Eating Healthy During Pregnancy

Generally speaking, there are countless benefits to eating healthy. Just to name a few, a nutritious diet yields a woman more sustainable energy, a stronger immune system, and the reduced risk of disease. Pregnant woman need to be particularly careful about what they eat because they are not only eating for their own health, but they are also eating for their baby’s health! When a woman eats well during her pregnancy, she reduces the chances of complications such as anemia, low birth weight, and birth defects. Eating well can also help with unpleasant pregnancy symptoms! Below are some other benefits of a healthy pregnancy diet.

Why a Healthy Diet is Beneficial For Mom And Baby

Less Complications

It might be difficult to fight off unhealthy pregnancy cravings, but it is worth it in the long run for the sake of you and your baby’s health. If you aren’t eating a balanced diet, you could be at risk for complications such as gestational diabetes, anemia, urinary tract infections, and your baby being born with birth defects. Good nutrition during pregnancy can also improve labor and delivery, which is never a bad thing!

Increased Energy

Experiencing a paralyzing amount of fatigue during pregnancy is very common for most women. Sometimes no matter what you do, fatigue is hard to control – especially in the early weeks with all the hormonal changes your body is going through. Keeping a wholesome diet and eating every 3-4 hours will keep your energy up. It’s important to remember your iron consumption should be doubled when you are pregnant to help sustain your increased blood volume and promote iron storage for the fetus.

Successful Fetal Development

A balanced diet is just what your baby needs to grow correctly. You want to aim at eating at least 300 more calories a day than you normally would. However, you don’t want to go overboard as it can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Essential vitamins and nutrients that will warrant a healthy baby include but are not limited to: folate or folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, fiber, fruits and veggies, whole grains, and an adequate amount of protein and fat.

Improved Sleep

Numerous factors can keep you up at night during your pregnancy, such as nausea, late-night bathroom breaks, or aches and pains! Making sure you are eating full and complete meals each day, and staying away from too much caffeine, will definitely help with your beauty rest. The vitamins and minerals that are needed during pregnancy such as vitamin B, calcium, and iron also aid in productive sleep.

Reduced Risk of Getting Sick

Pregnant women are more susceptible to certain infections such as the flu. A healthy diet and plenty of rest can prevent this from happening. Although a minor cold will most likely not affect your baby, suffering from pregnancy symptoms is bad enough and being sick on top of that is not appealing. Trying to avoid getting sick in general is a safe bet!

High-Risk Pregnancy Specialists in NJ

Along with maintaining a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy, you should also make proper prenatal care a priority. At New Jersey Perinatal Associates, our perinatologists work hand-in-hand with each other and with our referring doctors to ensure that each patient receives personalized care and fully understands all decisions made for their health and the health of their baby. We understand that the presence of certain risk factors can make pregnancy more stressful, which is why we are proud to work with those with high-risk pregnancies every step of the way. Learn more about our perinatologists, along with their experience and areas of expertise:

High-Risk Pregnancy Centers in New Jersey

With the help of New Jersey Perinatal Associates, it is easy for expectant mothers to find prenatal care that is both personalized and compassionate, at any stage of pregnancy. We treat patients from the following towns and their surrounding areas at our high-risk pregnancy centers in NJ. 

Preterm Birth Prevention in NJ

Our perinatal team of physicians at New Jersey Perinatal Associates is here to help you through any complications you may experience during your pregnancy. We understand this transitional time can be tough, and we are here to help address any concerns you might have about your health and your unborn baby. We proudly provide prenatal diagnosis services, care for medical complications of pregnancy, care for pregnancy-related complications, and preconception counseling, so expectant mothers can feel confident in their health and the health of their babies every step of the way. Find a location near you and give us a call today to set up your first appointment at NJPA!