It also means eating the right foods to nurture growth and replenish your increasing energy and protein needs. You'll need extra nutrients for a growing baby, a healthy placenta, and a body that's preparing itself for breast-feeding. Nutritionists advise an extra 10 g of protein and 300 extra calories per day. If you have been getting enough protein before pregnancy, adding just 1 cup of skim milk, one slice of whole grain bread, and one piece of fruit will meet this recommendation. Women can meet the folic acid requirement by eating a diet rich in leafy, dark green vegetables, citrus fruits and juices, and lentils.
Dietary supplements are another good option.
Starting January 1998, it'll be even easier for women to get enough folic acid when US food manufacturers begin fortifying enriched breads, flours, corn meals, pastas, rice, and other grain products with folic acid. Food safety during pregnancy doesn't have to be complicated. Call your local health department about recommended limits on consumption of fresh water fish for pregnant women. Wash all produce thoroughly to remove chemical residue. To steer clear of bacterial contaminants, avoid soft cheeses, and foods that contain raw eggs.