Nutrition during pregnancy
Your body obviously goes through many changes during pregnancy. Not only is your own body changing to create the optimal environment for fetal growth, your body is nourishing the fetus to promote healthy growth as well. Due to this proper nutrition is essential. During the first 12 weeks there is not much weight gain, however by the end of the 1st trimester you will have gained 3-5 lbs. During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, about 1 lb per week is average with the greatest level of growth for the fetus at 9 months of gestation. Weight gain recommendations are influenced by pre pregnancy weight gain.
Despite what some people may think, only about 1/3 of the total weight gain is from the fetus. There are large increases in blood volume and maternal fat stores in order to meet the demands of the mother and fetus, as well as prepare for lactation.
A prenatal vitamin can help supplement your diet to ensure you are getting the proper nutrients to stay healthy and promote healthy fetal growth. For example, folate deficiency can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Management of blood sugar is also important to prevent gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes increases risk for type 2 diabetes, about 10-15% of women will develop type 2 diabetes within 2-5 years following pregnancy.
Monitoring blood pressure is also important because gestational hypertension increases risk for preeclampsia during pregnancy, postpartum, or chronic hypertension later in life. Blood pressure will typically be at its lowest at ~28 weeks which may contribute to supine hypotensive syndrome, but should return to baseline by 36 weeks.
Common complaints during pregnancy include nausea/vomiting, heartburn, and constipation.
Management of nausea/vomiting include separating liquid and food intake, avoiding odors/foods which trigger symptoms, and dietary supplements such as vitamin B6 and ginger.
Heartburn may be managed by ingesting smaller meals more frequently, avoiding a full stomach before bed, and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.
Consuming dietary fiber (28 g/day), adequate water intake, and fiber supplements may help reduce constipation. In addition, pelvic floor physical therapy may help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids as well as prepare for labor and delivery.
General advice for pregnancy includes taking a prenatal vitamin and avoiding certain food/ beverages which may put the mother or the fetus at risk for illness.
I am a physical therapist and am only providing general nutritional advice. If you are struggling with specific conditions I advise you to speak with your physician or consult with a registered dietitian who can help make individual recommendations for you!