NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY

Preparation for pregnancy A mother brings to her pregnancy, all of her previous life experiences; diet, food habits, attitudes.. The outcome of her baby’s health depends on mother’s nutritional state. Prepare body 2 years ahead. If nutrients are lacking the mother suffers first and then the baby suffers because the baby “robs” the mom’s body of nutrients.

Bad diet can cause: Premature birth Low birth weight Inability to breast feed Complications at birth Depression Fewer brain cell development Some birth defects

Weight Gain pounds Total (average weight) Two and five pounds in the first trimester About one pound per week for the rest of the pregnancy.

Distribution o f Weight Gain WEIGHT GAIN In POUNDS 7.5 – Pounds Total AREA Fetus Stores of Fat & Protein Blood Tissue Fluids Uterus Amniotic Fluid Placenta & Cord Breasts

Effects on body Increased clumsiness Backache Leg- and ankle-swelling (edema),

How does nutrition affect the growing baby? How many calories should be eaten daily? What foods should be avoided?

Recommended Daily Allowance: Let’s compare a non-pregnant female to a pregnant female Not Pregnant Pregnant Calories 2, Bread Vegetables 44-5 Fruit 33-4 Milk 33-4 Meat 2 (6oz)2-3

What food groups and calorie amounts do pregnant women need to increase? ALL OF THEM! Grains =2 more Fruits =1 more Vegetables=1 more Dairy=1 more Meat=1 more Calories more a day!

Sample Menu 2500 Calories BREAKFAST ½ grapefruit - F ¾ cup oatmeal – G 2/3 cup milk - D 1 tsp raisins - F 1 whole wheat English muffin -G 1 tsp margarine LUNCH Salad with: 1 cup romaine lettuce - V ½ cup kidney beans, cooked - M ½ fresh tomato- V 1 oz skim mozzarella cheese- D 2 tbsp low calorie Italian dressing 1 bran muffin- G ½ cup cantaloupe chunks - F AFTERNOON SNACK 2 rice cakes- G 6 oz low-fat yogurt, plain- D ½ cup blueberries- F DINNER ¾ cup vegetables soup with – V & G ¼ cup cooked barley 3 oz chicken, w/o skin - M 1 baked potato- V ½ cup cooked broccoli- V 2 piece whole wheat rolls - G 1 tbsp margarine 1 fresh peach- F 1 glass milk - D BEDTIME SNACK 1 apple - F 10 crackers- G 1 oz cheddar cheese - D ¼ cup peanuts- M

How did she do? 5 Fruits 11 Grains 5 Vegetables 3 Meats 5 Dairy

Choose “Nutrient Dense” Foods not empty calorie! 1. Fruit 2. Whole Grain muffins 3. Yogurt1. Potato chips 4. Trail mix 2. Candy 5. Salad 3. Cookies 6. Baby carrots 4. Soda/pop 7. String Cheese

Foods to avoid: 1. High Salt/Sodium Foods – canned or dried soups or frozen meals 2. Caffeine – in coffee/soda/chocolate 3. Nitrates – in processed lunch meat, hot dogs 4. Peanut butter – to prevent nut allergies 5. High Fat foods – deep fried, French fries 6. High Sugar foods – cakes, candy, cookies 7. Alcohol – beer, wine, mixed drinks

DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN WHAT FOODS ARE EATEN AND THE HEALTH OF THE BABY!!!! What the pregnant mom eats is the nutrition her baby will get. If she doesn’t eat healthy foods, the baby will not develop properly. If she doesn’t eat healthy foods, she may become sick or have dental problems. It’s a minor sacrifice for a major outcome!

BE GOOD TO YOUR BABY BEFORE IT IS BORN!