First Pregnancy Advice

by Community Eye Health

Eating During Pregnancy: The First Six Months

Understanding your diet and how to change your eating during pregnancy is one of the most common questions the expectant mother has. Each trimester has its own set of needs, issues, and difficulties you must address.

In this article, we will discuss the first two trimesters, or first six months of being pregnant, as these are the months in which the biggest changes take place. The information and tips contained in this article should give you a better idea of how to change your diet once you become pregnant.

Understanding First Trimester Nutrition

During your first trimester, you are likely facing the issue of morning sickness, which occurs due to major hormonal changes as your body accommodates itself to pregnancy.

The best remedy for nausea is ginger, sliced up and boiled to make a tea.

But during this time you may also be stepping back your consumption of caffeine and sugar, and detoxing from these chemicals can make your nausea worse. During this time, you should step down your consumption slowly rather than attempt to go off these substances cold turkey, or you could make yourself quite sick.

During this first trimester, you will also begin taking your prenatal supplements. You’ll need to find an excellent prenatal vitamin with high levels of calcium, folic acid, and iron. You’ll also need to begin taking Omega-3 fatty acids to help your baby’s cognitive development.

This first trimester is about implementing great change, so make what strides you can without getting stressed out. The most important thing to keep in mind during these first three months is that every step toward getting healthy is a step in the right direction.

Understanding Second Trimester Nutrition

During the second trimester, your nausea and morning sickness will likely abate. This leaves you more open to eating foods of any kind, but it helps to work up an appetite for protein. Protein contains the amino acids your baby needs to develop teeth, hair, bones, and develop fingers, toes, and internal organs. Aim for a serving of protein at every meal.

During this trimester, you may notice your cravings beginning to set in. Physicians and health experts are mixed on what actually causes cravings. Some experts feel that they signify a lack of some nutrient in your diet. Others feel they don’t have a particular significance.

During this time, you can indulge your cravings in moderation. If you feel like your cravings are too bizarre for normalcy, or if you crave things uncontrollably, mention this to your physician at your next examination. She can run a dietary panel to make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Second trimester nutrition is about finding balance. Now that you have likely curbed your bad habits, you can kick your health into high gear by eating the right foods, exercising regularly, and fighting stress.

Avoiding Stress during the First Six Months

Pregnancy can be a stressful experience, but giving into stress is one of the worst things you can do for yourself and your baby. Instead, find ways to cope easily with the stress triggers in your life. Exercise is a great way to stay in shape and battle stress. Prayer, meditation, and yoga can also provide huge mental benefits.

You should also find another mom, or group of moms, whom you can relate to and talk to on a regular basis. Often having the support of others “in the trenches” can help you work through stress and emerge with a much more happy and healthy frame of mind. There are Moms’ Clubs in your area—check one out and begin meeting up with other local moms if you feel too alone or isolated.