Nutrition is important for pregnant women in the Bellevue, Washington area and across the nation. The right nutrition during pregnancy is a great way to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and child. Many fertility clinics and doctor's offices offer nutritional counseling to women to help them sort out what they can and cannot eat and educate them on what vitamins and nutrients will help them ensure a healthy pregnancy. Moreover, many fertility clinics recommend certain nutritional programs and diets to couples as they try to conceive. Diet and nutrition play important roles in both conception and pregnancy, so it is important to take both into consideration at this time in one's life.
The child requires the right vitamins and nutrition to help it grow and develop in a healthy way. Similarly, the mother requires the right vitamins and nutrition to ensure their strength and health throughout the duration of their pregnancy. Essentials to eat while pregnant include folate, folic acid, calcium, protein and iron. A doctor or nutritional counselor will help guide pregnant women so that they receive all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need. Some foods to avoid during pregnancy include seafood high in mercury, raw or uncooked seafood, contaminated seafood, undercooked meat poultry or eggs, unpasteurized foods, unwashed fruits and vegetables, large quantities of liver, excessive caffeine, herbal tea and alcohol.
As far as fertility goes, the right nutrition can go a long way in helping couples overcome infertility. A nutritional counselor at a fertility clinic can be very helpful in sorting through the various foods and nutrients that may be beneficial. A nutritional counselor may also offer advice on how to overcome unhealthy habits and cravings and how to achieve an ideal weight. They may also help to deal with or manage chronic health problems that concern reproduction and may help design an exercise routine. A nutritional counselor may also be helpful in overcoming and managing stress, as this may be a major inhibitor to fertility.
Certain foods may help to improve fertility and the blood, cells and hormones. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, red peppers and kale are full of nutrients. Two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables are recommended in most cases. Omega-3 fatty acids of which fish are the best source are also recommended. Women should be careful regarding mercury toxicity, though, as mercury may stay in the blood for over a year. Iron may be supplemented using a daily vitamin that contains iron for women who do not eat much red meat or who are vegetarian or vegan.
Certain sources of protein may be healthier or more helpful in improving fertility than others. For instance, one serving of red meat, chicken or turkey once a day may not be as healthy and may actually decrease fertility compared to protein coming from vegetables, nuts or legumes, which may actually help to improve fertility. Dairy may also help to improve fertility.
Foods that may hurt fertility include caffeine, alcohol and listeria. Many recommend limiting caffeine intake to less than 300 mgs per day, or cutting it out from one's diet completely. Alcohol should be consumed sparingly, if at all when trying to become pregnant. Patients should consult their doctor for more information about alcohol consumption. Listeria is a harmful bacterium. Women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid foods carrying the bacterium, as it may cause miscarriage in the first trimester. Foods that tend to carry listeria include ready-to-eat meats, soft cheese and unpasteurized dairy products.
More specific information may be included in a diet or nutrition plan tailored especially for the individual. A doctor or nutritional counselor in the Bellevue area may offer further advice and information.
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