Diet during pregnancy

Healthy eating in pregnancy

Written for BabyCenter Brazil 
Approved by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board Brazil

Adjust your diet, even if she is good

Now that you are pregnant, it is important to try to increase the intake of certain nutrients (such as folic acid , iron , calcium and protein ). The calorie consumption may increase slightly as the pregnancy progresses. If you were not to worry too much about the food, now it is worth spending to make more thoughtful and balanced meals. Limit the amount of sweets and fast food, which have many calories and few nutrients. During pregnancy, your body works even more efficiently, taking full power of what you eat. Therefore, in the first six months of pregnancy most women do not need to eat more than I already ate. Only in the last three is that it is advisable to eat 200 calories more, but that does not mean nothing, since 200 calories is equivalent to a mere two buttered toast, for example. Be guided by your appetite, which may vary depending on the stage of pregnancy. In the first few weeks it may vanish because of sickness . But sometimes, especially at night (or in the middle of the night), you are likely to feel the sudden need to eat something to fill a "hole in the stomach." In the second quarter, your appetite should be the same as it was, or slightly larger. In the third, you should be more hungry, but need to be careful because they will be more frequent heartburn and indigestion . Whether you are just getting fatter and your doctor are satisfied, need not be the controlling power. Just try to eat the right foods. 

What are the wrong foods?

A pregnant woman can eat almost anything, but you should avoid certain foods. They are: 

• fish and raw seafood such as oysters and sushi (sushi can be eaten if the fish has been frozen before).
• white rind cheeses such as brie and camembert cheeses and fungi, such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola. Also avoid cheeses frescal type (or "mine"), which can be made ​​with unpasteurized milk. The problem is the possible presence of a bacterium that causes listeriosis , a disease that can harm the baby.
• beef undercooked or raw (such as carpaccio), pork undercooked and raw eggs (like cake batter, eggnog, fried egg with runny yolk and some desserts - mousses, for example). The precaution is to prevent bacteria that can affect the baby.
• beef liver and little, to avoid overloading the retinoid form of vitamin A, which can be detrimental to the fetus.
• shark, swordfish and shark, which can contain dangerous levels of mercury. The tuna should be limited to four cans a week or two fresh fillets a week for the same reason. Other fish are safe and are good for the baby and you. The recommendations regarding mercury also apply to anyone who is considering becoming pregnant and breast-feeding.
• if you have family in persons with allergies (to nuts, cashews or peanuts, for example), it is best to avoid these foods in pregnancy.
• alcoholic beverages. Alcohol consumption can cause serious problems in the baby, so experts recommend cutting totally alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
• foods and beverages with caffeine . Research has linked consuming more than 300 mg of caffeine per day the risk of miscarriage and to low birth weight, and a study speculated that even very small doses of caffeine can already influence the loss of the baby. Do not take more than three cups of coffee per day, and if possible, prefer decaffeinated beverages.

Take prenatal vitamin

In an ideal world - where there was no sickness , for example - would not be so difficult to maintain a balanced diet. But in the real world, it is more guaranteed use a prenatal vitamin supplement to make sure that your body receives all the nutrients it needs . Talk to your obstetrician. Folic acid is an especially important supplement, which should be taken up before becoming pregnant and during the first three months of pregnancy. The deficiency of this B vitamin is linked to neurological problems in the formation of the baby, such as spina bifida. The minimum recommendation is 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Doctors usually prescribe most complete supplement with various vitamins and iron, from the third month, when the nausea improves vitamin and is better tolerated by the stomach. If you are vegetarian or have any health problems such as diabetes, gestational diabetes , preeclampsia , or anemia , or if in the past have had a low birth weight baby, the doctor will probably have special guidelines for food, or it can refer it to a nutritionist. remember, however, that the vitamin is not always good.Vitamin A supplements containing retinol, for example, that the baby can be toxic in large quantities. 

Do not make arrangements

Dieting during pregnancy can harm the baby and you too. Depending on the system , you may be deficient in iron , folic acid and other important vitamins and minerals. Remember that fat is part of pregnancy. Eat well and in the right quantity is especially important for pregnant women less than 20 years. 

Women who eat well and fatten the recommended are more likely to have healthy babies. If you are eating healthy foods and is fattening, relax: this is what has to happen! Who was very thin before pregnancy has more "tolerance" to fatten. If you were already overweight before pregnancy may improve the quality of their food, treats and eliminating fatty foods too and starting to make physical activity (always referring to the doctor before.) To whom was overweight, research has shown that it's okay to not gain weight at all during pregnancy , or even lose weight because fat reserves accumulated in your body will meet the caloric needs of the baby. 

Fatten gradually

Weight gain varies from woman to woman and depends on several factors. In countries like the UK or the scale already longer part of prenatal consultations, because doctors see no need for a strict control of the weight. The average weight gain during pregnancy seems to be between 8 and 15 kg. But instead of thinking on the scale, focus on the quality of what you eat: lots of fruit and vegetables, good amounts of protein and only a little fat and sugar. To learn more, see our article on weight gain in pregnancy . 

Make small meals at regular intervals

Even if not hungry, it's best not to leave the stomach too long empty. It is advisable to make five or six small meals instead of three large traditional meals, especially if you are suffering a lot with nausea , heartburn , or indigestion . Do not skip meals, because the baby needs to be fed constantly. 

A treat here or there does not hurt

There is no reason to give up everything you like just because you're pregnant. But it's not good to let foods, snacks and sweets form the basis of his power. At the time of the will to eat that candy, try putting a banana in the microwave with a little cinnamon, or take a hit of yogurt with frozen fruit . You only win if you can find a treat "healthier"! And once in a while, why not dive into that wonderful cake chocolate or a brigadier? Enjoy every bit you deserve! Also read: - Swap tips, and concerns about food recipes forum - View eating tips during pregnancy month by month - See the calculator weight gain in pregnancy

First time pregnancy

Doubt, fear, longing and happiness are the key words of what happens to a woman so she confirms her pregnancy.

A pregnancy is always accompanied by fear, doubts and anxieties, and when it comes to the first pregnancy, it all comes in twice. The beginning of a pregnancy brings very different situations for every woman, but being sensitive to several swings in mood is hallmark of any pregnancy.

Once you discover the pregnancy, expectant mother should see your gynaecologist for examinations are to check their health and to initiate prenatal care . If you do not have a family doctor, experts recommend talking to people who have one, to collect information that you will choose the best professional to follow throughout pregnancy, including childbirth. The gynaecologist Dr. Mauro Eduardo de Mattos Wallauer, in an interview with Hello Baby , says that "The appointment of friends who already know the doctor's work and his training is the best alternative for those who still do not have your family doctor." It is very important to establishing a trust relationship between the mother and professional, so that everyone feels safe and comfortable with the new changes that are happening.

In the next forty weeks, the body of pregnant women undergo various transformations, announcing the baby's growth, and it is very important that the expectant mother do your prenatal without missing appointments, which will be monthly until 30 weeks, fortnightly between 31 and the 35th week, and weekly from the 36th week onwards. It is during prenatal physician detects and prevents problems such as diseases that may affect the child and its development in the uterus, allowing for a healthy development of the baby and reducing the risk of pregnant women. Any change in pregnancy, such as bleeding or severe pain, the doctor should be notified immediately. "Sometimes the bleeding is a warning sign, nor is anything too complicated to be solved. But whenever he appears, the physician should be notified immediately, "says Mattos .

With proper monitoring, family support and health habits, there is an expectant mother enjoy every minute of this magical moment which is expected a son.

By Paula Louredo
degree in Biology

The top 10 signs that you are pregnant

There are women who are so attuned to the body that can say realise they are pregnant soon after conception. But for most mortals, pregnancy symptoms begin to appear only when the fertilised egg implants in the uterine wall, days after the fertilisation have happened. For others, pregnancy can pass completely unnoticed for weeks, and distrust arises only when menstruation does not come. Read below for a list of the main signs of early pregnancy. You may have all, but it is perfectly normal not to have any of them, even while pregnant: 

1. Wills and hungry after hours

It is a cliche, but the sudden urge to eat something can be a sign of pregnancy. It is a symptom, not very reliable, because you may be suggestions (or even be a sign that your body needs a particular nutrient), but if the will start to appear and you have any other symptoms of the list, it's good to do the math to whether menstruation is not delayed. A desire to eat may appear at odd hours, as in the middle of the night, in the form of a "hole" in the stomach that needs to be filled anyway. 

2. Nipple darker veins and very apparent

If the skin of the areola, the area around the nipple become darker, you may be pregnant. Dimming can also indicate some hormonal imbalance, or be the effect of a previous pregnancy. If the veins of your breasts, hands or feet are appearing too, can be a sign of pregnancy (or you may be heated!) Provided along with some other symptom list. 

3. Irregular bleeding and cramps

If you are pregnant, about eight days after ovulation, you may have little bleeding  vaginal, as the onset of menstruation, and some cramping. It is a sign that the zygote (fertilised egg) is lodging in the endometrium, the blood layer that lines the uterus and is eliminated each menstruation. many women have this kind of escape and are sure they are menstruating to stay when in fact they are already pregnant. 

4. Urge to pee all the time

Once the embryo implants and start producing the hormone human chronic gonadotropin (hCG), you may start to need to go to the bathroom more often . For some women, however, do more pee is a characteristic of the premenstrual period, so the symptoms may not be so clear. A good indication is the need to get up to pee at night, if it had never happened before. 

5. Sleep and fatigue

You walk fainting couch in the evening, in front of the TV? Spends the day yawning? The high concentration of progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman can leave her exhausted. The excessive sleep is the hallmark of early pregnancy, although it can not be taken as 100 per cent sign of pregnancy appear isolated, without other symptoms. 

6. Breasts swollen and painful

If you are pregnant, your breasts will probably become increasingly painful, are more or less like right before you get your period (ie, one more sign that confuses a lot with the period of TPM), perhaps with a little more intensity . The nipples may also become more sensitive. When the body gets used to the new hormone levels, the discomfort should improve. 

7. Changes in taste or smell

You may begin to feel a metallic taste in the mouth, or pass not support more the flavor of coffee or some food that usually likes. Or spend the smelt had never noticed before, and getting annoyed with them. 

8. Nausea

Hopefully the nausea will only appear a few weeks after conception (the luckiest even have not one iota of sickness the entire pregnancy). But it is not uncommon to start feeling nauseated even before the missed period. The sickness can occur at any time of day - and often worse when the stomach is empty. 

9. Menstrual delay

If you have regular menstrual cycles and menstruation is delayed, it's worth doing a pregnancy test . The delay in menstruation is the surest sign of pregnancy for women who have regular cycles. Finally ... 

10. A pharmaceutical test positive

If you got a positive result on a pregnancy test pharmacy, made ​​with urine, you should really be pregnant! The test detects the presence of hCG in the body, and the hormone is only produced during pregnancy, except in rare cases. Sometimes the test is negative because it was made ​​too early, so it's worth waiting a few days and try again. But with the positive outcome in the hands (which should be trembling), does not have much error. Can celebrate! Make an appointment with your gynaecologist to confirm the good news, and now go to our section on pregnancy . Congratulations Calculate for when the baby will be , and register to receive newsletters every week of your pregnancy. And can start dreaming about the name of the baby and the out fit!

Safety Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Safety Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are a critical period of development of the baby, but you do not need to worry about everything and anything.

If you now take a few key steps, you can ensure your health and the baby. See then the best way to keep your baby safe.

Stop smoking. 

Tobacco increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, infant death and many other dangers. Some studies have shown that children of women who smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day during pregnancy have a higher chance of being born with cleft lip or cleft palate. It is never too late to quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes. Every cigarette does not turn gives the baby a better chance to be healthy. For help, visit the area on BabyCenter quit smoking during pregnancy.

Stop drinking alcohol. 

When a pregnant woman takes more than two drinks per day increases the risk of the baby being born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) of a woman drinking a smaller amount. The little we can drink a day can increase the likelihood of low birth weight as well as increase the risk of the child has learning problems, speech, concentration, language or hyperactivity. In addition, some studies have shown that, unless drink per week may be increasing the risk of the child being aggressive or delinquent later. Nobody knows exactly the harmful effects that the smallest amount of alcohol can cause a developing baby, so do not drink at all.

Do not take medicines without first talking to your doctor. 

many medicines - even more common as the painkiller ibuprofen - are not safe during pregnancy. If you take medicines for any chronic disease, do not stop taking them suddenly, but immediately contact your doctor to jointly analyze their medication and determine what is safe and what is not. Mention everything, even supplements and herbs.

Look immediately prenatal care and do not miss appointments. 

A good prenatal care is essential to the health of the baby. At their first antenatal visit (usually between 8 and 12 weeks), will be subject to screening tests for some diseases that can cause complications. If you have not chosen a doctor or scheduled an appointment, this should now be the priority.

Take prenatal vitamins. 

Most prenatal supplements contain more folic acid, iron and calcium than normal vitamin complexes. Pregnant women need a greater amount of these nutrients - especially folic acid, which substantially reduces the risk of the infant developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida. But it does not take too much vitamins, more is not necessarily better and in some cases may even be dangerous.

Ensure that works in a safe place. 

For most women, it's perfectly safe to work until the day of birth or until very close. But if you have a very tiring job (many hours standing, lifting weights, etc..), You may have to ask to perform another function or less strenuous work fewer hours. Too much stress at work has been associated with some pregnancy complications.If working in proximity of chemical or toxic (heavy metals such as lead or mercury, chemicals such as organic solvents, certain biological agents and radiation, for example), should seek the transfer station. Talk with your doctor or with your employer about the options available.

Let the sports and hazardous activities. 

Given that have joints looser than normal, it is best to avoid any activity that may slip or fall, increasing the risk of injury to the abdomen. Horseback riding, skiing, climbing, scuba diving and most contact sports should also be banned. Avoid also racket sports such as squash, especially during the second and third quarters, as lateral movements can strive knees, and ball - moving at high speed - can reach the stomach. The opinions of experts about the tennis vary, so talk to your doctor if you intend to play.