Diet And Pregnancy

 Eating well when your pregnant is very important not only to you but to your child, The basic additional dietary requirements during pregnancy is a higher intake of calories. These supplemental calories should come from foods acceptable on a doctors orders, largely complex carbohydrates such as grain products, dried beans and peas (legumes), vegetables and fruits.
 
During pregnancy there is an increase need for some nutrients such as folic acid and calcium. Pregnant woman can meet this need by eating frequent servings of broccoli; brussels sprouts; kale; collards, mustards, and turnip greens; bok choy; and darker varieties of lettuce. These vegetables should be eaten at least several times a week, preferably every day.
 
Many pregnant woman are concerned with obtaining sufficient protein. If a woman is following the doctors orders, the additional calories she consumes while pregnant will provide ample protein for herself and the developing fetus. Moderate amounts of lean meat, fish, and chicken can be included in the diet if desired, but they are not necessary. Vegetarians can obtain adequate protein from grains and legumes.
 
It is especially important during pregnancy to obtain optimal amounts of all the nutrients. Note,however, that optimal means neither too little nor to much . Pregnant woman who are following a proper diet and who are basically healthy will be obtaining all the nutrients they need and should not take vitamins or mineral supplements unless advised by to do so by their physician.
 
Woman who are over weight should not attempt to lose weight during pregnancy unless they do so with the approval of and under the supervision of their physician. Otherwise, they could increase their risk of having a low-birth-weight baby, and such babies have lower survival rates.
 
The most important period of fetal development development is the first three months of pregnancy. Often, however, woman don't realize they are pregnant until several months have passed. Therefore it would be best for a woman to adhere to healthful diets all the time.
 
Exercise is also important during pregnancy. In addition to the aerobic benefits provided by exercise, It has been found that woman who maintain their level of physical fitness while pregnant have faster deliveries with fewer complications. I suggest that all pregnant woman consult their obstetricians for assistance in selecting an appropriate exercise program.
 
Nursing Mothers
 
Diet is also excellent for lactating mothers. Once again, the basic additional dietary requirements is extra calories, in this case to maintain the mother's milk production. There is also a somewhat greater need for calcium and frolic acid, which can be met by eating the foods mention in this article above. Nursing mother on a proper diet will receive adequate amounts of nutrients unless they are on a very-low -calorie version of the diet and are losing weight rapidly.
 
Although vitamins and minerals supplements are usually not need by either nursing mother or their babies when the mothers is following a good diet, the advice of a pediatrician should be followed in this matter.
 
Eating the right kinds of foods and taking care of your health when your pregnant is a very serious matter and  should be taken as such, as a chef I also do a lot of research on nutriention and health related topic to make my readers aware of certain dangers .
 
The Handicapped Chef Carlton Haynes is owner of Triple H Catering And Consulting Service and Chef Brand Foods For more information contact us thehandicappedchef@gmal.com.