What are some healthy recipes for dinners during pregnancy?

Melanie

heyy

does anybody know of any nice lunches or dinners to make during pregnancy? i dont eat fish.

thanks

Answer
Spaghetti with ground beef, turkey or chicken and tomato sauce...peppers, onions, garlice..YUM!

Chicken breast wrapped in tinfoil in the oven ( need no oil or butter ) with a huge salad!

Srambled eggs and fresh fruit

Big salads with nuts,fruit, veggies, herbs

Pork chops with baked potatoes and steamed carrots , broccoli

Ratatouille with pasta

Healthy meals during/after pregnancy?

lucy lu an

Hey ladies :)
I'm not a bad cook, but I really stink at finding meals or recipes to make. I was wondering if you know of any great websites or have any ideas from your own personal kitchen...
I'm 20 weeks pregnant, and my hubby and I have been living in a crappy hotel for 2 months. Now we're finally in our new apartment and I have a kitchen! Yay! I want to cook nice, at least somewhat healthy dinners. Breakfast and lunch are flexible, but I could really use some meal ideas..
Thanks a TON! :)

Answer
babycenter.com has tons of recipes! smoothies to full out meals, plus tons of other things n_n

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Low sodium foods for pregnancy?

newmommy:)

I'm 29weeks pregnant and I'm having early signs of preeclampsia. The reason I'm asking on here is because my doctor was real short and not informative he only said to stay away from sweets, salt, and soda, which I completely understand but what are some foods that are low in sodium? The problem with a low sodium diet is the fact that I'm a real picky eater, not meaning to be I've just always been that way, so my choice in foods are limited to mac n cheese, meatless spaghetti with mozzarella, and pizza. I do not eat meat, not a huge fan of veggies. I'm needing help as to how much is a good sodium intake a day? Such as a diet you would keep it at 2,000 calories, well is there a way of knowing how much sodium is a far amount? Any websites or advice is highly needed, Thanks in advance

Answer
Website: http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pcomplications/0,,4b0,00.html

General rules:
Avoid overly processed food. The closer to the farm the better. Bake your own muffins, or bread if you can. Avoid deli/lunch meat like the plague. Make your own spaghetti sauce to avoid too much salt. Try to make fro scratch as much as possible and you'll do yourself a world of good.

Do extreme food aversions mean you will have a picky baby?

Mom of

Just a silly question. I was a very picky eater as a child and throughout my pregnancy my food aversions are insane. :)

Answer
My husband and I both have extreme food aversions and I have 1 picky eater, and 1 that will eat just about anything. I think it is a crap shoot when it comes to whether or not your kiddo will be picky :) You just have to try really hard not to let your kiddos see you being so darn picky lol. I noticed early on that if they noticed that I refused to eat something they wouldn't even taste it. So there have been times I have had to suck it up and eat something I didn't like to get them to at least try it. My husband on the other hand is even more picky than I am, and hes a stubborn butt and won't try things so that they will. Neither of my kids will even taste a tomato because dad thinks they are gross lol.

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What foods/recipes are good for pregnant woman?

jenny

This is my 2nd pregnancy. Last time around I had a rough time at the end of the pregnancy. So I am trying to eat healthier. I am so used to eating mcdonalds though( I work there, so its free) that I can't really remember how to cook and prepare meals. I don't want this kid to be unhealthy so I would like him to get as much healthy food as I can get.
I don't care much for onions & mushrooms.
Anything is appreciated(:

Answer
There is no special diet and recipes for a pregnancy. You should eat a healthy diet that gives all the nutrients to help your baby develop and grow.

Remember that the food you eat is the main source of energy for your baby growing inside. A pregnant women should know that she is not only responsible for herself, but also for the unborn child inside her. The child's physical and mental development after birth will have a influence of anything seen, thoughts and the food eaten by the pregnant woman.

1.There is no special diet for a pregnant women, but eating a healthy balanced diet that gives all the nutrients for your baby to develop and grow is recommended.

2.For the first 3 months, the diet of a pregnant woman should include food rich in iron, folic acid and foods high in calcium. You may take iron and folic acid tablets if you are pregnant or lactating.

3.Folic Acid & Birth Defects
Women should get enough folic acid from their diet before and during the pregnancy to prevent major birth defects involving baby's brain or spine, according to Canadian researcher Louise Pilote of McGill University, Montreal as reported in the British Medical Journal, May 2009.
A cup of Brussels sprouts supplies 93.6 mg of folic acid. Brussels sprouts recipe

4.Fortifying flour products with folic acid may cut the number of babies born with congenital heart disease, the most common of all birth defects.

5.In the next 3 month (i.e.3 to 6 month pregnancy), the woman needs extra protein and calcium. Look for foods with high protein.

6.Pregnancy & Weight Gain
Most women gain between 10-15 kgs, but too much weight gain should be avoided. However, the weight gain during pregnancy will vary according to your pre-pregnancy weight. According to the experts, an overweight woman is advised to gain only 7 kg (15 pounds) and an underweight woman to gain up to 18 kg (40 pounds).
7.Do Not Eat For Two
Many pregnant women wrongly think that they should eat for two. Note that you need only 200-300 extra calories daily in pregnancy, i.e. a cup of reduced fat milk or yogurt and a medium orange. This is because your body actually absorbs more nutrients from food you eat during pregnancy.
Researcher Alison Stuebeworking at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that pregnant women should avoid eating for two since too much weight gain is linked with complications at birth. Pregnant women who eat fried foods and dairy products and food for two are more likely to gain as much as 35 pounds. Women with vegetarian diets and eating more monounsaturated fat found in olive oil and nuts in early pregnancy are half as likely to gain an unhealthy amount of weight.

If you MUST eat at McDonald's, make healthier choices. Salads, fruits, and sandwich wraps, as opposed to a big Mac and fries is in your best interest.

For simple, healthy recipes to make at home, go to this link http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/healthy-recipes-00000000037066/index.html

What are some good healthy recipes before and during pregnancy?

motherhood

I am usually on the go and sometimes am fighting to eat well, especially since we will be trying for a baby in january. What are some healthy recipes that you know of that I can use before and during pregnancy? Are there any foods out there that are especially good for conception? thanks!

Answer
If you are pregnant then you have to remember that you're eating for two now. Eat healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, and drink plenty of milk. You can eat sweet and junk foods too, just don't eat these all the time! Other yummy healthy things you could try are : yougurt, nuts, orange juice, whole grain items and if you want to know more you should ask a doctor or go to a pregnancy planning/crisis center.

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Smoking weed during pregnancy and having healthy baby?

~*SmAsH*~

So i am a little curious as to why people freak out about smoking weed during pregnancy? I know they say there can be birth defects and learning disabilities, but there is no research shown to prove this. I have a 10 month old daughter who is super intelligent. I smoked weed til I was 7 months along and I delievered with no complications. She talks your ear off,loves to read,has a great attention span and lovees to interact.Not only that but she has never gotten sick except for one ear infection that cleared within a week. My daughter is walking and eating table food solely. Last week at the pediatrician he told me she is in the 97% percentile for growth and brain development. To me thats incredible. I just dont understand why there is so much negativity surrounding marijuana when in my eyes I think it has benefited her growth. Unless there is proof that it is harmful, dont get pissed at the parents who opt to smoke it during pregnancy. Who out there has done the same thing and had similar results with thier child??
yes she can read and im sure "your baby can read" has to do with that but she loves to grab books and sit and read and turn pages. she also knows what books are what.you start to sing old macdonald had a farm.. and she will pick it out of all her books.my daughter is very smart and whether it be the weed or not i know it has had no negative affects
i dont smoke cigs and never did during pregnancy,nor did i drink. it was weed only just to clarify anything.

Answer
*Thumbs up to you for speaking about this* I know several women who did it while pregnant (hell my mom for one,with me) and the babies are 100% fine. Actually,most of them are a bit advanced. I was at the head of my class,and my mom smoked it. Everyone I know that's done it (friends and family and such) has had perfectly healthy babies with no defects or anything,no learning disabilities, if anything,a bit more advanced.


EDIT-Yay,thumbs down me!
EDIT-Actually,jessy explains it perfectly. It's the DARE people that have issues with it,not the ones that have actually done research with it.

Keeping baby healthy during pregnancy... ?

The dog

Ok, I am 17, and pregnant, no comments on my age please, i am keeping the baby as it is my responsibility to.

I would like to know what food to avoid, any things i should stay away from. If i should still walk the dogs, if i should do yoga or something. I would like to keep the baby as healthy as possible, minimize the risk of miscarriage, and complications. Can i take painkillers??

Answer
Congrats on the baby, and I'm proud of you for keeping it! He or she will be a real blessing in your life. As far as food to avoid:
Deli meat (unless cooked to steaming about 160 degrees)
Soft cheeses (unless pasturized)
Raw eggs (unless pasturized, double check salad dressing labels as there are raw eggs in a lot of them)
Sushi/raw fish, shellfish
Alcohol and cigarettes are off limits (obviously)

Make sure to take prenatal vitamins as they will lower your risk for a miscarriage dramatically (and prevent spina bifida, etc.)
You can take Tylenol, but don't use anything else without your doctors permission for pain killers
Colace is really nice as a stool softener when constipated (a common thing in pregnancy)
Exercise is safe and encouraged, just keep it light (walking, swimming, yoga, etc)

Also, they say you should avoid chemical smells such as gas (see if someone else can fill your tank), paint (though I know a lot of people still paint their nurseries), and you should avoid touching pet feces. I hope this helps and good luck!

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Symptoms during/after 5 weeks of pregnancy? ?

Madeline

I am about 5 weeks pregnant. What symptoms did you have/ or should I be expecting around this time? This is my first so I'm trying not to freak out to much when I feel a little sick to my stomach. I'm not sure I it's from being pregnant or not just yet. Last night i woke up around 3 am feeling quezy but not bad enough to throw up. I have also been extemely tired and my back is constantly sore. Is this also due to pregnancy? My first appointment is in about 2 weeks. It's the only time I could get in so I have a lot of questions. Thanks for any help!

Answer
It really hit me about 8 weeks but being tired was the one thing I couldn't get out of! I mean literally the only thing I could think of was sleep. It was so hard working as a cashier. Food.... I loved Panda Express chinese food and all of the sudden I couldn't even look at it or smell it... but those were about the only things that I felt. About 3 months you will amazing! and then about 5 months you're gunna have to pee at every restroom you see... and it will gradually get to were you might have to visit every restroom twice. Then 6 months the tiredness comes back and your back and body is going to just hurt a lot... and sleeping sucks... you might even wake up with your arms and hands numb... and your feet will be swollen! Good luck hon! like instantly after you have your baby most of the symptoms go away... the peeing and the swelling will go down within 3 days. After you have your baby you're going to bleed like no other and it lasts for 6 weeks but gets less and less!! so be sure to buy a lot of maxi pads!! the ultra thick ones! Congrats!

INDIGESTION during pregnancy?

pisces_dre

I haven't has a positive test yet but i get this empty feeling in the esophgus down to the middle of my chest... Mild but noticable. during my pregnancy before( lost the baby) i had this same feeling at 3-5 weeks... could i be pregnant? or is is something else.? when did you experience in your pregnancy? thank you

Answer
Many women have heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Although this is not usually a sign of a serious problem, it can be uncomfortable or painful.

Gastroesophageal reflux is often called âacid refluxâ or "heartburn.â But this condition has nothing to do with the heart!

Causes of Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy
Heartburn occurs when digested food from your stomach, which contains acid, is pushed up toward your esophagus. This causes a burning sensation behind your breastbone or a burning sensation that starts in your stomach and seems to rise up. You may also have a sour taste in your mouth or a feeling that vomit is rising in your throat.

Normally, food moves down a pipe (called the esophagus) between your mouth and your stomach. When youâre not eating, a circular valve around the bottom of your esophagus closes off the connection between your esophagus and your stomach. This valve keeps the acids in your stomach from rising up.

When you swallow, the valve relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow through. If the valve relaxes when youâre not eating, the acids from your stomach can flow back up into your esophagus, irritating it and causing a burning sensation.

Several things can cause the valve to relax more easily, such as:

* Greasy or fatty foods
* Chocolate or drinks containing caffeine
* Onions, garlic or spicy foods
* Certain medications
* Eating a very large meal
* Lying down after eating

During pregnancy, hormones relax the muscles in your digestive tract, including the valve in the esophagus. This allows stomach acids to more easily seep back up the esophagus, especially when youâre lying down. Heartburn can be worse in the second and third trimesters, when your growing uterus presses on your stomach. This sometimes pushes food back up into the esophagus.

Pregnancy hormones also slow down:

* The muscles that push food from your esophagus into your stomach
* The muscles that contract to digest food in your stomach, which slows down your digestion

These changes can also lead to indigestion, which can make you feel very full, bloated or gassy.

Heartburn and Indigestion: What You Can Do
Follow these tips to prevent heartburn:

* Eat smaller meals. Eat five or six small meals a day instead of eating a few large meals.
* Drink less while eating. Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with your meals. Drink your fluids between meals instead.
* Avoid foods that trigger heartburn. Avoid spicy, greasy or fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and other foods that can cause heartburn.
* Avoid bending or lying down right after eating. Sit up, do light housework, or take a walk until your body has had a chance to digest. Be sure to eat your last meal of the day several hours before bedtime. If you need to lie down, prop your upper body up with a few pillows.
* Don't gain too much weight. Gain a sensible amount of weight. Stay within the guidelines your health care provider sets. Excess pounds put extra pressure on your abdomen, increasing your chances of getting heartburn.
* Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing can increase the pressure on your stomach and abdomen.
* Raise your head when you lie down. Prop your head up a few inches with pillows. Or raise the head of your bed with two bricks or blocks.

If you need an antacid to relieve symptoms, talk to your health care provider to choose the right one for you.

When to Talk to Your Health Care Provider
For most people, heartburn is temporary and mild. But severe heartburn can be the sign of a more serious problem. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following:

* Heartburn that returns as soon as your antacid wears off
* Heartburn that wakes you up at night
* Difficulty swallowing
* Spitting up blood
* Black stools
* Weight loss

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Did you/do you eat organics during pregnancy? Why or Why not?

1 year in

I hear so much about growth hormones possibly being responsible for early puberty in girls or Autism. Did you/ Do you eat differently during pregnancy? Why or Why not? What did you eat differently?

Answer
yes, organic foods don't use pesticides or hormones to increase their growth. Those chemicals can be hurtful for you and your baby. Organic is the way to go. You will also feel better. If you can't get organic, look at the label and make sure you know exactly what you are putting in your body. Look at the Jack Lalanne's juicer. This will help you get the vitamins and nutrients you need for a day. It's fantastic. Good Luck!

Organic food & supplements while pregnant?

Another ba

Just wondering if anyone is eating organic and/or taking any organic/natural supplements while pregnant. I just found out I am pregnant with my 2nd and would like to continue eating organic & taking supplements throughout my pregnany. Not sure what are good and bad supplements to take? Also, what are more natural prenatal vitamins...I don't want to take Materna. And what are some good foods to eat in early pregnancy...I'm only 2 weeks.

Thanks all!

Answer
organic food should be great and would be healthy. The supplements you should talk to your OBGYN about them or your midwife if you are going that route. They should have an acceptable list. I know some are safe and others aren't. The #1 thing the Dr stressed to me early in pregnancy is lots and lots of folic acid so find foods that are high in folic acid and eat a lot of that. Also vitamin C containing foods would be a great idea. I know most Dr's don't advise against it but after my experiences I would recommend avoiding large amounts of peanuts and peanutbutter during pregnancy.

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what food to avoid during early pregnancy?

paulina

i love hot and spicy foods! with my other two pregnancies i never had a problem with heart burn so other than that what is wrong with eating spicy food while pregnant?

Answer
There is nothing wrong with eating spicy food during pregnancy as long as you can tolerate it. You however should not eat the following things.
Raw meat such as sushi, seafood, or rare/undercooked beef or poultry, because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

Raw eggs, or foods containing raw egg, such as Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custard, unpasteurized eggnog, or Hollandaise sauce, because raw eggs may be contaminated with salmonella.

Soft cheese such as blue cheese, feta, Brie, Camembert, and Latin-American soft white cheeses such as queso blanco and queso fresco, because they may harbor harmful bacteria.

Fish containing accumulated levels of mercury in their fatty tissues such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. When a pregnant woman consumes large amounts of mercury, her baby may suffer brain damage resulting in developmental delays (for example, delays in learning to walk or talk).

Fish containing high levels of an industrial pollutant called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their fatty tissues such as bluefish and striped bass, and freshwater fish such as salmon, pike, trout, and walleye from contaminated lakes and rivers. According to the March of Dimes, consumption of large amounts of PCBs by pregnant women is linked to decreased attention, memory, and IQ in their babies. Check with your local Health Department to determine which fish in your area are safe to eat.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy?

* lovemyki

also...I have a cold...is it ok to take sum pills or anything?

Answer
There are certain foods that you should avoid when you're pregnant, because they might make you ill or harm your baby:

Some types of cheese
Avoid cheeses such as Camembert, Brie or chevre (a type of goats' cheese), or others that have a similar rind. You should also avoid blue cheeses.

These cheeses are made with mould and they can contain listeria, a type of bacteria that could harm your unborn baby.

Pâté
Avoid all types of pâté, including vegetable. This is because pate can contain listeria.

Raw or partially cooked eggs
Avoid eating raw eggs and food containing raw or partially-cooked eggs. Only eat eggs cooked enough for both the white and yolk to be solid. This is to avoid the risk of salmonella, which causes a type of food poisoning.

Raw or undercooked meat
Make sure you only eat meat that has been well cooked. This is especially important with poultry and products made from minced meat, such as sausages and burgers. Make sure these are cooked until they are piping hot all the way through and no pink meat is left.

Always wash your hands after handling raw meat, and keep it separate from foods that are ready to eat. This is because raw meat contains bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Liver products and supplements containing vitamin A
Make sure you don't have too much vitamin A. This means you should avoid eating liver and liver products such as pâté and avoid taking supplements containing vitamin A or fish liver oils (which contain high levels of vitamin A). You need some vitamin A, but having too much means that levels could build up and may harm your unborn baby. Ask your GP or midwife if you want more information.

Some types of fish
You can eat most types of fish when you're pregnant. But there are a few types you should avoid and some others where you should limit the amount you eat.

Avoid eating any shark, swordfish and marlin. Limit the amount of tuna you eat to no more than two tuna steaks a week (weighing about 140g cooked or 170g raw) or four medium-size cans of tuna a week (with a drained weight of about 140g per can). This is because of the levels of mercury in these fish. At high levels, mercury can harm a baby's developing nervous system.

Have no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish includes fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which does not count as oily fish), mackerel, sardines and trout.

But remember that eating fish is good for your health and the development of your baby, so you should still aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, including one portion of oily fish.

Undercooked ready meals
Avoid eating ready meals that are undercooked. Make sure you heat them until they are piping hot all the way through.

Raw shellfish
Avoid raw shellfish when you're pregnant. This is because raw shellfish can sometimes contain harmful bacteria and viruses that could cause food poisoning. And food poisoning can be particularly unpleasant when you're pregnant.

x x Congratulations

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Heartburn in pregnancy?

** Little

Is anyone else experiencing really bad heartburn at the moment? I'm nearly 16 weeks pregnant and my friend discovered she was pregnant last week and has said she is feeling the same. Is this normal?
Thanks in advance

Answer
I had the worst heartburn when I was pregnant. Milk helped sometimes, and staying away from spicy foods, and I took as many Tums as I was allowed. Other than that, I had to suffer through it. It won't last forever though - don't worry!

Am I allowed to take restaurant foods during 7 week pregnancy?

A1709

Like subway, pizza hut etc..

Answer
Do you mean are you allowed take out foods while your preganant? i ate any food i wanted while i was pregnant i had 9 months of eating everthing lol especially pizza hut. think you can eat pretty much whatever you like the exception being foods high in vitamin A. I wouldnt worry too much about what you eat obviously try to eat healthy but the subway wont do your baby any harm at all.

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pregnancy and poppy seeds?

Q. hi everybody ! ! !
i have a question that i hope someone out here can answer me!! andhonestly too.
my sister is pregnant with her second child. she is 7 months along. the pregnancy is going smoothly thusfar. she is due to deliver september 16.
she has a 2 yr old little boy now. she delivered him vaginally and all went well with that pregnancy. the only thing with that pregnancy was she delivered him almost 2 months premature.
he seems to be dong ok though.
the question i have for everyone is - - -
her mother in law told her not to eat poppy seeds or things that had poppy seeds in them.
why is she not allowed to have poppy seeds while being pregnant?
what are the health factors here?
we want this to be a healthy and safe pregnancy for her as well as the first one.
if you reply to me, please enclose where you found your information. i dont want any b.s. answers such as..."because i know or im a nurse..."
lets be serious! this is my niece and sister were talking about.
thanks!

Answer
If she takes a drug screen it will show up as an opiate. It's not significant. I have never heard of anyone with any medical training saying that there was a danger.

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Anemia during pregnancy? (taking iron pills?)?

Brittni

Hi, I am a little over 24 weeks pregnant, and I just got a call from my OB today saying the blood work I just had done came back saying my iron levels were low. So I have to take Iron pills for the rest of my pregnancy. I just got them today, and have not taken one yet because the pharmacist said to take them on an empty stomach and I ate around 7:30pm so Im gonna take it about 11:00. I am wondering though how long after taking the iron pill do I need to wait before I can eat? I don't want to eat too soon and have it defeat the perpose of taking it on an empty stomach.
Will they start to check my iron levels often to see if they are still low?

Answer
I have a tendency to have low iron levels too even before the pregnancy. They should've told you to take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate (or iron chelate if constipation gets really bad). What i do is take one Vitamin C capsule with Bioflavonoids (50 to 100mg) with it so the iron can be absorbed in its entirety. The bioflavonoids are really important since it makes a vitamin C complete, otherwise you're not getting a high quality vitamin C. Dont take it with orange juice... it's all sugar and you dont get as much vitamin C from it as people would have you believe.

I take it one hour after eating something, then i wait another hour to wait for my body to absorb it. If you take it with food, there's other nutrients that might stop the iron from getting absorbed, specially if it's something that has calcium in it. These two fight to get absorbed by the body so whichever the body decides needs the most of at the time will get absorbed, and really, you dont want that if you need both.

I'm in tune with my body, so i cant tell you how often to take the iron. I started once every other day during the first trimester. Then around the middle of my second trimester, i took it for two days then wouldnt take it the 3rd day. By the third trimester i did take it every day but every once in a while i'd have a "day off". Again, that's what I did... not telling you to do that, specially if your doctor told you to take it every day. I'm just THAT in tune with my body. Oddly enough, every time i had a CBC done, my specialist would agree with me and even be amazed with how well i know my body.

EDIT: They should. If not, ask them to perform a CBC two months after you started taking the iron. Supposedly having a score of 11 is ok but that's still on the low side for some doctors.

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Are hot potato chips ok during pregnancy?

Exclusive

I'm 32 weeks

Answer
You know what they are okay long as you don't eat too much of them, my first pregnancy I craved spicy foods especially the hot fries chips and Chinese food, second one pizza all the time, but now #3 on the way I don't really eat to much of nothing because I always feel sick.

Is it okay to eat really spicy food during pregnancy?

Brooke

I love EXTREMELY SPICY foods! And am starting to crave it. Will it harm my baby?

Answer
yes its ok, but in moderation as one answerer says you may get heartburn but if you think its worth it chomp away, my ex wife consumed huge amounts of indian and chinese food and our kids came out ok

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Pregnancy + Cravings........?

xkiwimuffi

I've been having Terrible cravings. It's my first pregnancy and so far I've fallen in love with Pizza (used to barely tolerate it), Macaroni and Cheese (Also a tolerable but not favorite, now i'm eating it a few times a week), and Soda (A RARE thing for me, but I never was a fan of it before pregnancy)
I still love all my fruits and veggies (but fell out of love with popcorn)
but I'm puzzled..
Why would my unborn baby be making me want such horrible, greasy, carbonated food/drink?
I'm 14 weeks on monday :) They THINK it's a boy, but the technician wasn't completely sure.
Before I get scolded by nutrition-concious mothers, I have been eating spiniach or green beans with my mac, and pizza. :) I love my veggies

Answer
Pregnancy does weird things to your body. As long as you are keeping up with your fruit/vegies and taking pre-natal vitamins I wouldnt worry about the junk food to much...everything in moderation. Im craving alot of sweet food and Im supposed to be having a girl. But the cravings/gender thing is just an Old Wives Tale.

Food Cravings(for fun gender,and could,cravings be a sign???

Rainey Sos

Craving crushed Ice like crazy toaster scrambles bacon egg and cheese. Scrambles eggs period,Steak,I no longer eat Turkey which is my preference when it comes to lunch meat now it's ham and I really did not like ham before this pregnancy. What gender could I be having? And could these particular food cravings be a sign????

BTW (IM craving a good seasoned Tbone Steak and Scrambled eggs with cheese right NOW!)

Answer
You might be experiencing anemia. Take iron supplements. Cravings have nothing to do with gender.

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What are some good iron-enriched foods?

ZackB

My wife is pregnant and the doctor said her iron is really crummy. He told her to get vitamin supplements but they make her sick because of morning sickness. She is a really picky eater and I need some good food ideas to get her iron back up. Any ideas?

Answer
Guinness


Vegetarian eating and pregnancy - Fact SheetsA vegetarian diet can meet the needs of your pregnancy as long as you take care to include enough protein, iron, vitamin B12 and calcium-containing foods.


Nuts, eggs, seeds and legumes (dried beans and lentils) and foods derived from them, such as tofu and hommos, are good sources of protein. You will need one to two serves per day.


While eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes also contain iron, it is not as easily absorbed by the body as the iron contained in meat, so vegetarians also need to eat other iron-enriched foods.

Iron-enriched foods include:

â¢cereals; especially wholegrain cereals, iron-enriched breakfast cereals and wholemeal breads

â¢green leafy vegetables like spinach or bok choy

â¢Milo and Ovaltine



Foods which are rich in vitamin C will increase your body's ability to absorb iron from iron-rich foods - so every meal should contain both iron-rich foods and foods rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin C enriched foods include:

â¢fruits, such as berries, oranges, kiwifruit and mango

â¢vegetables, such as capsicum, tomato, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts.

Pregnancy- Iron tablets..!?

kymbliiee

Im 5months pregnant and have been taking Iron tablets from around 3months..! Thing is i have ran out and will not be able to get any more for the next week or so, will this have any effect on my baby..? Should i stop worrying about it..!?

Answer
You shouldn't worry about it. Your baby will be fine. If you are anemic and get dizzy or anything during that time, see your doctor, but your baby will actually get what he/she needs, it's you that will get the short end lol. They tend to take what they need first. You could up your intake of iron rich foods during that time if you're concerned about it. Good luck!

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suggestions?! anybody!? pregnancy help!?

Amber A

I need suggestions on a good nutritious breakfast for a pregnant woman. But the thing about it is I do no eat breakfast foods like bacon eggs grits.. I do not like breakfast food. Also I am not used 2 eating in the morning so when I do eat early I feel sick so it can be something to heavy but enough to fill me up. Also I get very nauseated whenever I am eating now and cannot eat anything too heavy or any meat. Please give me suggestions!

Answer
Not that I have any experience with being pregnant, but I have the same problem with eating in the morning -- I end up feeling sick.

It helps to wake up a little earlier and eat breakfast a little later. And foods like grits, bacon, sausage and pancakes are all too rich for the morning and will definitely leave me ill.

At one point, I fell in love with field-green or baby spinach salads in the morning. I'd put an over-easy egg on top of the salad, and garnish it with cheese, carrots, celery and ranch dressing. It is quite refreshing compared to a typical American breakfast, and incredibly good for you and your baby.

Also, try eggs from free range chickens or a local farmer's market. The eggs are composed very differently from corn-fed chickens, and contain lots of things you and your baby will need through pregnancy. (See the link)

Good luck!
- Kipp

Bacon making me sick during pregnancy?

TRISH

Okay so im about 10 weeks pregnant and pig bacon is making me wanna up chuxk. I love bacon and I dont kno why I feel so grossed out now, is bacon a normal thing not to want while pregnant?

Answer
It is called food aversions. It is common during pregnancy. This is my second and I could not eat chicken or bacon in my first trimester. I could not even smell it without wanting to puke. They will probably change throughout your pregnancy or they could go away. I can now eat chicken!

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What should I avoid eating while pregnant?

Angie

I am only 5 weeks pregnant, and I go to the doctor for my first appointment next week. I want to make sure I am eating the right things, and staying away from foods I shouldn't eat. Does anyone know of a comprehensive (i.e. specific) list of foods to stay away from while pregnant? Thanks for your help!

Answer
What are the foods I should avoid during pregnancy?
Raw Meat: Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.

Fish with Mercury: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Please see Mercury in Fish for specific types of fish and further information on how to calculate mercury levels.

Smoked Seafood -Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because it could be contaminated with Listeria. (These are safe to eat when they are in an ingredient in a meal that has been cooked, like a casserole.) This type of fish is often found in the deli section of your grocery store. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually OK to eat.

Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants: Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include: bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. Contact the local health department or Environmental Protection Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. Remember, this is regarding fish caught in local waters and not fish from your local grocery store.

Your purchase supports the APA
Raw Shellfish: The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.

Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs.

If the recipe is cooked at some point, this will reduce the exposure to salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings, and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any recipe that is made with raw eggs, such as Hollandaise sauce or dressings.

Soft Cheeses: Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as: Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized.

Pate: Refrigerated pate or meat spreads should be avoided because they may contain the bacteria listeria. Canned pate, or shelf-safe meat spreads can be eaten.

Caffeine: Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is to refrain from consuming caffeine.

Alcohol: There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregn

what were the foods pregnant woman hould avoid?

shengteodo

Answer
Foods To Avoid While Pregnant

The Food and Drug Administration as well as the professionals in the medical field always caution expecting Moms against eating soft cheeses and certain deli meats. The reason being certain foods can become contaminated with bacteria called Listeria. . If you become sick from Listeria, the baby you're carrying could get sick or worse case scenario âit could be fatal. To protect your unborn baby, eat hard cheeses instead of soft cheeses and thoroughly cooked meats while you are pregnant.
The soft cheese made in the US are usually okay because they are made from pasteurized milk (pasteurization kills the Listeria organism.) Imported soft cheeses are usually best to avoid. Here is a short list of soft cheeses to avoid:

feta (goat cheese)
brie
Camembert
blue-veined cheeses, like Roquefort
Symptoms of a bacterial infection can develop from 2 to 30 days after you eat contaminated food. If the infection spreads to your unborn baby, you could start early labor.
Tell your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms:
fever and chills, or other flu-like symptoms
headache
nausea
vomiting



To prevent infection, take these precautions:

Eat hard cheeses, like cheddar, instead of soft cheeses during pregnancy.
If you do use soft cheeses during pregnancy, cook them until they are boiling (bubbling).
Make sure the labels of your dairy products say "pasteurized" on the label.
Make sure you consume meat, poultry or seafood that has been cooked thoroughly!
Here is a list of meats, poultry and fish to avoid while pregnant:


Hot dogs
Sausages
Deli meat
Under cooked meat like beef and chicken
Pates
Ready to eat cold seafood
Raw eggs and raw egg dishes
Raw seafood, especially shellfish
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the contaminated food eaten by pregnant women is estimated to cause mental retardation and blindness in anywhere from 400 to 6,000 infants, and may kill another 80 fetuses and newborns a year, according to the CSPI.

Listeria has been blamed for 2,500 illnesses and 500 deaths a year, and CSPI estimates 1/3 of the deaths involve pregnant women and their fetuses.

Please be very careful about the food you eat, and talk to your physician about the risks of food and food handling and preparation.

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Can eating too much junk food during pregnancy make my unborn baby fat?

YoungMarie

I'm 24 weeks pregnant and I'm still craving junk food. I eat healthy as well and eat things I'm suppose to, but I also eat a lot of junk food. I've only gained about six pounds so far, but I was wondering if eating too much junk food will cause my baby to be chubbier than usual. Does what you eat during pregnancy affect the weight more of your baby?

Answer
As long as you aren't only eating junk food, its fine. The size of your baby is going to be based on a lot of factors (most of them genetic). But in short, have some fritos or whatever it is you are craving...most anything in moderation is fine. Have a happy pregnancy!

pregnancy symptoms but negative test....?

newlywed07

I was on bc ( quite taking it to ttc at the end of the pack) and was spotting for 2 weeks and then dident have a period. I've never spotted or missed a period. I've been so tired, have lower back pain, starving, and slight heatburn. I took a test one week after my missed period and it was negative. Whats the deal?

Answer
Once pregnancy occurs, different effects take place in the body of the woman. Development of the baby in the womb produces many biochemical changes.

There are signs associated with pregnancy. Most common is a missed menstrual period, but since all women do not have regular menstrual cycles it is important to watch for other pregnancy signs such as: breast tenderness, nausea, heartburn, extreme tiredness and frequent urination.

Even if a woman has some or all symptoms it is important to reconfirm the diagnosis with a pregnancy test. This test will detect the presence of a hormone called chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced by the placenta and it is present in the blood and urine of the expecting woman.


Prenatal Care: Objective
The objective of prenatal care is to monitor the health of the pregnant mother and fetus.

It is important to visit the doctor as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. At each visit the doctor will examine you. This examination includes: monitoring weight gain or loss, blood pressure, circumference of the abdomen, position of the fetus and fetal heartbeat. Such variables are going to be closely followed during the course of your pregnancy.

Other tests your doctor may recommend are: Ultrasound and Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring.

Frequency of Visits to the Doctor
Your doctor may schedule your visits monthly during the first two trimesters (from week one to week 28 of pregnancy), every two weeks from 28 to week 36 of pregnancy and weekly after week 36 (until the day of delivery that could be between week 38 and 40 weeks).

Pregnancy associated discomforts

As the fetus grows, the uterus increases in size effecting other parts of your body. Some changes are triggered by the hormones your body secretes for nurturing the fetus to prepare both you and your child for birth.

During your pregnancy you will expect some discomforts such as:

Constipation and hemorrhoids
One of the reasons for constipation may be changes produced in the digestive tract due to hormones slowing down the movement of food. Added to this, during the last trimester of pregnancy there is more pressure on your rectum from your uterus. To avoid these try to drink plenty of liquids and eat fruit and vegetables with a high fiber content. Some pregnant women experience relief drinking a glass of tepid water before breakfast.

Nausea
As well as constipation, it is due to metabolic changes. In the morning before getting up try eating crackers and stand up very slowly. Try to eat in small quantities every three hours (fractionated diet). During your pregnancy it is good to eat proteins (meat, eggs, cheese) before going to bed at night.

Heartburn
This can occur when stomach acid from digesting food is pushed into your esophagus. As stated before, during pregnancy all digestive process is slowed down and in addition, the engrossed uterus presses up on your stomach. To avoid heartburn, eat in small quantities, several times a day. Avoid spicy and greasy foods and do not eat at least one hour before going bed. Some pregnant women experience relief resting at night by elevating their heads with two or three pillows.

Fatigue
Your body is doing a big job while you are pregnant. Try to sleep 8 hours daily and if you can take a nap during the day. Avoid hard work and eat a balanced diet throughout your pregnancy.

Headaches
You may have headaches during your pregnancy. Possibly because you are tense or in some cases it is cased by the higher level of blood in your body now that you are pregnant. Lay down and try to relax. Some women experience relief walking outside. Do not take medication while you are pregnant unless directed by your doctor.

Frequent Urination
During your pregnancy, your uterus is pressing down on your bladder and even if your bladder is almost empty this pressure produces the same sensation as if it were full. Do not avoid the urge of urinate.

Cramps
They are due to circulatory problems associated with the weight gain as you progress in your pregnancy. Ask your doctor to recommend some exercises to alleviate these discomforts

Chloasma
These are obscure marks in the skin caused by the hormones secreted during pregnancy and tend to disappear after delivery. Avoiding sunlight can help prevent them.

Stretch Marks
Skin tissue that has to support extra weight causes these marks. They appear on the abdomen and breasts and in most cases slowly disappear after delivery.

Varicose Veins
They are produced by the pressure of the uterus to the lower part of the abdomen that causes difficulty in circulation during the 9 months of pregnancy. They usually appear in legs especially if you must stand or sit for long periods of time. If you do need to stand or sit for long periods, move frequently to improve your circulation. Elevate your legs when possible or lie in bed with a pillow under your feet. While you are sitting try to keep your feet up. Do not wear tight clothing. Your doctor may recommends support stockings for you.

Breathing Difficulties
This happens during the third trimester of pregnancy because the fetus is occupying more space in your abdomen. Breath deeply several times a day (you can ask your childbirth instructor to teach you the correct way) but avoid hyperventilation. Sleep propped up and avoid crowded places and smoggy environments.

Backaches
This is a consequence of the growing of your abdomen and your weight increase. If you are suffering from backaches wear low-heeled shoes, try to keep your back straight and avoid lifting heavy weights. It is good to practice some relaxation exercises that will help to lower the tension in your muscles. Remember to stay as calm and serene as possible during your pregnancy.

Swelling
Due to the retention of water in your tissues, swelling has a high occurrence in your feet. Try to elevate your legs whenever you can and avoid tight clothes that bind your legs. It is important to notify the doctor if you notice that swelling is taking place in uncommon areas or if you register a sudden rise of your weight
http://www.helponpregnancy.com/Signs-of-Pregnancy.html

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