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HEALTHY MOM Healthy Baby
Maintaining your physical and mental
health is of the highest importance in pregnancy, especially to help prepare you for all the changes that are about to occur. By fostering healthy habits during pregnancy, it will lead to a smooth transition into motherhood and a continuation of this foundation during this new phase of life. Written by Dr. Stephanie Persondek
34 may • june 2022
Research shows that nutrition during pregnancy can have an impact on the genetic makeup of your baby. Nutrition affects gene expression in babies, and healthy nutrition improves insulin sensitivity, lowers risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, and lowers the chance of obesity later in life. Physical activity during pregnancy promotes fitness and preparedness for delivery, and improves insulin sensitivity and blood pressure throughout the prenatal period, leading to less pregnancy complications. Consider these four important things when focusing on your physical and mental well being during all phases of your pregnancy. NUTRITION --------------------------------------------------------------------------Eating a well balanced diet consisting of all five food groups should be the focus of every nutrition plan in pregnancy. The opinion “eating for two” is considered outdated. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), a patient who’s pregnant with a single baby only needs an additional 340 calories a day. This is equivalent to a cup of cheerios with a half cup of skim milk and a medium banana. Foods to avoid in pregnancy include raw or undercooked meats, eggs and fish, deli meats, unpasteurized cheese or milk, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. The US Department of Agriculture has founded www.MyPlate.gov, a resource promoting healthy nutrition, choices and portion control in all stages of life.
