Although your cravings may be leading you all over the grocery store, you should regulate your diet during the first stages and throughout your pregnancy. Always remember that your baby gets all his nutrients from you. As you research everything you need to know during these early stages, munch on nutritious meals that will help you and your baby grow healthy and strong.
Function
A nutritious diet is important during this critical time of your child’s life. Your diet in early pregnancy provides your baby with the building blocks she needs to develop properly. Folic acids, or folates, are important nutrients for muscle development and reduce the risk of birth defects. Proteins and iron help your infant develop cells and blood necessary. Calcium and vitamins A, C, D, B6 and B12 are necessary ingredients for bone, skin, muscle and nervous system development. Even a little fat is necessary for development.
Examples
Eat meals and snacks that are high in folic acid as well as protein, calcium, iron and vitamins. Look to beans and nuts for folic acids and proteins. Eat citrus fruits for folic acids as well as vitamin C. Include leafy green salads with your meals to get more folic acid.
Considerations
Nausea is an unfortunate side effect of early pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience morning sickness, throughout the day, during their first trimester. Vomiting and nausea can cause negative reactions to certain foods. If you exhaust your list of folic acid- and protein-rich foods, look for foods that have been fortified with folate. You can incorporate pastas and other grains filled with folate into various dishes, diversifying your diet to keep your options open.
Warning
Alcohol should be excluded from your diet, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fetal alcohol syndrome can occur early in pregnancy and cause deformities and developmental problems. If you are trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop drinking alcohol as the center cites no safe level of alcohol for pregnant women.
Tips
If nausea or your diet limits the amount of folic acid you can eat each day, talk with your doctor about vitamin supplements. Folic acid vitamins are available over the counter. Take them, under the advice of your doctor, while you are trying to get pregnant so that your body will be prepared for your new growing infant.
Photo Credit
- pregnant lady image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
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