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I've been doing a lot of reading about good nutrition during pregnancy, and it occurred to me that there's a considerable lack of discussion of the importance of good nutrition during prenatal care (in my experience for sure at least). Lots of stressing about what not to eat, and making sure weight gain stays within certain limits, but really nothing about what we should be eating and why.
And really there needs to be a huge value placed on nutrition, because it really is so important - we're laying the foundation for our baby's future and health by what we eat. I'm actually really appalled at the lack of nutrition guidance I have received in my prior pregnancies. My drs always asked if I was taking my vitamins, but really, theyre called vitamin supplements for a reason and are meant to be supplementing the vitamins we get through a good diet, not replacing them, and not once was I ever even asked about my diet (other than being given a list of foods to avoid)
Make sure you're eating lots of healthy fats (nuts, whole milk products - no skim in pregnancy, avocado, coconut oil, etc) as its vital for brain development and good birth weight. Even if you feel you have a good diet when not pregnant, there are probably some beneficial changes you can make while pregnant.
I've been mostly looking into the Brewer diet, and even though I eat a pretty good whole foods diet normally, there are definite things I can improve on, having been reading up on the impact nutrition has on preventing complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm labour, IUGR, etc.
And really make sure you stay hydrated. This is the one I struggle with the most, but I'm trying to up my fluids.
I hope someone finds this helpful even for making some small changes. And if anyone wants to share in the journey towards good nutrition with me! I know I could use some support and accountability too
And really there needs to be a huge value placed on nutrition, because it really is so important - we're laying the foundation for our baby's future and health by what we eat. I'm actually really appalled at the lack of nutrition guidance I have received in my prior pregnancies. My drs always asked if I was taking my vitamins, but really, theyre called vitamin supplements for a reason and are meant to be supplementing the vitamins we get through a good diet, not replacing them, and not once was I ever even asked about my diet (other than being given a list of foods to avoid)
Make sure you're eating lots of healthy fats (nuts, whole milk products - no skim in pregnancy, avocado, coconut oil, etc) as its vital for brain development and good birth weight. Even if you feel you have a good diet when not pregnant, there are probably some beneficial changes you can make while pregnant.
I've been mostly looking into the Brewer diet, and even though I eat a pretty good whole foods diet normally, there are definite things I can improve on, having been reading up on the impact nutrition has on preventing complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm labour, IUGR, etc.
And really make sure you stay hydrated. This is the one I struggle with the most, but I'm trying to up my fluids.
I hope someone finds this helpful even for making some small changes. And if anyone wants to share in the journey towards good nutrition with me! I know I could use some support and accountability too