Healthy Pregnancy Diet

In general, avoid the empty calories that come with eating junk food, including chips and sugary sweets in preference for fresh fruits and vegetables, which are high in phytonutrients.

•  Drink plenty of liquids. Water, juice, milk, and other drinks will increase the volume of blood pumping through your body. It will also help stave off the fatigue and constipation that commonly accompany pregnancy. A minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids is recommended each day.

•  Avoid weight loss diets and accept the fact you need to gain weight during pregnancy. If you just eat healthy foods in pregnancy, you will not gain excessive weight and grow a healthy baby.

•  Practice sound food safety habits by washing produce well, cooking meats thoroughly, and throwing away questionable leftovers.

•  If big meals create nausea, consider eating several small meals a day, and keep healthy snacks handy. Your body will tell you when you need to eat. Listen to it.

•  Limit caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day. Caffeine products include chocolate, coffee, tea, certain medications, and soft drinks.