Essential for the rapid cell division that is going on with your growing baby, normal protein metabolism, and the development of new red blood cells that will be needed later, folate is ferociously important. Keep in mind: Your baby grows very rapidly, so getting an ample amount of this nutrient helps to maximize his/her health. Folate can be found in vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, tangerines), green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), broccoli, and in whole grain breads or fortified cereals, dried beans or peas and some nuts (peanuts or sunflower seeds).
In addition to the benefits for growth purposes, folate also helps to reduce the incidence of some birth defects such as spina bifida. Aim to eat three to five servings a day, and mix up the ways you get it (to help it seem like less of a chore). Try whole grain cereal and a glass of grapefruit juice for breakfast; salad of sunflower seeds, kale and garbanzo beans for lunch; snack on trail mix; eat veggies with your dinner -- even if you top your burger with them.
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Get a boost of vitamin B12
B12 is actually a protein, which activates the aforementioned folate. It can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs and milk products. Some of the benefits include helping to reduce anemia, which is common during pregnancy.
And although many women have an aversion to eating meat during the first trimester of pregnancy, once the craving comes back, try to get at least three servings of protein (70 grams) daily. Tip: One serving of meat should equal the size of a deck of cards. Remember, protein is great for increased energy, too, which helps you look and feel good -- even when you should be feeling tired.
"Oh, you're so lucky to be pregnant -- you can eat any and everything you want. All. The. Time." Sure, we've heard hype like that too. And while we admit it would be nice to have an excuse to eat an extra 300 calories a day (really, that's the recommended amount) without any guilt, we also know that going food crazy isn't the healthiest way to embrace a pregnancy diet.
In fact, most doctors agree that too much of anything (even ice cream, pickles and French fries -- the well-established mom-to-be cravings) is not a good thing when it comes to your pregnancy diet. That said, you can -- and should -- treat your expanding middle with respect, care and attention in order to provide your baby with proper, essential, and important nutrients for growth.
"I always tell patients to keep it simple, consuming foods from all of the various food groups, while limiting those that are high in fat or simple sugars," explains Dr. Jeff Livingston, M.D, an OB-GYN in Irving, Texas. "Moderation, serving size and portion control are all factors, too, to help you look and feel, inside out, the absolute healthiest and best that you can."
In addition to eating right to maintain pregnancy health, it's vital to keep moving -- exercising as you would regularly with some modifications, per your doctor's orders and recommendations, and to take a multi-vitamin (preferably a prenatal one) daily; these, in conjunction with colorful, healthy pregnancy diets and plenty of water, will keep you and the belly in tip-top, gorgeous, shape.
Here, a few pointers, compliments of Dr. Livingston and Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (and mom of four), Kim Sakovich, also from Irving, Texas, to help you properly (rather than literally) eat for two.
