When it comes to pregnancy care, meeting your nutritional needs is vital. Not only does a good diet benefit you, but it also helps your growing baby become healthy and strong. The following are a few crucial nutritional tips to follow to ensure you practice proper pregnancy care. 

Do:

Take your vitamins.

Even if your diet consists of nutritious food, you might still have dietary needs that are not being met. Vitamins are essential in this case. Folic acid, calcium, and iron are all important to the health of your developing fetus, which is why they are a common aspect of a prenatal care regimen. You obstetrician can recommend a good multivitamin for your needs.

Be mindful of your weight.

Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can lead to harmful complications. This includes preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and an increased risk of miscarriage. While it’s vital that your nutritional needs are met, overeating or eating the wrong foods can harm your health. Instead, focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins. Make sure to incorporate movement into your daily routine, such as walking around your neighborhood, lightly jogging at a nearby track, or taking light dance classes at the gym. 

Don’t:

Drink alcohol.

Drinking while pregnant is never recommended. Even seemingly small amounts of alcohol can pose a risk, including problems with behavior and learning, low birth weight, or even fetal alcohol syndrome. This condition can cause several issues with your baby, including intellectual issues, heart problems, deformations, and other defects.

Consume unpasteurized milk or raw foods.

Unpasteurized and raw foods carry a risk of listeria. This is a type of bacteria that can cause illness, including headaches, vomiting, and nausea. Pregnant women are more susceptible to becoming ill after eating contaminated foods, which can also pose a huge risk to the developing baby. Make sure to read all labels to avoid accidentally consuming raw foods. If you cook meat, check its temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. 

If you have questions about your pregnancy diet, Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology PC in Monroe County, NY, can provide answers. As leaders in pregnancy care, these professionals counsel women on what foods to eat, what to avoid, and which vitamins will offer the most benefit. If you’re in need of other types of women’s health care, this clinic offers gynecological exams and breast cancer screenings. Schedule an appointment today by calling (585) 232-3210. You can also visit them online for more helpful information on pregnancy nutrition.