For most women, the first trimester of pregnancy can be described as a time of extreme fatigue and mild to moderate nausea/morning sickness. The second trimester may include some of the same symptoms, but most women tend to feel better. As the third trimester approaches, women return to feeling extremely fatigued. They may also experience swelled ankles and nights filled with heartburn.
There is often a misconception that all pregnant women carry a happy, excited glow for their entire 9 months. In reality, their body is going through a time of extreme physical and hormonal changes.
Establishing and maintaining a healthy diet has been found to aid most women in the transitions during pregnancy and even after labor. It can often be difficult to stay on track and avoid certain foods when you are dealing with pregnancy cravings. However, here are 5 reasons why you should eat healthy during your pregnancy:
1) Less Complications
Choosing to follow a diet that is high in dark, leafy green vegetables, calcium, vitamins B, C, and D, and folic acid can decrease your chance of experiencing any complications during pregnancies. Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin B, magnesium and protein have all been linked to some instances of Preeclampsia. It can also ensure that your baby gets enough of the essential nutrients that are necessary for proper organ development.
2) Prevent preterm labor
Eating a balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A,C, and E has been found to lower your chances of going into preterm labor (labor before 37 weeks). Research has also shown that simply getting the essential nutrients is not enough. Delivering the nutrients through several (5-6) small meals throughout the day will help balance them, preventing preterm labor.
3) Increase Energy
Eating healthy and avoiding sugary, fatty foods can help increase your energy. It will eliminate sugar crashes and extreme fatigue. This becomes especially important during labor when your body is forced to deal with hours of contractions and pushing.
4) Increase energy and mood after baby is born
Once you bring the baby home, your body will begin to undergo many hormonal and physical changes in an attempt to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Eating a balanced diet can help your body in this adjustment period. Also, if you are going to breastfeed, you will still need to follow a healthy diet.
5) Lifestyle changes
Many women continue to maintain a healthy diet years after giving birth. They are not only encouraging a healthy lifestyle for themselves, but are also serving as role models for their growing children.
Deciding to eat healthy while pregnant will be a great choice that will increase your chances of a happy, healthy baby.
Women’s Center- Lebanon, Ohio is a pregnancy resource center that offers support and solutions for unexpected pregnancies to women in the Warren County and surrounding areas in the state of Ohio. Women’s Center- Lebanon provides women with free pregnancy tests, ultrasound scans, prenatal vitamins, consulting on pregnancy decisions and an educational and material assistance program. To contact Women’s Center- Lebanon call 513-934-1777 or email info@womenscenterohio.com. You can make an appointment online by visiting www.womenscenterohio.com.
