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I am 7 Months Pregnant
Helpful information from Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center
NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY
By Carole Greenlee, RNC, BSN, MSN, Certified Nurse Midwife
Nutrition is probably the most important thing that you, as a pregnant mom-to-be, can do to assure the best outcome for your pregnancy. Nutrition is impacted by a number of factors, including other medical diagnoses. Diabetes, thyroid problems, sickle cell anemia, obesity, psychological conditions and socioeconomic issues all affect what you should eat, how often and so on. Some conditions can complicate pregnancy, including anemia, excessive nausea and vomiting, poor weight gain, dehydration and constipation. So, be sure to tell your health care provider if you have PKU, Diabetes, sickle cell disease, if you are a Vegetarian, or if you have any other medical diagnoses
Supplements
Pre-conception is the best time to start eating well. Make sure you include supplements!
For instance, be sure to take a supplement with at least 0.4 mg/day of Folic Acid.
Good nutrition and supplemental vitamins are important when, as now, you are already
pregnant. The growth and health of both mom and baby are at stake. Some notes:
Smokers need extra Vitamin C and alcohol impairs absorption of various nutrients.
Weight Gain
Weight gain recommendations average from 25-35 lbs. We recognize that some people’s
pre-pregnant weight is high or low. But, generally it is recommended to gain
10 lbs. by the 20th week and 1 lb./week after that. Your average calorie increase
should be about 300 calories/day.
Iron
It can be difficult to get in adequate iron just from your diet. You can increase
your absorption of iron if you can take your vitamin (with iron) on an empty stomach
and with Vitamin C (i.e., orange juice). Calcium, however, interferes with iron
absorption.
Fluids are also very important! Eight glasses of fluid/day is the recommended.
Enjoy a mixture of foods from all food groups during your pregnancy. And prepare them in an appetizing and nutritious way---then reap the benefits of feeling good and taking good care of yourself and your baby. Be sure to talk with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about nutrition.
Carol Greenlee, RNC, BSN, MSN, is a Certified Nurse Midwife. Carol has
practiced as a nurse midwife for more than five years. Prior to that, for 23
years she worked as a nurse in Labor and Delivery. Carol works with physicians
from Lincoln OB-GYN.
"But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him
who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body,
joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped,
as each part is working properly,
promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love."
Ephesians 4:15 and 16
Staying Fit
You will find that doing exercises approved by your health care provider will promote a feeling of well-being, as well as provide the benefits of improved relaxation, decreased stress, and muscle toning. Some good exercises for pregnancy are walking briskly, swimming, yoga, and exercises learned in prepared childbirth classes-such as the pelvic rock, squatting, and cat stretches. It is best to avoid exercises that require a lot of balance-such as riding a bike (unless it is a stationary bike). It's also important that your body temperature not get too hot when exercising. The best way to check this is to monitor your heart rate, and don't allow it to exceed 140 beats-per-minute.
Stop exercising during your pregnancy if any of the following occur:
u Any bloody discharge from the vagina
uHeavy contractions following exercise
uSigns of increased blood pressure such as sever swelling or persistent headaches.
uLeaking membranes
uSwelling, pain or numbness in the calf of the leg
uAlso, if you have placenta previa or abruption or a multiple pregnancy, exercise is not recommended. Check with your health care provider.
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