What to Eat During Pregnancy

You have a baby on the way - congratulations.What you eat now will have a big impact on the health of you and your baby.Eat right and you are doing a lot to minimize your risk of pregnancy complications. Learning what to eat during pregnancy has never been easier than it is now.

First, remember that once you hit the second trimester, good nutrition during pregnancy requires that you eat about 300 more calories a day.Getting the right amount of calories will give you and your baby the energy you need. Now these extra calories should not give you the right to chow down on every food in your line of site.This is only 300 calories. A glass of milk or one banana equals 100 calories and a slice of whole wheat bread, and ounce of cheese and a half of cup of grapes equal 200 calories.You will see how much more food you can eat when you eat this way, rather than having that donut you crave.

At least 3 servings of protein daily are required to give your baby what she needs to grow strong.Everyone needs protein, but you need more now that you are eating for two. Protein is very easy to come by and your options are endless.Try something like 3 glasses of milk, 2 cups of yogurt and 3 ounces of cheese.

Four daily servings of calcium are also important for you and your baby. Calcium is going to help grow your baby's bones and help protect yours.There are lots of tasty foods that supply calcium, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream.

Aim for at least three servings of vitamin C. Your body does not store vitamin C so you need a fresh supply of it every day.You have lots of choices for getting vitamin C, as there are lots of fruits and vegetables that have high levels of vitamin C. You also want to make sure you get three to four servings of green leafy and yellow vegetables and fruits.An added benefit is that these fruits and most vegetables will give you vitamin C.

One or two more servings of other fruits and vegetables will serve you well, giving you other nutrients and important fiber.Some examples in this category are banana, apples, and onions.You need to get 6 or more servings of grains and legumes daily.In addition to having good amounts of fiber, these foods also are high in vitamins B and E. Try eating brown rice, whole wheat breads and even air popped corn to get your servings of whole grains and legumes in.

No doubt, one of the most important nutrients you need when you are pregnant is iron. Your body's demand for iron will never be greater than it is while you are pregnant.It is important not to ignore this. Not enough iron could lead to anemia so you want to make sure you are getting enough iron.If you have any concerns, ask your doctor about getting an iron supplement.

A fit pregnancy gives your baby the best chance for healthy development. And while it is always a good idea to eat well every day, when you are pregnant it is essential that you eat well every day.