How do I help my wife to eat the right foods while pregnant?

Question

I understand that her caloric intake HAS to increase by at least 300 to support the child but what other foods are good for the baby?

I already know that 'diets' are off-limits too.

No caffeine, booze, artificial sweeteners, etc. are off limits.

What else?

What things would be good to eat?

OK

Protein, fiber, and milk!

Answer 1

Veggies and fruit are a necessity even if she suddenly can't stand them. She will have to choke 'em down anyways. LOL Find a way that she likes to eat them - raw with dip, steamed and buttered, stir-fried...even fruit smoothies will do. But she needs these.

She will need fiber to keep her regular - sometimes preggos get constipated due to hormones or even the iron in maternity vitamins. Bran muffins are nice.

If she has bad morning sickness, this might help - get her to eat protein. A chunk of cheese, a hardboiled egg, a piece of chicken breast, a big glass of milk....the protein helped settle my stomach both times. It's also good for the baby - especially the dairy products!

If she wants to take some maternity vitamins, Materna is great because they don't have too much iron in them. Iron is hard to digest anyways but it's worse when you're expecting. They can make her feel really queasy and backed up, so if she looks for vits with a lower amount of iron that will help.

Answer 2

Just keep in mind that 300 calories is not very much, it's basically an extra apple and chunk of cheese every day. Don't try to get her to eat more if she is full she will only gain extra weight.
She needs to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and try to eat several smalls meals instead of a few big ones.
There are tons of lists out there telling you what to eat and what not to eat, most of them time they conflict each other, lol.
Generally the rules are no fish, no caffeine, no alcohol (or smoking), no raw eggs or meat. There are tons of others as well, some are real and some are not.

Answer 3

First, be aware that the average pregnant (or lactating) woman needs about the same amount of food as an average man. It's just the way the bodies are built. So buy as much as you would normally eat x 2.

It would be a great idea to buy at a health food store, stick to all natural. And get a good all-natural cookbook. There are some recipes that are so easy, even a man can do them! ;-)

It's great that you are taking your responsibilities seriously. Be aware of her mood swings, that they are not to be taken personally. It's just the hormones. But the bigger her bulge gets, the more the baby will be aware of her moods. Play soothing, relaxing music, get her some nice scented candles, make her world as comfortable as possible. Many cultures evaluate men by how they pamper their pregnant wives: be a HERO!!!

Answer 4

i am pregnant as well so i eat all healthy foods.alot of protein like meat and beans,also alot of vegetables esspecially the green leafy kind.of course fruits are good snacks.i am assuming she does not have gestational diabetes so in that case alot of carbs like breads and pastas.she needs to follow the same healthy diet as before she was pregnant but im sure there will be some things that she just wont be able to stomach anymore.they also say fish is a good brain food for the baby but be careful with too much because of the mercury only every once in a while.make sure she intakes alot of dairy wether its milk,cottage cheese,cheese ect because she needs the extra calcium.plus as you know take the prenatal pill that will also help her with certain vitamins she may not get enough of in the food she eats

Answer 5

She can eat anything she wants the sky is the limit. Fish low in mercury are good for pregnant women. The only thing I suggest so there isn't a lot of weight gain is take it easy on the salt and sugar. The salt can make her swell and the sugar can result in gestational diabetes and can result in a large baby. And if the baby is to big she may have to have a c section.

Answer 6

Fruits, vegetables, whole-grains. She needs protein, either meat or beans or peanut butter. A little caffeine is ok as long as it is in moderation and not excessive. Just a good healthy balanced diet. Also cheese, yogurt or milk and plenty of water. She should be drinking 10 glasses of water a day instead of the usual 8.

Answer 7

There are a number of good books on the market..check out placslike Barnes and Nobles, Amazon.com and the like. Also talk to her Doctor, they SHOULD have a better understanding of her individual needs. And a bit of advice from someone that's been through it, when she eats, you eat and whatever she eats, you eat. That will help her to not notice that she is eating more often, or that her helpings have increased in size.

Answer 8

The best thing for her to do is eat smaller more frequent meals. Lots of milk and vitamin c. As for meals chicken is a good one, full of protein. Salads- there are so many good ones to make. Good luck, hope the baby is healthy.

Answer 9

LOL you are adorable!
Lots of veggies, switch to whole grain bread and pasta, keep the fat low the fiber and protien high. Eat GOOD fats like avacado and peanut butter (good for babies brain!) and if you are truly concerned talk to a prenatal nutritionist.Don't forget prenatal vitamins! They are a MUST
Good luck hun!

Answer 10

anything you would normally eat in a well balanced diet. Lots and fruits and veggies, healthy proteins, and she should take a prenatal vitamin to ensure she is getting the optimal nutrients every day!
good luck!