by Rhonda Day

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 16, 2010

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in the life of a woman and her spouse or partner. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you've experienced pregnancy before, one of the most important things you must do as a mother is pay close attention to nutritional needs for both you and your baby.

A healthy focus on good eating habits and proper nutrition will make a big difference in how you feel and how healthy your baby is when he or she is born. It will also make a difference in your delivery experience too.

Food preferences and desires often change during pregnancy. Regardless of how you ate prior to becoming pregnant, now is the time to follow some important guidelines for a healthier baby and a healthy pregnancy. Most doctors will provide some general guidelines and if you are diabetic or have other health challenges, only a doctor should prescribe a diet for you.

General guidelines

The following are general guidelines for pregnant women.

Approximately 2,500 calories per day is usually the recommended amount for a pregnant woman. Many women believe they are eating for two so they should double their calories, but this is far from correct. Calorie consumption during pregnancy should only be about 300 more calories than the normal intake. The exception to this rule is when your doctor prescribes something different due to your personal situation (example, being underweight prior to pregnancy). Junk food offers nothing but empty calories and increases unnecessary weight gain. Avoid chips, candy, sugary desserts, and other foods that have no nutritional value. They will also rob you of much needed energy.

Eliminate caffeine during pregnancy. It has been known to lead to miscarriage and complications of pregnancy. Not only is there caffeine in drinks, but it is contained in many foods too. Be sure to read labels and totally avoid caffeine. Never drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. They can lead to birth defects, learning disabilities, and other problems for your baby. Pregnancy is not the time to embark on a vegetarian diet if you were not vegetarian prior to pregnancy. The baby needs protein and so does mom. Lean protein from chicken, lean mean, fish, and beans is recommended.

If you were a vegetarian prior to pregnancy, talk with your doctor about recommended sources of protein while pregnant. Never eat raw foods, including sushi, fish, and any other seafood. Avoid all raw foods during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water. You need to drink

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