Pregnancy - Do's And Don't Of It!

During pregnancy, calcium intake should be increased as it is required for the development of bones by the mother and the newborn. A calcium deficiency in the diet can actually increase blood pressure and the risk of complications. It is recommended to increase the intake of calcium-rich food items such as low-fat milk, yogurt, hard cheeses, etc, during pregnancy.

The omega 3s (a nutrient critical to brain development) is present in substantial quantities in fish. The only problem is that some types of fish have a high mercury level which is toxic when consumed by babies and adults. To stay safe, pregnant women should not exceed their fish consumption by 12 ounces per week. Types of fish that are recommended for consumption include canned light tuna, shrimp, salmon, pollock, or catfish. Some fish that you should steer clear of include swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish, as they have a mercury content.

It is advisable to reduce the intake of coffee and all other caffeinated drinks during the period of pregnancy. Caffeine, when taken in large doses,increases the risk of a miscarriage, which is at its highest during the first trimester. During pregnancy, stick to decaffeinated beverages only.

Your body needs a great deal of nutritional boost during pregnancy. Taking prenatal multivitamins rich in folic acid from the very beginning of the gestation period largely reduces the risk of neural tube defects and other pregnancy complications.