What should be your Pre-Pregnancy Diet?

Posted on April 2, 2008 in Pregnancy Diet

Are you planning to be pregnant in the coming season?? YES…. That’s great news. There are certain crucial matters you need to look after before getting pregnant. Diet is one of the most important factors you need to look after before pregnancy, during pregnancy and even after pregnancy. A balanced nutritious pre-pregnancy diet will keep both mother to be and the baby healthy.

Research study shows that there are 5 basic things you need to follow in your pre-pregnancy diet. These things will not only safeguard you from problems during pregnancy but will also improve your health. The 5 basic things you need to improve in your pre-pregnancy diet are listed below:

Say No to Junk Food: It is better if you start cutting down your white flour and refined sugar intakes. You will find these as the main ingredient in foods like Doughnuts, Cookies, Candies, Danish, Cakes, etc. These foods are not only tempting but also easily available on any vending machine. Cut down your saturated fats intake. So say no to that extra crispy grilled chicken, cheesy sandwich and all the greasy food stuff. High level of saturated fat enhances the risk of pregnancy vomiting and nausea.

Include all the Healthy Food Items in your Diet: Gradually increase your consumption of food items like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, carrots, apricots, mango, papaya and low fat dairy. These will supplement you with all the essential nutrients required during your pregnancy.

Do not Skip your Meal: Due to hurry or work load if you are skipping your meal that means you are depriving your future baby with one time meal. Gradually try to get yourself into 3 squares habit as soon you will be pregnant. And you need to store nutrients to feed your baby.

Consume Diet Rich in Folic Acid (Folate): Research studies have shown that increased intake of folic acid during the pre-pregnancy phase reduces the chances of neural tube birth defects. So eat food like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, etc. which is good source of folic acid. You can even take folic acid supplements but this should be taken totally under the guidance of your physician.

Check your Eating Habits: Before becoming pregnant make sure that you are not suffering from any eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia nervosa. These disorders need pre-pregnancy treatment. In case you are on restricted diet like diabetic, macrobiotic or vegan then you need to discuss this with your physician. He might refer you to a dietitian which could help you in reshaping your diet once you conceive.

Keep in mind that healthy diet leads to a healthy body which in turns reproduces a healthy child. Slight changes in your diet can lead to a problem free motherhood.

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