Pregnancy And Diet
If you just found out you’re pregnant and it’s your first time to go
through this life-changing experience, you probably have hundreds of
questions running in your mind right now. If you’re wondering how to
cure heartburn or if you could still continue skiing, go to your
favorite salon for a treatment, get a massage, have sex with your
partner, eat junk foods, travel on a plane and other common questions
about pregnancy, we have the answers for you.
PREGNANCY AND DIET – Since you are now eating for two (or three
if you’re having twins), be aware that whatever you choose to eat, your
baby eats it too. Here are some of the common pregnancy and diet
questions:
- What should I weigh?
The recommended weight during pregnancy depends on your body mass
index (BMI) before pregnancy. Being underweight when you conceive
requires you to eat up more throughout your pregnancy, while being
overweight requires you to watch the pounds.
- LOW BMI: If you have a BMI of 19.8 and below, you are
required to gain 28 to 40 lbs.
- NORMAL BMI: If you have a BMI of 19.8 to 26, you need to
gain 25 to 35 lbs.
- HIGH BMI: If you have a BMI of 26 to 29, the recommended
weight gain is 15 to 25 lbs.
- OBESE: If your BMI is 29 and above, you cannot gain more
than 15 lbs.
Generally, you would gain 3-4 pounds during the first
trimester, 12-14 lbs in the second trimester and 8-10 lbs in the
third trimester.
- How much weight will I gain if I’m pregnant with
twins?
Pregnant women having multiples would experience more of an
increase in weight than a singleton mom. Doctor
recommendations may vary, but most women carrying twins gain
from 35 to 45 pounds and an extra 10 lbs for every
 additional baby. Although the weight isn’t necessarily due
to eating more, several factors may contribute to the weight
gain, such as extra tissues and fluid, the weight of the
babies, uterine growth and an increase in blood volume
needed in supplying the placentas.
- Is a vegetarian diet safe for my baby?
If you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, there is no reason to eat
meat now that you’re pregnant. The most important thing to
remember is to ensure you get the proper amounts of fruits,
vegetables, grains, nuts, calcium-rich foods and vitamin
B-12. As such, it is important to plan a balanced diet with
your health provider as soon as you find out you’re
pregnant.
- What foods should I eat while I’m pregnant?
There is no exact meal plan to fit all pregnant women.
However, you doctor would recommend getting all essential
vitamins and minerals daily by eating a healthy diet and
taking prenatal vitamins. Some of the healthy foods to eat
while pregnant include leafy greens, whole grains,
vegetables, fruits, calcium-rich foods, low-fat milk, yogurt
and lean meats.
- I’m craving unhealthy foods. Is it okay?
Pregnant women often crave for weird things, while even the
thought of certain foods can make them nauseated. If you
can’t face healthy foods and yet you’re craving for junk
foods, think of your baby while you eat and keep your intake
of sugary and salty foods under control. Your doctor can
also help you create a balanced diet that could include some
treats you’re craving for.
- How much caffeine can I drink?
Studies about the harmful effects of caffeine on a
developing fetus remain inconclusive, but research has shown
that caffeine could pass through the baby’s placenta
quickly. As such, most health organizations recommend
avoiding foods or drinks with caffeine. If you can’t stop
drinking coffee, tea or
 sodas and eating excessive amounts
of chocolate, then you should limit your caffeine intake of
300 mg per day – that’s about 2 to 3 normal-sized cups of
brewed coffee.
- Is a glass of red wine safe to drink?
When you drink any kind of alcohol, such as wine, beer and
hard liquor, your baby is drinking it too. Although there is
no data to support a certain level of alcohol consumption
safe during pregnancy, it is recommended that you avoid
alcohol completely because it reaches the baby through your
blood stream. If you drink alcohol throughout your
pregnancy, it may lead to lower birth weight, mental
retardation, physical deformities, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
and complications on your baby’s motor development.
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