Nutrition & Weight Gain
Eating During Pregnancy
Now that you are pregnant, you will need to eat about 300 more calories per day. You need to eat the right foods though, for your baby to grow healthy. Over the course of your pregnancy, you will gain, on average, between 25 and 35 pounds.
Here is an Example of the Breakdown of that Weight at the Time of Delivery:
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7.5 pounds – the baby's weight |
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2 pounds – breasts getting bigger |
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7 pounds – extra fat, protein |
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1.5 pounds – placenta |
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2 pounds – growing uterus |
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2 pounds – fluid around your baby |
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4 pounds – extra blood |
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4 pounds – extra fluids |
You should ask your doctor how much weight is the right amount of weight for you to gain. You should also ask what foods to eat and how much to eat in order to get all the right stuff so you and your baby stay healthy.
Here is an Example of the Breakdown of that Weight at the Time of Delivery:
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28 to 40 pounds for under-weight women |
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25 to 35 pounds for normal weight women |
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15 to 25 pounds for over-weight women |
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Very over-weight women and women carrying twins or triplets need to have their doctors decide their weight gain ranges |
Nutrition
You need to eat healthy foods when you are pregnant. You should not diet or try to lose weight; your baby needs this weight. To keep you and your baby in good health, you should:
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Eat fruits, vegetables and breads. |
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Drink plenty of fluids, like water, milk or orange juice. |
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Pay attention to your body — If your urine is very dark or smells, you need to drink more fluid, mainly water. If it is pale, you are good. |
What not to eat or drink?
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Do not eat raw meat, fish, eggs or unpasteurized cheeses. |
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Do not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine like soda, coffee or tea. |
Substances to Avoid:
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Alcohol |
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Nicotine (cigarettes) |
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Caffeine (soda, tea, coffee, chocolate) |
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