When you find out you're pregnant, you'll probably have to make some lifestyle changes to promote the best health possible for your baby in utero. That may mean drastically altering what you eat and drink for the next nine months and even longer if you plan to breastfeed.
But where should you start? You've probably heard advice to stay away from fish due to potential exposure to mercury and to not drink alcohol as it can harm your unborn child. However, what exactly should you eat? Are green smoothies your new morning coffee? Should you start going to the gym a few times a week to work off that daily office doughnut?
Each pregnancy is different, and so is every mother. Your obstetrician and regular physician will help you create a plan to encourage eating and drinking that is good for both you and your baby. And that plan won't be set in stone - you'll have to alter it to account for crazy cravings (peanut butter and pickles, anyone?), changes in your child's needs and even possibly health problems you encounter along the way.
Start out with some basic knowledge on what vitamins and nutrients you should consume to keep up with your developing needs. Plus, you have to support your own body's changes too, possibly taking prenatal vitamins and taking other steps to prepare for surging hormones and periods of growth.
Read on to learn about healthy pregnancy weight, foods and drinks to avoid, safe eating ideas and more.
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