Teaching women how to stay healthy throughout their pregnancy is of the utmost importance to their health and the health of their baby, and to learn all there is to know can be an exhausting, though fulfilling process. An expecting mother should be well informed on five major topics: diet/nutrition; vitamin/mineral supplements; the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness; exercise; and the emotional changes associated with pregnancy. Measures should also be taken during the stage of preconception, in an effort to protect their baby's health before getting pregnant. During this stage, steps must be taken to improve personal hygiene and nutrition, and possible medical issues explored and treated so as to cut down on complications that may occur after conception. Also, the use of alcohol and drugs limited, if not abstained from completely to avoid intrauterine growth retardation, spontaneous abortion, premature labor, congenital infection, or stillbirth.
Eating for two does not mean eating twice as much. An expecting mother requires only 300 more calories per day to maintain a healthy unborn child. The food guide pyramid provides an excellent reference as to what foods should be consumed, what foods contain essential vitamins and minerals, and the recommended intake amounts of each food group. .
Grain Products: a source of carbohydrates, essential to the body's increased energy requirements during pregnancy. Grain products include: whole wheat bread, cereals, brown rice, and pasta. Recommended 6-11 servings per day, with servings consisting of a slice of bread, or a cup of cooked rice or pasta.
Fruits and Vegetables: a source of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber to aid digestion. Recommended 2-4 servings of fruit, 1-2 citrus (fruits rich in vitamin c) servings per day. 3-5 servings of vegetables per day. Servings consist of one whole raw fruit, 1 cup raw leafy vegetables, or ½ cup raw or cooked fruits or vegetables.
