Going through pregnancy asks for a number of lifestyle changes and limitations to some of the things you love to do such as pregnancy diet. Specifically when it comes to food intake and daily activities, pregnant women normally have to be cautious of everything – even the simplest and most trivial objects in their surroundings.
It may seem as a huge sacrifice for women to deal with changes especially in the early pregnancy stage. But as a soon-to-be mum, your health and your baby’s health are all in your hands. You have the entire authority to protect yourself and reduce complications through the following lists of what to do while you’re pregnant.
Maintaining Pregnancy Diet through Caffeine Reduction
Many sources say that women should cut back on caffeine based products (coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks) once they hit the pregnancy stage. Although debates still arise whether pregnant women should totally exclude caffeine in their meals, health experts still advise to take in minimal amounts of caffeine to avoid risks of having miscarriages.
Aside from risking the life of your unborn child, large amounts of caffeine intake may also cause respiratory problems. You may experience heartburn, which may be very common, but the effects of it may influence your child’s health. Insomnia can be another contributing factor when you take in too much caffeine. Imagine being awake all night during pregnancy when you need to have enough bed rest to regain energy.
Avoid Raw, Undercooked, and Processed Food for effective pregnancy diet
Raw, undercooked, and processed food should be avoided in the pregnancy stage. Uncooked food (whether meat, poultry, or vegetables) may have microscopic bacteria that can affect your child. In the case of processed food such as frozen delicacies or canned ones, these contain chemicals to prolong the food’s shelf life. Partially cooked eggs – those that have semi cooked yolks and egg whites – can contain salmonella so these should be avoided as well.
Although it’s inevitable to avoid eating such food (especially when you’re eating for two people and increasing your pregnancy weight may be the least of your concern), you can take such foods in minimum amounts. If you have a cook at home, better instruct a set of healthy dishes appropriate for the pregnant woman’s diet.
Pregnancy Diet through Weight Management
As soon as the signs of pregnancy are discovered, your family will also be concerned about your health. Most people think that gaining weight is a good sign because this suggests that a healthy baby is on the way. During the first trimester, your body is still coping with the changes so it may be foreign for you to have a big appetite (talk about morning sickness). On the second trimester of pregnancy, you are allowed to eat as much healthy food as you can to give enough nutrients to your body.
On the third trimester, however, you need to monitor your health. Although you frequently feel hungry, you must ingest only a regular sized meal. Gaining too much pregnancy weight may be difficult for you to adjust during and after delivery.
Food restrictions and diet limitations are just one of the few precautions you as an expectant mum should be careful about. Although your food cravings can’t be granted all the time, the key to a safe and healthy pregnancy is to enjoy every bittersweet moment of it.
