Pregnancy Advice on Foods and Supplementation

Pregnancy Advice on Foods and Supplementation
By: lambpie

Throughout the course of your pregnancy your body has a demand for a larger volume of essential nutrients. In the following article we will details some of the most commonly used supplements taken during pregnancy and also detail foods you should avoid.

1. Folic acid – Folic acid is found in the B group of vitamins and can be found in many foods. Foods that are high in Folic acid include many fruits including Papaya and Kiwi fruit. Additionally vegetables such as Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach and Cabbage are also good sources of Folic acid.

Taking Folic acid whilst pregnant has been shown to protect your unborn baby from neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida. A babies spine develops early in pregnancy and as such folic acid should be taken as soon as contraception stops and up to the 12th week of pregnancy.

2. Iron – During your pregnancy ensure you are eating plenty of iron rich foods. Good sources of iron include red meat, bread, green vegetables and many breakfast cereals. Be aware that whilst liver contains large amounts of iron it should be avoided whilst you are pregnant.

3. Vitamin D – Our primary source of vitamin D is sunlight. Be careful not to burn but try to spend some time outside. If this isn’t possible you may be short of vitamin D and may need to see your GP.

Foods to avoid during your pregnancy.

1. Vitamin A – During your pregnancy ensure that you don’t have too much vitamin A in your diet as this can harm your baby. Avoid foods containing liver such as pate and also check with your GP before taking multi vitamins or cod liver oil supplements.

2. Some fish – whilst fish is generally good for us there are certain fish types that should be avoided during your pregnancy. Restrict Tuna and avoid Shark, Swordfish, Marlin and Shellfish.

3. Foods that may contain Listeria – such as soft and blue veined cheeses, pate, potato salad and coleslaw and also ready meals should be avoided.

4. Foods that may contain Salmonella – Such as raw eggs, unpasteuised milk, raw poultry and raw meat.

5. Toxoplasmosis – This is an infection caused by a parasite in cat faeces which can also be present in undercooked meats and unwashed fruit and vegetables. Ensure meats are well cooked and fruit and vegetables are thoroughly washed.

6. Caffeine – Caffeine affects the way your body absorbs iron and should subsequently be limited or avoided completed. High caffeine levels can result in a baby having a low birth weight or worse cause a miscarriage. Ensure that your caffeine intake is no more than 300mg a day which is equivalent to three mugs of instant coffee.

7. Alcohol – During your pregnancy you should avoid alcohol. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause a variety of problem including low birth weights and birth defects.

The above is a simplistic guide to the most common food types, if you have concerns about particular foods or supplements during your pregnancy visit your GP for detailed advice.




Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
This article has been produced by Emma’s Diary, your complete online pregnancy advice and information resource.