Nutrition in Pregnancy

Eat foods that are as nourishing as possible. Try to avoid extremes: don't starve yourself to avoid gaining weight, but also don't give yourself a permission slip to binge and eat all sorts of junk food! Especially at this time, your body (and your baby!) need good-quality nourishment. Growing research shows that how you eat and exercise during pregnancy can impact your baby's growth and development in the womb, doing things such as turning off genes for autoimmune disorders. 

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Just like at all other times in life, aim for a balanced diet of clean, whole foods including carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Most doctors and providers recommend taking a multivitamin during pregnancy, but keep in mind it's typically better to get nutrients through real food. Aim to eliminate artificial preservatives, sweeteners, etc, because these can have a negative impact on your baby.

 

Many women suffer from morning sickness in pregnancy, making it difficult to eat the healthiest foods, and this is very normal. Remember that it's better to eat something than nothing, and it's better to eat something healthy than something unhealthy. Many women find some relief from morning sickness by eating ginger in various forms (including dried, candied ginger or ginger tea), or eating fresh basil leaves. 

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The bottom line is: try to eat by the common-sense guidelines above and avoid extremes. Don't stress out over what you're eating, but overall aim to eat healthfully, include a protein source at every meal, and don't forget to hydrate!