What is a preganat woman supposed to eat in order to ensure the babys health?

Question

I read somewhere that certain food can have a good/ bad influence on your babys growth & development...anybody any nutrition advice?

Answer 1

Basically, eat what would be considered a healthy diet even if you weren't pregnant. Lots of dark green veggies (important sources of iron), low-fat meats (well cooked--no sushi or steak tartare!), fresh fruits, whole grains (brown rice, wheat bread), eggs, dairy products, and LOTS of water (very important to stay hydrated). Also talk to your OB/GYN about a prescription for prenatal vitamins. I'm sure you've seen the Daisy Fuentes billboards reminding you that folic acid prevents several serious birth defects. Well, it's true, and a quality prenatal vitamin supplement in addition to a healthy balanced diet will ensure that you get plenty of folic acid along with all of the other vitamins and minerals that your baby needs.

Avoid caffeine if you can (I know, sometimes you just have to have a cup of java) and eat sugary foods in moderation. Diabetes caused by pregnancy is not uncommon, and caffeine and sugar both cause your blood sugar to spike and dip, putting you at greater risk.

Aboslutely NO smoking! Smoking and drinking alcohol are two of the greatest threats to a healthy fetus. Sure, in the "olden" days lots of folks smoked and drank through pregnancy and most kids turned out fine--but a lot DIDN'T. We know better nowadays and should act accordingly.

Finally, remember to get plenty of low-impact exercise and rest. Growing a baby inside you takes a lot of energy, and the better shape YOU'RE in, the better for your baby.

Answer 2

Other than a very balanced diet, the one thing you should be supplementing is folic acid. This will help prevent spina bifida. Also the one recommendation I was given when I was preggo, is to keep a sandwich cut in 4, or some other healthy snack by the bed, and in the nite when you get up to go pee, eat a quarter of the sandwich. All nite is fine and dandy for an adults body to go without eating, but a growing baby needs a little more frequent feedings.

Answer 3

Eat all four food groups: Milk, bread, fruits, veggies, meat and most of lots of water. Maintain a healthy weight because you don't want to gain too much weight that will lead to diabetes and high blood pressure. Stay away from caffeine, sugar and medication that will affect your health and the baby. Most of all avoid stress and later in the pregnancy avoid standing for long periods of time. Your doctor should give you a food guide and advice.

Answer 4

I ate meats, fruit, cereal, dairy, sweets, drank lots of water, drank sodas with no caffeine, and sometimes juice with not alot of sugar.
I also read that mothers who ate chocolate during pregnancy have happier babies. So I limit my chocolates to 3 pieces a day when pregnant.
And when my boy was an infant, he was always smiling a lot. He's 3 now and he's still a fun child. I'm not sure if it had to do with the chocolates or my wishful thinking.

And of course during pregnancy I took prenatal vitamins and drank ensure for moms. Ensure was a complimentary vitamin drink to the prenatal vitamins.

Answer 5

You really should eat as healthy as possiable lots of Fruits and Veggies, some Meat and Dairy and a moderate amount of Grains and Breads. Try to stay away from processed and fatty foods.

But to make sure your baby is healthy ask your Gyno and monitor your baby's progress monthly with him/her. They will know the best.

Answer 6

I can tell you from personal experience that eating a lot of spinach and greens did tremendous things for my growing fetus. That baby is sooooooooooooooo smart now, way beyond her peers and developmentally very advanced. Also, besides the developmental aspect, what you eat often becomes a favorite to your child later. Spinach and strawberries were my cravings during pregnancy and they're two of my daughter's favorite foods now. My 16 month old LOVES spinach !!!!! Weird huh?!

Answer 7

Heeeeeres Johnny! Have you ever eaten Veal? It's delicious. Yes I'd answer the door and let the calf in and show it right to the kitchen the meat cleaver and the roasting pan. Next pointless question?

Answer 8

protein to grow in the womb. and vegetables to keep the baby healthy. avoid deserts or foods with alcahol. eat sweets occasionally but stick to a healthy diet of protein carbs lipids

Answer 9

Whatever you want as long as it is pretty healthy. No chips or ranch, they contain MSG, not good for baby. Not certain kinds of fish either, they contain a kind of mercury. One caffeine drink a day. Eggs are very good for you and baby. Good Luck, I hope this helps!

Answer 10

just eat as healthy as possible. stay away from fish-it's high in mercury. you also want to stay away from "queso fresco" if you happen to eat that. you may want to speak to your doctor also about listeriosis. it is not very heard of but it can harm your unborn baby. but otherwise, eat healthy and lots of folic acid... GOOD LUCK!