If a recent visit to the local OB-GYN center confirms that you are pregnant for the first time, you are likely reveling in your newfound “status.” Since this is your first pregnancy, you might wonder what your body needs from a nutrition standpoint to ensure healthy fetal development. Below are tips for eating healthily throughout the next nine months. 

A Guide to Nutrition for Pregnant Women

1. Avoid Raw & Undercooked Food

Unpasteurized dairy products, raw fish, undercooked meat, and dairy products can contain bacteria that harm you and your growing baby. The immune system is naturally weaker during pregnancy because the female body is creating new life, while the fetus does not have the immunity necessary for fighting off bacteria and pathogens. As a result, food-borne illnesses can have severe health consequences. Stick to well-cooked meals at all times to avoid this issue. 

2. Enjoy Whole Foods That Promote Pregnancy Health

Eating a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, contributes to radiant pregnancy health. Focus on foods that support fetal growth, such as legumes and leafy greens that are high in folic acid, which promotes healthy brain and spinal cord development. 

OB-GYN professionals recommend lean meats like well-cooked chicken and fish for protein or the “cellular building blocks” the fetus needs for healthy growth. Non-animal protein sources include nuts and seeds. 

3. Opt For Small, Frequent Meals Throughout the Day

Since morning sickness is common in the early days of pregnancy, keeping down big meals can be problematic. Opt for small, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day to maintain your blood sugar levels and subsequently decrease nausea. Small meals also prevent you from feeling too full, which can be uncomfortable as your pregnant stomach expands. To help you feel full without the related discomfort, opt for fiber-rich foods, including carrots, quinoa, and strawberries. Fiber promotes healthy digestion to relieve pregnancy-related constipation due to increased progesterone hormone levels. 

For OB-GYN services that keep you healthy throughout pregnancy, contact us at United Hospital District. We have locations in Blue Earth, Fairmont, Wells, and Winnebago, and have served the Greater Southern Minnesota area since 1966. Call us today at (507) 526-7388 to schedule an OB-GYN appointment or visit our website for more information.