How to start the right diet during pregnancy

A healthy diet and is necessary during pregnancy to ensure that your baby gets the best start possible. The best diet is a balanced one that provides ample amounts of protein, carbohydrate, and healthy types of fat, as well as vitamins and minerals. While you will probably be taking a prenatal multivitamin to ensure that you get the basic requirements, vitamin-packed, fresh foods will help your baby get the best start in life.

What are the essential vitamins you’re advised to take as a supplement ?  They include the B vitamins,  folic acid and vitamin D.

Getting adequate folic acid is one way of helping your child become the healthiest person possible. During the first month of pregnancy, folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects, including spine bifida.
Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot replace a healthy diet.  Most doctors recommend that pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement every day in addition to eating balanced meals.  Remember, pregnancy nutrition starts with common, healthy foods.

Some additional tips for Pregnancy Nutrition :

Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Recommended daily servings include 6-8 servings of breads and grains, two to four servings of fruit, four or more servings of vegetables, four servings of dairy products, and three servings of protein sources (meat, poultry, fish, eggs or nuts).  Use fats and sweets sparingly. Eat and drink at least four servings of dairy products and calcium-rich foods a day to help ensure that you are getting 1000-1300 mg of calcium in your daily diet during pregnancy.

Eat at least three servings of iron-rich foods, such as lean meats, spinach, beans, and breakfast cereals each day to ensure you are getting 27 mg of iron daily.

Choose at least one source of vitamin A every other day. Sources of vitamin A include carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach, water squash, turnip greens, beet greens, apricots, and cantaloupe.

Always consult your health care provider before taking any new vitamins or supplements during pregnancy.