Nutrition during pregnancy is a big topic of discussion between an expectant mother and her prenatal caregiver from the very beginning of pregnancy. What we eat while pregnant has a direct impact on the baby developing inside. Our growing baby relies on us for the nutrients necessary for healthy development. Very early in your pregnancy your prenatal caregiver will discuss what your pregnancy diet should be and what things need to be added or taken away as the case maybe. If you are unsure about something, or have questions about your diet be sure to address those with your doctor.

Often there are misconceptions about nutrition during pregnancy. Here are a few common myths about “eating for two” and the truth behind the myths.

I’m eating for two, so I can eat twice as much food.

Although it is true you need to consider your growing baby when developing your pregnancy diet, and theoretically you are “eating for two”, remember that the second person is very tiny (only an average of 7 pounds when born). During pregnancy you do need to increase your calorie intake, but only by 300 calories. To put that in perspective there about 300 calories in 12oz of skim milk or half a tuna sandwich. Also, remember to try to get those extra 300 calories through healthy foods so they are of the most benefit.

I don’t need to take vitamins until I know that I’m pregnant.

As we know from my article on folic acid vitamins often play a vital role very early in fetal develop, long before we even know we are pregnant. Doctors often recommend that women trying to get pregnant begin taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as they discontinue their birth control. This will ensure adequate stores of the vitamins necessary in early fetal development. Also, health professionals recommend that at the very least all women of child bearing age consume 600 micrograms of folic acid daily even if they are not trying to get pregnant.

Food cravings indicate nutritional deficiencies.

Food cravings and aversions are a fact of pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. There is no evidence to support the claim that you will crave what your body needs. Hormones are thought to be responsible for both food cravings and aversions. Just because you are craving something does not mean that your body is trying to tell you that you need it. Often food cravings are for things like ice cream or chocolate, which have little or no nutritional value. Also, some women crave things that are not even food, like laundry detergent. Do not consume nonfood items if you crave them. Consult your prenatal caregiver about these types of cravings.

One little drink won’t hurt my baby.

At this time experts agree that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Of course, the larger the consumption the greater the risk, however, the best thing for the baby is the stay away from alcohol entirely.

Those are just a few of the myths out there about pregnancy nutrition. If you have others you would like to share, please do. We can all learn from each other.

Consult your prenatal caregiver about what nutritional needs you and your developing baby have during pregnancy and work with them to develop a diet plan that will ensure adequate consumption of all the necessary nutrients. If you have concerns about your diet be sure to discuss those with your prenatal caregiver.

(source: Mayo Clinic)