by Pallavi Khera

Created on: March 05, 2008   Last Updated: March 07, 2008

While you are pregnant,baby only has one source of nourishment...and that's you.This doesn't mean that you need to 'eat for two'.Its does mean,however,that you need to eat sufficiently and sensibly to keep both of you healthy throughout the pregnancy.If you have paid very little attention to your diet before,you really should start eating wisely now.A little forethought and careful planning can make pregnancy a pleasant experience for you and increase the chances of healthy full term baby.Here are seven eating habits for a healthy pregnancy.

Habit # 1 :Balance your Diet
Extremely poor eating habits before or during pregnancy can harm both you and your baby.If you are under-nourished, you may lack energy or certain nutrients that might need to complications including poor cell development in your unborn baby,low birth weight.Over -nutrition is just as undesirable.Excessive energy(from over eating or habitually taking high-fat foods) causes you to become overweight or obese.These conditions can lead to a higher risk of diabetes or hyper tension in pregnancy,larger than normal babies and other problems.Your diet should consist mostly of carbohydrate foods,more fruits and vegetables,moderate amout of protien foods as well as milk and dairy products,and finally, minimal amount of fats,oils,sugar and salt.

Habit# 2:Go for Variety
Different foods provide different combinations of nutrients ( Energy ,carbohydrates,fibre,protein,fats,vitamin,minerals and healthful food components) in differing amounts.In order to gain the goodness that different foods can offer,eat a wide variety of foods.

Habit# 3:Eat According To Your Needs
Baby's growth and the changes to your body call for an increase in total daily energy requirements.So its normal that your appetite may increase a little.However,your body also seems to make more efficient use of the food eaten.This is why many women can achieve normal weight gain during pregnancy without eating significantly more than usual.

Habit #4:Eat Regular Meals
Stick to three main meals(ie breakfast,lunch and dinner) to keep you and baby going through the day and night.If your main meals are small or if you feel hungry in between,don't hesitate to have a morning or afternoon snack of milk or yoghurt,digestive biscuits,noodles or fruit.

Habit #5:Choose Foods Rich In Vitamins And Minerals
When pregnant,you need more of almost every vitamin and mineral than usual.Most of these increased requirements can be met through a carefully planned,nutritious

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