Tips for Eating Well During Pregnancy
Weight gain is probably a mother’s number one fear while pregnant or before she becomes pregnant. A healthy weight should be maintained, but also what you eat needs to be carefully considered. What you eat affects not only you and your mouth and teeth, but also your babies.
Eating is easy during pregnancy, especially during months four through six. Below is a list compiled by the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Policy Center to help a mother during her pregnancy.
*Make sure you eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, and dairy products. Some whole grains products to consider are oatmeal, cereals, breads, and crackers. With dairy, stick with milk, cheeses, cottage cheese or unsweetened yogurt.
*Try to eat less foods that are high in sugar. This includes candy, cookies, cake, and dried fruit.
*Stay away from beverages high in sugar (juice, fruit-flavored drinks, and soft drinks)
*If you are snacking (you are pregnant……you will) try and choose nutritious filled foods like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and unsweetened yogurts. These all contain the vitamins your body needs to promote a healthy you and healthy baby. Sugary foods are terrible for your teeth, and will aid in tooth decay.
*Always ALWAYS read food labels so that the foods you are choosing are low in sugar.
*If you have morning sickness or vomiting frequently, try eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day.
*Drink water in place of most drinks. Milk is also great to drink while pregnant.
*Drinking bottled water during meals not only keeps you hydrated, but will curve off hunger. Choose bottled water that contains fluoride (a must for healthy teeth). Local Dentist Queen Creek AZ 85142
*To reduce your babies risk of birth defects, get 600 micrograms of folic acid each day throughout your pregnancy, but especially during the first trimester. Some foods that are rich in folic acid are asparagus, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach; beans, peas and lentils; papaya, tomato juice, oranges or orange juice, strawberries, cantaloupe and bananas; and grain products that have folic acid such as breads, cereals, cornmeal, flour, pasta, and white rice. Local Dentist Queen Creek AZ 85142
