A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is an essential aspect of prenatal care for pregnant women. It can be easy to focus more on removing unhealthy foods from your diet than adding them when attempting to improve your health, but restriction isn't always the answer. Here are a few beneficial foods to add to your diet to help support a healthy pregnancy.

What to Eat When You're Expecting

1. Meat

Lean cuts of meat containing less than 15% fat offer a high level of protein with a low level of fat and calories. The amino acids found in protein are the building blocks of healthy tissue. Meat is also a powerhouse when it comes to iron, which is a nutrient many pregnant women become deficient in when pregnancy increases their blood volume.

2. Salmon

Salmon is packed with fatty acids known as DHA omega-3's. These vital brain-boosting fats cannot be created by the human body and must be obtained through consumption. They are essential for the development of a healthy brain and eyes in your baby and also lower your risk of developing postpartum depression. 

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent way to reach your calcium goals during pregnancy, which is key to growing a baby with healthy bones. Yorgurt is also high in protein, iodine, and folate and also offers good bacteria, known as probiotics. These can help with one very common pregnancy ailment—constipation.

4. Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach offer abundant amounts of vitamins C, A, and E, along with iron, folate, calcium, and fiber. Try using them to make salads or pesto or chopping and adding them to omelets, scrambled eggs, or layered sandwiches. 

If you're seeking high-quality prenatal care, you can count on Genesee Valley Obsetrics & Gynecology in Rochester, NY. These experts in women's health offer services for every stage of life from birth control and prenatal care to hysterectomies and provide access to your own health records 24/7. Visit their website or call (585) 232-3210 to request your first appointment.