Food can be…confusing. Do you need to avoid gluten at all cost? Avocados eaten as quickly as possible? Well+Good nutrition experts will set the record straight on food. They’ll cut through the hype, the hand-wringing, and give you the most complete information about what you should and shouldn’t put into your body. See All
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Inherently, pregnancy brings about a lot of changes for women. You have to suddenly baby-proof your home, throw out half your favorite skincare products, and spend sleepless night worrying about the cost of college in 2038. You have to be aware of so many things, especially in the area of nutrition.
We can’t save money for your child’s education but we can help with the food. Tracy Lockwood Beckerman RD shares the top nutrients for pregnancy in the latest episode. Beckerman, who just had her first child, has been thinking about this topic a lot.
Beckerman says that as your body and your baby grow you will have to increase the total amount of food you consume and become more aware of what you are eating. She stresses that a healthy diet is important for both you and your child.
It is important to take into consideration that there are certain nutrient requirements unique to pregnancy. She says that folate, or folic acid, and DHA should be prioritized in the first trimester. She says that folate is found in many foods, including lentils, spinach, and fortified breakfast cereals. It plays an important role in cell growth and DNA replication. Its cousin folic acid is what you find in supplements.
Beckerman explains that DHA, a type omega-3 fatty acids, is found in nearly all nerve cells of the body. It is essential for the development of the nervous system. Beckerman says that fish is the primary source of DHA, but you shouldn’t eat it every day. Limit your intake to four meals a week in order to avoid consuming too much mercury. If you do not like fish, she suggests using algae oil or omega-3-fortified eggs.
Nutrition is essential throughout pregnancy and not just in the first trimester. In the video, you’ll learn what nutrients are most important in the second and the third trimester. You’ll also discover the surprising iron-rich food. This advice will give food baby a new meaning.
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