http://www.eatingwell.com/taxonomy/term/745/all en http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/healthy_pregnancy/the_pre_pregnancy_plan <p>Eating well while you are trying to conceive won’t guarantee that you’ll become pregnant, but it can maximize your chances. In any case, making healthful dietary changes will benefit your health. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/node/9660?page=2">Planning to become pregnant? Follow these 4 pre-pregnancy tips &raquo;</a></strong><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/node/9660?page=2"><strong> </strong></a></p> <p>[pagebreak]</p><div class="field field-type-content-taxonomy field-field-author"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> EatingWell Editors </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-subtitle"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> There’s no baby on board yet—just babies on the brain. </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-image-large"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <img class="imagefield imagefield-field_image_large" width="630" height="230" alt="" src="http://bed56888308e93972c04-0dfc23b7b97881dee012a129d9518bae.r34.cf1.rackcdn.com/sites/default/files/pregnancy_630.jpg?1283538746" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-image-standard"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <img class="imagefield imagefield-field_image_standard" width="310" height="310" alt="" src="http://bed56888308e93972c04-0dfc23b7b97881dee012a129d9518bae.r34.cf1.rackcdn.com/sites/default/files/pregnancy_310.jpg?1283538798" /> </div> </div> </div> <fieldset class="fieldgroup group-related1"><div class="field field-type-text field-field-relatedtitle1"> <div class="field-label">Related Content Title 1:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Related Links: </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-relatedlinks1"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/nutrition_health/healthy_pregnancy/foods_to_boost_or_bust_fertility">Foods to Boost—or Bust—Fertility</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/nutrition_health/healthy_pregnancy/healthy_pregnancy_diet_quick_tips">Healthy Pregnancy Diet Quick Tips</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/videos/pregnancy_diet_tips_for_meeting_increased_iron_needs_video">Pregnancy Diet: Tips for Meeting Increased Iron Needs Video</a> </div> </div> </div> </fieldset> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-body"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Eating well while you are trying to conceive won’t guarantee that you’ll become pregnant, but it can maximize your chances. In any case, making healthful dietary changes will benefit your health. Planning to become pregnant? Follow these tips:</p> <p><strong>Talk with your doc.</strong> Your health-care provider can talk you through issues that may be important to achieving a healthy pregnancy: not only concerns related to your personal and family medical history but also how diet and other lifestyle habits may affect fertility. If necessary, your physician also can refer you to other professionals, such as a registered dietitian, who can help you to make healthy lifestyle changes.</p> <p><strong>Aim for a healthy weight.</strong> Being overweight can affect the balance of reproductive hormones that control your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Establishing a healthy diet before you conceive will also make it easier to eat well during pregnancy. The best approach to losing weight (and maintaining a healthy weight) is an eating plan that is sensible, satisfying—and supplies the right number of calories for your lifestyle.</p> <p><strong>Focus on folic acid.</strong> Folate, a B vitamin found in beans, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits, plays a critical role in cell development and growth. Studies suggest that taking folic acid—the synthetic form of folate in fortified foods and supplements—for a month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy reduces the occurrence of neural tube defects by up to 70 percent. (The neural tube, which develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord, is formed during the first 28 days of pregnancy—before many women are even aware that they’re pregnant.) Get 400 micrograms of folic acid, from fortified foods and/or supplements, in addition to eating a variety of <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrient_library/folatefolic_acid">folate-rich foods</a>.</p> <p><strong>Move it.</strong> Getting plenty of exercise before you get pregnant will improve your chances of having a comfortable and active pregnancy. Moderate activity while you’re pregnant can help with things like back pain, swelling and gaining too much weight. But how active you are during pregnancy is often determined by what you did before. Bottom line: Get a move on.</p> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/healthy_pregnancy/the_pre_pregnancy_plan#comments EatingWell Editors Pregnancy Diet Diet, Nutrition & Health - Healthy Pregnancy Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:37:24 +0000 Penelope Wall 9660 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/bug_off Bug off. To reduce your risk of foodborne illness (which becomes even more dangerous when you're pregnant), wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before using them, and make sure all meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature. Wash your hands frequently and be sure to use warm soapy water to thoroughly clean all utensils, countertops or cutting boards that have been in contact with uncooked meats.<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-ewid"> <div class="field-label">Old EatingWell ID:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 278 </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/bug_off#comments Pregnancy Diet Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:02 +0000 admin 9104 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/power_couple_iron_c Power couple: iron + C. During pregnancy, women's iron needs nearly double. Get more iron out of plant sources, such as green beans, artichokes and kidney beans, by consuming them with vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries or bell peppers. Why? Iron from plant sources is not absorbed as efficiently as iron from meat, fish and poultry—but vitamin C helps your body absorb this mineral. One easy combo to try: iron-fortified cereal topped with strawberries.<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-ewid"> <div class="field-label">Old EatingWell ID:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 272 </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/power_couple_iron_c#comments Pregnancy Diet Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:02 +0000 admin 9098 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/be_aware_of_iron_blockers Be aware of iron blockers. Some foods—including tea, egg yolks, milk and soy—contain compounds that limit absorption of iron. To maximize your iron absorption, try to avoid eating these foods at the same time as iron-rich sources like meat, poultry and fish. Pregnant women especially need to take note, as iron needs increase substantially (from 18 mg to 27 mg per day) when you've got a baby on board.<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-ewid"> <div class="field-label">Old EatingWell ID:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 273 </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/be_aware_of_iron_blockers#comments Pregnancy Diet Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:02 +0000 admin 9099 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/empty_title_0 What's the right multi for a wannabe mom? Women who may become pregnant—and especially those who are trying—should get 400 micrograms of folic acid from supplements and fortified foods in addition to consuming folate from foods like green leafy vegetables, citrus and whole grains. (Folate/folic acid is a B vitamin that's linked with reduced risk of neural-tube defects.) Keep in mind that most multivitamins contain folic acid, but not all of them have enough to meet the nutritional needs of a woman who is, or is trying to become, pregnant. Check labels carefully before choosing one.<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-ewid"> <div class="field-label">Old EatingWell ID:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 274 </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/empty_title_0#comments Pregnancy Diet Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:02 +0000 admin 9100 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/pay_attention_to_liquid_assets Pay attention to liquid assets. Skimping on fluids can make you feel tired and weak, so it's important to stay well hydrated. This is especially true for women during pregnancy, when a woman's blood volume increases dramatically and plenty of liquids are needed to maintain it. Keeping adequately hydrated can also help aid digestion and ease constipation. Try to drink water with every meal and in between to ensure your hydration. Drink juices and milk every once in a while for some added nutrients and calories.<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-ewid"> <div class="field-label">Old EatingWell ID:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 275 </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/pay_attention_to_liquid_assets#comments Pregnancy Diet Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:02 +0000 admin 9101 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/constipation_cures Constipation cures. Most pregnant women get constipated at some point because pregnancy hormones may slow digestion, causing constipation. Eating plenty of high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, beans, whole grains and bran cereal, and drinking plenty of fluids (aim for eight to 10 cups per day) can help relieve it.<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-ewid"> <div class="field-label">Old EatingWell ID:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 276 </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/constipation_cures#comments Pregnancy Diet Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:02 +0000 admin 9102 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/do_you_have_a_fridge_thermometer Do you have a fridge thermometer? Recent studies show that the risk of listeriosis—a foodborne illness that can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies—drops significantly when foods are chilled to a safe temperature. The temperature inside your refrigerator should get no higher than 40oF—and only a fridge thermometer can help you ensure that you're storing foods at a safe temperature. Check with the manufacturer to find a thermometer just right for your fridge or use a regular instant-read thermometer.<div class="field field-type-number-integer field-field-ewid"> <div class="field-label">Old EatingWell ID:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> 277 </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/tips/do_you_have_a_fridge_thermometer#comments Pregnancy Diet Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:02 +0000 admin 9103 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/healthy_pregnancy/pregnancy_diet_faqs <p>Your pregnancy questions answered.</p> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-q-and-a"> <div class="field-label">Q &amp; A:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/as_a_woman_of_childbearing_age_i_have_been_advised_to_consume_higher_amounts_of_folate_should_i_worr">As a woman of childbearing age, I have been advised to consume higher amounts of folate. Should I worry about masking a vitamin B12 deficiency?</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/why_is_breastfeeding_encouraged_by_so_many_health_experts">Why is breastfeeding encouraged by so many health experts?</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/i_have_horrible_morning_sickness_help">I have horrible morning sickness. Help!</a> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/healthy_pregnancy/pregnancy_diet_faqs#comments Pregnancy Diet Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:28:07 +0000 Allison 8868 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/i_have_horrible_morning_sickness_help <div class="field field-type-text field-field-question"> <div class="field-label">Question:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>I have horrible morning sickness. Help!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-answer"> <div class="field-label">Answer:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>For many women, eating bland starchy foods helps to alleviate the nausea and vomiting that are commonly referred to as “morning sickness.” Here are some other recommendations from the American Dietetic Association: Don’t skip meals, as morning sickness strikes most often when the stomach is empty; instead, try to eat small meals every two to three hours. Choose low-fat, high-protein foods, like lean meats and poultry and eggs in addition to trying bland carbohydrates, such as dry cereals, crackers, toast and fruit. Have a nutritious snack before bed to keep something in your stomach.</p> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/i_have_horrible_morning_sickness_help#comments Pregnancy Diet Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:26:48 +0000 Allison 8867 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/why_is_breastfeeding_encouraged_by_so_many_health_experts <div class="field field-type-text field-field-question"> <div class="field-label">Question:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Why is breastfeeding encouraged by so many health experts?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-answer"> <div class="field-label">Answer:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Breast milk provides the mix of nutrients that babies need for development. It supplies the right proportion of good proteins, carbohydrates and fats, including the omega-3 fats that may benefit a baby’s brain development. It’s believed that it also contains factors that support a baby’s immature immune system. What’s more, breastfeeding may help a woman return to her pre-baby weight. Six to eight of the pounds a woman gains during pregnancy are to ensure that she will be able to supply the energy needed to lactate: producing breast milk burns about an additional 500 calories per day.</p> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/why_is_breastfeeding_encouraged_by_so_many_health_experts#comments Pregnancy Diet Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:25:56 +0000 Allison 8866 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/as_a_woman_of_childbearing_age_i_have_been_advised_to_consume_higher_amounts_of_folate_should_i_worr <div class="field field-type-text field-field-question"> <div class="field-label">Question:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>As a woman of childbearing age, I have been advised to consume higher amounts of folate. Should I worry about masking a vitamin B12 deficiency?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-answer"> <div class="field-label">Answer:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>In general, scientists agree that taking supplemental folic acid (up to 1,000 micrograms per day) is very unlikely to mask a B12 deficiency in young women who may become pregnant. Strict vegetarians are at greater risk for B12 deficiency (since B12 is found in animal products, like meat and dairy). If you follow a strict vegetarian diet, it’s very important to talk with your doctor about meeting your nutritional needs, particularly during pregnancy.</p> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/as_a_woman_of_childbearing_age_i_have_been_advised_to_consume_higher_amounts_of_folate_should_i_worr#comments Pregnancy Diet Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:25:21 +0000 Allison 8865 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/pregnancy_diet_ask_the_expert <p>Melinda Johnson, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and a registered dietitian who specializes in maternal nutrition, answers the common questions about pregnancy and diet.</p> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-q-and-a"> <div class="field-label">Q &amp; A:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/are_there_certain_foods_pregnant_women_shouldnt_eat">Are there certain foods pregnant women shouldn&#039;t eat?</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/what_about_fish_is_it_best_to_avoid_it">What about fish? Is it best to avoid it?</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/ive_heard_that_some_women_can_develop_high_blood_pressure_during_pregnancy_are_there_dietary_changes">I&#039;ve heard that some women can develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. Are there dietary changes that can help?</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/is_it_ok_to_drink_coffee">Is it OK to drink coffee?</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/nutrition_recommendations_suggest_that_pregnant_women_need_more_of_certain_nutrients_do_i_need_suppl">Nutrition recommendations suggest that pregnant women need more of certain nutrients. Do I need supplements? What kind? </a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/how_quickly_can_you_lose_the_baby_weight">How quickly can you lose the baby weight?</a> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/pregnancy_diet_ask_the_expert#comments Pregnancy Diet Melinda Johnson, R.D. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:23:22 +0000 Allison 8864 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/how_quickly_can_you_lose_the_baby_weight <div class="field field-type-text field-field-question"> <div class="field-label">Question:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>How quickly can you lose the baby weight?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-answer"> <div class="field-label">Answer:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>“Your body is designed to lose that weight, as long as you eat an adequate, healthy diet and are patient. It took nine months to put it on, give yourself nine months to take it off, and don’t stress too much about it. It’s not time to crash diet or go on a strict regimen. A lot of women hit the gym too soon and too hard, or they put themselves on a strict diet. But studies show that this is actually a recipe for weight gain, since you tend to regain what you lost, plus more, after you go back to eating like normal. The media adds to this pressure by showing celebrities after they’ve had a baby and critiquing how fast they are losing the baby weight. Also keep in mind that some of that extra padding we put on during pregnancy is nature’s way of storing energy for breastfeeding. You need extra calories if you’re breastfeeding, but you don’t have to worry about consciously eating those calories unless you find yourself losing too much weight.”</p> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/how_quickly_can_you_lose_the_baby_weight#comments Pregnancy Diet Melinda Johnson, R.D. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:21:09 +0000 Allison 8863 at http://www.eatingwell.com http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_recommendations_suggest_that_pregnant_women_need_more_of_certain_nutrients_do_i_need_suppl <div class="field field-type-text field-field-question"> <div class="field-label">Question:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>Nutrition recommendations suggest that pregnant women need more of certain nutrients. Do I need supplements? What kind?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-answer"> <div class="field-label">Answer:&nbsp;</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>“The best thing to do is follow your doctor’s recommendations. You can usually take one prenatal vitamin (to meet your recommended intakes for folic acid and iron) and be done with it. If you aren’t able to get enough calcium from your food, you will need to take a separate calcium supplement. Also, if a pregnant woman is anemic or borderline anemic due to iron deficiency, she will need to take an additional, separate iron supplement.”</p> </div> </div> </div> http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_recommendations_suggest_that_pregnant_women_need_more_of_certain_nutrients_do_i_need_suppl#comments Pregnancy Diet Melinda Johnson, R.D. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:20:32 +0000 Allison 8862 at http://www.eatingwell.com