Can I Diet During Pregnancy?
Motherhood is one of the most awaited phases of any woman’s life. The joy of giving birth to a little new life is extremely alluring but along with this exhilarating feeling comes a few extra pounds. Most women dread this aspect of pregnancy the most, and the thought of a diet plan during pregnancy arises. Such thoughts are best kept aside because pregnancy is the time where one has to consume a few more calories than the usual norm. These calories transform as nutrition to the little life in you and dieting during this phase is depriving your little one of essential nutrients. Pregnancy tends to be more complicated and delivery tends to be premature and more risky in undernourished women. This could lead to various deficiencies in your baby and also give rise to birth complications and low birth weight babies.
Eating Healthy During Pregnancy
Even mild degrees of maternal under nutrition in the last few weeks can interfere with the normal growth and development of the fetal brain. Many women are under the misconception that during pregnancy they need to eat for two; this leads them to believe that they would completely bloat up. Only 500-1000 extra calories need to be consumed daily and moreover this is in the form of nutrient dense foods jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and energy. Food during pregnancy is synonymous to nutrition for your baby not fat. Your baby thrives on the food you intake therefore you need to consume a good diet inclusive of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, vitamins and good amount of water.
It would be smart to restrict sugary and creamy, high calorie food products that are low on nutritional value. The key is to consume calories that add nutrition not high calories food that are low on nutrients. Smaller, more frequent meals do tend to reduce nausea and heartburn and keep a consistent energy level; this would also help to maintain a balanced intake of calories. Even though lot of warning has been administered regarding dieting during pregnancy; yet surprisingly, many women of varying sizes do choose to diet during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester when weight gain really begins to add up and their new girth suddenly seems threatening. Women need to understand that eating quality food is highly essential so that the baby builds a healthy and strong body.
Most of the weight that is gained in the final trimesters is also due to the weight of the baby, the amniotic fluid around baby and the weight of the placenta which would diminish upon giving birth. Therefore the extra weight is not something to stress yourself about; so, go ahead and nourish your bundle of joy.
