Childbirth Pages




Nutrition in Pregnancy

baby is a blessing The number one lesson in nutrition -which I always hated to hear, by the way- is that the health of your body BEFORE getting pregnant makes a difference. See why I hated this? Already I felt like I was playing "catch-up". You find out you're pregnant and you want to give your baby the best and healthiest circumstances and find out you should have started thinking about your diet,etc. years before.

SO! since we can't start any earlier,we start now. And keep in mind for future births that exercise, calcium intake, vitamins (esp. Folic acid and other B's),and adequate protein foods are important to your body which is building itself daily. The health you have now is the result of your lifestyle months and years before. Finally, the health establishment has caught up on one supplementation fact: Folic acid intake for the general population increases the amounts that women start with( it is a water-soluble vitamin and not stored in the body). The importance of this is that it has been shown to reduce,to almost nil, certain serious birth defects such as spina bifida.

Caffeine,particularly in coffee, interferes with both B vitamin and calcium absorption-which is a good reason to switch to Decaf at this time. You are already feeling punk from 'morning sickness' anyway, so what's a little caffeine withdrawal? Some pregnancies I quit caffeine altogether,and others I cut down on the amounts; I think quitting is best. Yet, some research showed:"Women who drank the occasional coffee – up to three cups a day – had a slightly reduced risk of stillbirth." The decision is yours, but I think that reducing or eliminating the caffeines is probably the best route to take for the duration of your pregnancy.

A few words on morning sickness, which can strike at any or all times of the day, with varying intensities. If you have actual throwing-up type nausea, try alternatives to medications. I was switched from one pill to another with very little relief on my first pregnancy. I don't think they are worth it. You may want to try ginger or mint tea, I had good results from classic Coca Cola one time and not at another; saltine crackers sometimes helped, and not allowing yourself to get hungry helps,too-the grazing technique.

The number one message I believe the body is saying is "yoo hoo, you're pregnant...REST". More rest than you think you need or can afford. Just give in to that early exhaustion, especially since the nausea and fatigue usually subside by the end of the third month. I used to count down the days (the "this,too shall pass" attitude that becomes so useful as you raise your children, later). Yes, pregnancy is preparation in more ways than one; sometimes I actually felt healthier and always became more efficient at these times. Try to get a good vitamin, such as a prenatal or Geritol Complete, to stay down. B-complex supplements are helpful, too. Basically, all doctors will give you the same nutritional information: Get calcium with milk, orange juice, or supplements,take B-complex (they work together), increase protein intake.Add some Vitamin C while you're at it, through fruits and supplements;it helps the body use the calcium and B's you're increasing.

And if you are a weight-watcher, take a sabbatical, since this is not the time to try weight-loss dieting. ( But good 'diet food' like fresh salads and raw fruits are always good for you, anytime!) yummy saladThere are many good books and professional advice on nutrition during pregnancy -hear it and heed it. When you feel up to it, exercise. I liked Kathy Smith's 'Pregnancy Workout' video, best. The relaxation along with exercise of Prenatal Yoga could be just what you need. Walking is perfect, since you feel better getting out of the house and it's a great time to talk and be with your companion (all while exercising,too-I love it when things are multi-tasked!)

Depression. Pregnancy is also a time to work things out emotionally. You may clear many areas which could then minimize the postpartum depression. Your hormones are ranging (raging?) the octaves of your being, and this brings all sorts of things to surface. I'm all for going with it: explore the issues of motherhood, womanhood, self image. Like you'll have so much time after sleeping, doc. appointments, and catching up on the work that accumulated while you languished! Try not to avoid working out your personal issues-including response to others opinions. Sometimes I refrained from announcing the good news because I wanted time to adjust myself without the inevitable commentary that even strangers feel impelled to give. I could only laugh so many times at "Don't you know what causes that, yet?" And you thought it was so original; and I reserved my weightiest silence for "Do you know about birth control, what do you use, did you use it?" . I was really tempted to return the question...oh, and what do you use and how, and....yes, just give me the entire rundown. This is one time in your life when it is vital to look positively at your circumstances, view beautiful things, listen to good reports, good music, see the glass half-full, look for silver linings, give full expression to joy. Celebrate life, yourself, your child! Praise God! I'm feeling good just writing this. I liked being pregnant,myself. You can joke at my expense, it probably did influence my willingness to resume the experience!

Herbs

Since herbal use is increasing, I thought you might want to look at the information on this page:

Good health habits are basically what is needed for you and your new baby: eat right, get plenty of sleep, exercise moderately, and take your vitamins. Just plain good common sense. Working this into your life during a pregnancy can be a life-long benefit. remember that herbal supplements are sometimes medicinal and sometimes nutritional in nature. Consult with your health care practitioner to be sure it is safe for you and your baby.

Helpful Things

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