A pregnant body is a busy body. So many crucial developments and changes are taking place all over your body, and what you eat while you're pregnant has direct impact on those developments. Not only will there be all those odd cravings of dill pickles and ice cream to satisfy, pregnant women will also need more of some things and less of others.
You'll definitely need more calories to help your pregnant body do the work it needs to. You will also need more protein and other nutrients, more vitamins, and more minerals like calcium and iron. More, more, more, that's what your body is asking for.
How much more? During the second and third trimesters, you will need an extra 200 to 300 calories each day. There are some women who may be exceptions to the extra-calories rule, including those who are overweight or have certain medical conditions.
Women with diabetes should talk to their doctor or a registered dietitian about their special nutritional needs during pregnancy. And if you develop diabetes while pregnant, you will have to learn a whole new way of managing food.
To get those extra nutrients and calories you need, choose healthy foods over high-fat or high-sugar alternatives. Also, certain foods are better left off a pregnant woman's plate, like some meats and raw foods. Alcohol should be totally avoided, and caffeine should be limited.
Choose a variety of foods from the four basic food groups. Check out how nutrients like iron or vitamin D can help your pregnancy and in which foods you can find them. If you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy a rich and healthy pregnancy diet plan but you'll need to pay close attention to how much protein you're getting.