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NUTRITION

Nutrition During Pregnancy

Maintaining a balanced diet and staying physically active while pregnant are important ways to care for yourself and your baby. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends the following key components of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: appropriate weight gain, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and appropriate and timely vitamin and mineral supplementation. 

Fluid intake is also an important part of healthy pregnancy nutrition. Women can take in enough fluids by drinking several glasses of water each day, in addition to the fluids in juices and soups. An expectant mother should talk with her health care provider or midwife about restricting her intake of caffeine and artificial sweeteners. All alcohol should be avoided in pregnancy.

Eat a healthy diet during pregnancy.

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Healthy eating habits should be started right away. It’s a good idea to begin eating healthy even before becoming pregnant.

Your food intake will determine the nutrition that the growing baby receives. Providing your baby and your own body with the right balance of nutrition helps the pregnancy to progress normally and the baby to become strong and healthy.

Nutrition Specialist

Haley Kirkpatrick, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. is a registered dietitian specializing in outpatient medical nutrition therapy.   After growing up in Birmingham, AL she attended Auburn University where she received her B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science and then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition from The University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Previous experience in acute clinical settings led to an interest in preventative nutrition interventions, with a specific interest in weight management and the co morbidities associated with overweight/obesity.  She strongly believes that with the right support, patients can achieve better health outcomes and quality of life through better nutrition.  She enjoys cooking and traveling with her husband.

Eat a Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Healthy eating habits should be started right away. It’s a good idea to begin eating healthy even before becoming pregnant.

Your food intake will determine the nutrition that the growing baby receives. Providing your baby and your own body with the right balance of nutrition helps the pregnancy to progress normally and the baby to become strong and healthy.

What to Eat During Pregnancy

Eating the proper balance of fats, dairy, proteins, vegetables, fruit, and grains will ensure you and your baby are getting the right amount of nutrients during pregnancy. For serving size and type suggestions, you can follow the USDA’s “MyPlate” illustration (an updated version of the food pyramid).

Consult with your doctor about proper diet and adjustments in what you eat during pregnancy, particularly for iron and calcium intake. Prenatal vitamins are an excellent supplement to your diet that can help ensure proper vitamin and mineral intake.

What Not to Eat During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid drinking alcohol, limit caffeine intake, and refrain from eating raw fish or seafood that can be high in mercury (such as tuna or swordfish).

Additionally, you should decrease the fat and cholesterol in your diet, and avoid soft cheeses like Brie or Gorgonzola (which may be unpasteurized and could carry listeria).

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Phone: 205.536.7676
Email: info@whsbham.com
3686 Grandview Parkway Suite 300 • Birmingham, Al 35243
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