10 Easy Tips for A Healthier First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy can be a challenging time for a woman. Your hormones are changing, which can lead to some strange cravings. Some people will give you the green light to eat everything because you are “eating for two,” but maintaining a healthy diet is necessary for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. 

Here are ten easy nutritional tips to help keep you on track during your first trimester.:

1. Eat healthy for two. Your baby depends on you during your pregnancy, so it’s essential to start eating healthy as soon as possible. If you struggle with healthy diets, then you may want to consult your doctor for help. You must begin a healthy, vitamin-rich diet plan to help your baby develop.

2. Take a prenatal vitamin. Food is an important source of vitamins, but it’s not enough during pregnancy. Your doctor can recommend a good prenatal vitamin that will have the nutrients your baby needs. There are various brands, so you may want to get your doctor’s advice before shopping.

3. Add folate to your diet. You can find folate in beans, edamame, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Folate is essential for proper development in your child and prevents congenital disabilities.

4. Get enough iron. Iron is another vital nutrient that your body needs during pregnancy. Meat is the most common source of iron. If you’re vegetarian, vegetables like beans, spinach, and lentils can provide you with iron. Eggs and apricots are also good sources of this nutrient.

5. Eliminate all alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to congenital disabilities and developmental issues in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends eliminating alcohol for your child’s health.

6. Add fish. Fish is an omega-rich food, but it’s important to avoid certain kinds during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant sometimes eliminate all fish because they’re worried about chemicals such as mercury, which can cause damage to your developing baby’s brain and nervous system. However, doctors state that, because of the small amount of mercury found, you can still eat fish. The Mayo Clinic explains that although some fish is safe to eat, there are others that pregnant moms should avoid, such as sushi, shark, swordfish, and other predatory fish because they’re more likely to have been poisoned.

7. Avoid eating hotdogs and soft cheeses. They may contain Listeria, a harmful bacteria that can hurt your child or even lead to miscarriages.

8. Get enough calcium. Calcium is essential for your bones, but it’s also necessary during pregnancy. Your baby needs calcium to develop strong bones. You can find calcium in traditional dairy sources like milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, you also have other options like fortified orange juice and fortified cereals.

9. Switch to well-done meat instead of rare or medium-rare. You don’t want to risk getting bacteria from undercooked meat during your pregnancy. Your meat needs to be well done because Listeria, Salmonella, and other bacteria can harm your baby and even lead to miscarriages or stillbirths. You may want to get a meat thermometer to ensure your meat is done.

10. Deal with your cravings. The cravings may be sudden and impossible to avoid. However, you can learn to deal with them. Try substituting healthier options like fruits instead of candy bars during a sugar craving.

The first trimester may be easier to handle once you follow these quick diet-changing tips. Consulting with your physician is always recommended when making changes to your health and the health of your baby.