Food and Pregnancy

When women become pregnant, the immediate tendency is to begin eating for two. But, do you really need to eat THAT much? And, are there any foods you should avoid?

Recent studies suggest that you do not, in fact, need to eat for two. Instead, you should focus on consuming enough vitamins and minerals for two. Pregnant women should only increase their calorie intake to 2500/day (as opposed to the normal 2000/day). If they choose to breastfeed after giving birth, they should increase that to 3000/day.

There are several things pregnant women should avoid with regards to food. First, there is vitamin A. As little as four times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A could increase the chances of damage to the embryo, especially within the first trimester.

In addition, consumption of fish such as salmon and tuna should be limited. These fish contain a form of mercury, which can cause damage to a child’s brain and central nervous system.

Studies have also found that too much caffeine during pregnancy can increase the chances of a child getting diabetes.

Finally, junk food should be avoided as much as possible. This is not because they contain a certain product, but rather because of their effects on appetite. Junk food tends to make a person feel full, but does not provide anything of nutritional value. This means a pregnant woman who eats too much junk food could feel like she’s eating enough for her and her baby, but would actually leave the baby starving for much needed vitamins and minerals.