Once a woman learns that she is pregnant, she is counseled by all and sundry about maintaining a healthy diet to ensure good health for her unborn child. Yes, if the mother is healthy, the fetus is healthy and so will be the infant that is delivered. If the unborn baby experiences a great life within the womb and in the outside environment, the child will face fewer health problems while growing up and as an adult. And this is where the Mayo Pregnancy Diet comes in!
Why is there so much stress on nutrition? Just give a thought to all the complications that can arise during a pregnancy - birth defects, toxemia, placenta and fetal membranes separating from the uterus before the onset of labor, miscarriage, or dehydration - and you will get your answer.
The Mayo Pregnancy Diet focuses on food pyramids. These pyramids are based on the idea that what holds good for the pregnant woman holds good for the unborn one too. So foods which can be consumed but are not strictly essential are placed at the top, while foods (giving optimal nutrition) which should be consumed in large quantities are settled at the base of the pyramid. The other categories come somewhere in between.
The food pyramid therefore guides the pregnant woman towards a balanced diet (adequate mix of proteins, carbohydrates, oils and fats, dairy products) which will ultimately result in both mother and baby developing strong bones and a healthy heart via good cell division. Weight is also kept under control.
The Mayo Pregnancy Diet recommends a caloric increase of 300 calories as both, mother and baby require sufficient nutrition. Foods included in the nutritional chart are also those suggested by the Mayo Pregnancy Diet. They are:
(a) Berries and other fruits. Berries provide essential folate as well as vitamin C. (b) Beans are also an excellent source of minerals and vitamins. (c) Zinc and vitamin B are provided by low-fat yoghurt. (d) Calcium is found in low-fat cheese. (e) Beef (lean cuts only). (f) Low-fat milk plus vitamin D. (g) Eggs strengthened with omega-3 fatty acids.
The basic dietary habits emphasized by the Mayo Pregnancy Diet are:
(a) Filling the diet with plenty of whole grain foods, as well as vegetables and fruits. (b) Staying away from foods likely to produce cholesterol in the body. (c) Trans fat to be consumed in a limited amount. (d) Regular small meals to keep blood sugar levels normal. (e) Total abstinence from alcohol. (f) Weight to be controlled by keeping count of the calories contained in various foods.
A word of caution here - the Mayo Pregnancy Diet is to be followed only if the doctor approves it.
A look at the foods suggested in the Mayo Pregnancy Diet chart may make the mother with child feel that mealtimes are going to be rather dull! But there is hope yet! The Internet can suggest literally hundreds of dishes using the very foods suggested in the diet chart. All that is required is ensuring the consumption of essential nutrients while keeping weight under control. Hence, mealtimes can be very promising! After all, every pregnant woman would wish to deliver a healthy baby free of birth defects!
Many expectant mothers often overlook the role diet can play in their baby's overall health and nutrition. The popular adage "eating for two" isn't quite what is necessary, in fact, there is such a thing as gaining too much weight when it comes to pregnancy, (most physicians agree that 25-40lbs is optimum). An expectant mother should read up on prenatal health and diet and speak to her doctor about the foods she should eat, and those she should avoid to give her baby the best start in life.
A baby's time in the uterus is the most important time it can have in regards to development; it will serve for the foundation for the rest of its life. Mothers oftentimes take this very seriously and change their diets drastically to benefit their unborn baby. This should, however, not be undertaken alone. A doctor should always be consulted when changing any diet while pregnant. There are many books also available that offer mothers information and guidelines for eating healthy for baby. Some guidelines to follow are:
1) The food pyramid. While small things may shift and change over time, it is still the best guideline for the different types of food to get throughout the day.
2) Know your colors. Varying the color of your vegetables, though it may be a simple guideline, works. The colors oftentimes represent the different types of nutrients in those vegetables, so eating a colorful palette will ensure a variety of nutrients are being attained. Dark green vegetables are rich in iron and should always be on the dinner plate.
3) Small meals. Eating smaller portions more often throughout the day has proven to be much better than larger meals spread out. Overeating is a mistake often made by mothers and should be avoided.
4) No diets! In decades past doctors didn't know this was a big no-no, some even prescribed diet pills to expectant mothers! Not only will eating healthfully be best for your baby, but it is also the most healthful way for mommy to stay in shape when she's pregnant.
5) Vitamins are supplements only. All too often people think that a good vitamin can replace healthy eating. This isn't at all the case; many nutrients can be attained only through certain foods, so it's important to take prenatal vitamins regularly, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
6) Watch the sweet stuff. If at all possible, desserts and sweets should be avoided, but in the rare instance of a bad day, sweets are permitted, but only at a minimum.
7) Water, water, water! Water helps to prevent early labor so drink up! The best way to get the amount of water needed for a healthy pregnancy is to invest in a large water bottle. Keeping it with you and sipping on it throughout the day will make it much easier to keep track of your progress.
While it may be difficult to follow a healthy eating regime, always remember that another person's health is at stake. Some specifics to follow are:
-2 servings of fruit -6 servings of water, juice, or milk -Avoid foods with fat -3 servings of vegetables -6 servings of whole grains -No sweets except as a rare treat -3 servings of proteins
Keep in mind that these are only general recommendations and no one can replace the suggestions of your doctor as every pregnancy is different and will require different things.
Wingsofsuccess has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing and Communications, Pregnancy Problems and Getting Pregnant. Abhishek has seen many childbirths in his huge family! Visit and Download Abhishek's FREE Report "How To Dress And Look Your Best During Pregnancy!". If you are an exp. Wingsofsuccess's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.