Caring Baby Nurses
Nutrition during pregnancy
What you eat during pregnancy is important for you and your baby. Every bite during pregnancy can help promote your baby’s growth and development. Your diet should include grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, protein rich foods (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and beans) and water. It is okay to indulge on fats and sweets once in a while as long as you’re getting the nutrients you need and your weight gain is on target. a baby nurse nyc is a great help post delivery.
A few nutrients during pregnancy deserve special attention.
1. Folate or folic acid helps prevent birth defects and lack of folate may increase the risk of preterm delivery. Good sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, dried beans, and fortified cereals.
2. Calcium is needed to strengthen your bones and the baby’s. If there is not enough calcium in your diet the baby will take the calcium from your bones. Good sources of calcium are dairy products and fortified cereals and juices.
3. Protein is needed your baby’s growth. Rich sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, eggs, and fish. Other sources of protein include beans, peas, tofu, and dairy products.
4. Iron to prevent anemia. During pregnancy your body needs to produce more blood for you and your baby’s blood supply. Therefore your iron needs double during pregnancy. Iron is found in red meats, poultry, fish, fortified breakfast cereals, nuts and dried fruits.
Some foods need to be avoided during pregnancy.
1. Some fish contain high levels of mercury that can be harmful to the developing fetus. You should avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish during pregnancy. Fish that contain lower levels of mercury include canned light tuna, salmon, and Pollock. You can eat 12 ounces of these fish per a week. Canned baby nurse albacore tuna has higher mercury content and you should only eat up to 6 ounces per a week.
2. Unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses and raw or undercooked meat, poultry may contain bacteria which can cause an illness called Listeriosis. In a pregnant women Listeriosis can cause miscarriage or a stillborn. Deli meats and hot dogs should be avoided unless they are cooked and steaming hot. The heat will kill all the bacteria and then it is safe to eat. Also, make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables to prevent Listeriosis.
3. Do not eat large quantities of liver. Liver has a lot of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can cause birth defects.
4. Excessive caffeine may decrease the baby’s birth weight and increase the risk of miscarriage or stillborn. Limit the amount of caffeine to less than 200 mg a day.
5. Avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy. Mother’s who drink alcohol have a higher rate of miscarriage and stillbirth. Too much alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome which can affect your baby’s heart and brain development.