5 Eating Habits to Embrace During Pregnancy

 Congratulations on preparing to bring your bundle of joy into the world! Along with all the excitement that comes with starting a family, there can be a lot of adjustments along the pregnancy journey. One way you can promote optimal fetal development is by adopting healthy eating habits to prioritize nutrition for both you and your little one. 

At Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Helard  Ballon-Hennings, MD, FACOG, and our dedicated team are here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy with a patient-centered approach that helps you stay healthy. 

In the meantime, we’ll explore five eating habits to embrace during pregnancy and how they can help nourish you and your baby for a healthier journey ahead. 

1. Eat a balanced diet 

First and foremost, maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for providing essential nutrients and supporting your baby’s development. Here are some tips for achieving balance in your meals: 

Include a variety of foods 

We recommend consuming a diverse range of foods from all food groups including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

Focus on nutrient-rich foods 

Choose nutrient-dense options such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. 

Stay hydrated 

Always drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps you stay hydrated and supports proper digestion, circulation, and amniotic fluid production. 

2. Opt for small, frequent meals 

During pregnancy, you might experience your fair share of appetite and digestion fluctuations. That’s why eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help to manage nausea, prevent overeating, and stabilize your blood sugar levels. Consider these tips: 

Plan snacks 

Keep healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts, or whole-grain crackers, on hand to enjoy between meals. 

Listen to your body 

Your body will tell you when you are hungry and when you are full. Pay attention to it. Pregnancy isn’t a time to diet — nor is it a time to overindulge. 

Avoid skipping meals 

It’s especially important to remember that skipping meals can lead to drops in your blood sugar levels and worsening pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. 

3. Prioritize nutrient-rich snacks 

Another healthy eating habit we recommend embracing during your pregnancy is choosing snacks that help provide essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals for you and your baby. Here are some nutrient-rich snack ideas we recommend: 

Greek yogurt with berries 

Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, while also providing antioxidants and fiber. 

Hummus and veggies 

Pair hummus with sliced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers for a satisfying snack rich in fiber and vitamins. 

Trail mix

Another great option is to create your own trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal for a nutrient-packed snack on the go. 

4. Practice safe food handling 

Above all, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent foodborne illnesses that can harm you  and your baby during pregnancy. Follow these guidelines to prevent unnecessary risks: 

Wash hands and surfaces 

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after preparing your meals. Clean cutting boards, utensils, and countertops regularly to prevent any cross-contamination. 

Cook meat and eggs thoroughly 

It’s especially crucial to ensure that your meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are cooked thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. A food thermometer can help you be certain the proper temperatures are reached. 

Avoid raw or undercooked foods 

Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are a big no-no during pregnancy. It’s also important to avoid unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses, which may contain harmful bacteria. 

5. Take prenatal vitamins 

Last but not least, don’t forget that prenatal vitamins play a major role in supporting your maternal health and fetal development. While a balanced diet should be your main source of nutrients, prenatal vitamins can help fill any nutritional gaps and help you achieve the right intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Talk to our team of experts about choosing a prenatal vitamin that meets your specific needs, and take it as directed. 

Ultimately, pregnancy is a special time that calls for a little extra attention to your nutrition and well-being — you really are eating for two! Remember to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with us so we can support you every step of the way. 

If you’re ready to learn more, call Desert Hills Care Center at 702-800-7008 today, or book online with us.