You’re not just providing yourself with good nutrition, but those nutrients are passed to your baby. Our San Antonio OBGYNs emphasize that proper nutrients are what your baby needs to grow and develop. Being intentional about your pregnancy diet will benefit you and your baby.

Not only will a healthy diet provide your baby with the necessary nutrients, but it will also maintain your health during pregnancy. It helps manage weight gain and blood pressure, which in turn decreases the risk of complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

A pregnancy diet means making good food choices for yourself and your baby

A balanced pregnancy diet, with a variety of healthy foods, is a great place to start.

• Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, bananas, broccoli, sweet potatoes and spinach
• Lean proteins, such as fish, chicken, eggs, beans and lentils
• Whole grains, including brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread and quinoa
• Low-fat dairy, such as milk, yogurt and cheese; soy products are also an option
• Healthy oil sources, including nuts, avocados, seafood and olive oil

While pregnant, women need more of certain nutrients. Folic acid, iron, iodine and choline are all essential to the baby’s development. Your doctor will prescribe a prenatal vitamin to help meet some of the increased needs, but your diet is also crucial to getting all the nutrients you need.

Food and drink to skip for a healthy diet during pregnancy

A healthy diet during pregnancy also calls for eliminating specific foods. Pregnant women should avoid foods with an increased chance of carrying bacteria because they can harm the baby. Skip raw or undercooked meat and seafood; unpasteurized juice, milk and cheese; deli meat; and raw sprouts. When choosing seafood, avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as swordfish.

Water should be your go-to drink during pregnancy. Your body needs additional hydration, and water is your best choice for a pregnancy diet. Limit sugary beverages, such as soft drinks and juice, and keep caffeine to a minimum. Avoid all alcohol during pregnancy.

Eating for two doesn’t mean doubling your food

Yes, the food you are eating nourishes both you and your baby. But that isn’t a pass to eat twice as much food. Your OBGYN can help you determine the right amount of extra calories you should consume. Generally, a woman with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight does not need additional calories during the first trimester. She will only need about 340 more calories daily in the second trimester and 450 calories daily in the third.

Our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs are available to help you determine the best possible pregnancy diet. Contact us for an appointment.