What to Eat While Pregnant

Avenue 360 Health + Wellness Eating Guide for Moms-to-Be

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

This exciting time brings many changes, and one of the most important is your diet. Eating a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy fuels your body and your developing baby’s growth.

Here at Avenue 360 Health + Wellness, with our six conveniently located clinics across Houston, we provide comprehensive care for mothers-to-be, regardless of their insurance status. Our OB/GYN specialists want to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your prenatal nutrition.

Why is a Healthy Diet Important During Pregnancy?

The food you eat provide essential nutrients for you and your baby:

Fetal Development: Your baby needs a variety of nutrients to grow and develop strong bones, muscles, and organs.

Your Health: Eating a balanced diet helps you maintain your energy levels and supports a healthy immune system throughout your pregnancy.

Prevent Complications: A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications.

Building a Balanced Plate

Here’s a breakdown of the key food groups you should include in your pregnancy diet:

Fruits and Vegetables: Aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Choose a variety of colors for a broader range of nutrients.

Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread offer complex carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production and fetal development.

Lean Proteins: Protein is essential for building your baby’s tissues. Choose lean protein sources like grilled chicken, fish, beans, lentils, and tofu.

Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. These are important for brain development and nutrient absorption.

Dairy: Calcium-rich dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are essential for your baby’s bone development. Choose low-fat or fat-free versions to limit saturated fat intake.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Processed Foods: Processed foods are often high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, offering little nutritional value.

Sugary Drinks: Limit sugary drinks like soda and juice, which can contribute to weight gain and gestational diabetes.

Caffeine: Limit caffeine intake to 200mg per day (about one cup of coffee).

Mercury-rich Fish: Avoid fish high in mercury, such as king mackerel, swordfish, and tilefish.

Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Unpasteurized dairy products can carry harmful bacteria that can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget

We understand that healthy food can sometimes be more expensive. Here are some tips for eating healthy on a budget:

Discount Grocers: Several discount grocery stores in Houston offer fresh produce and healthy staples at affordable prices.

Plan Meals: Plan your meals for the week and create a grocery list to avoid impulse purchases.

Cook at Home: Cooking at home is generally cheaper and healthier than eating out.

Food Assistance Programs: Don’t hesitate to determine your eligibility for food assistance programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) that offer vouchers for nutritious food for pregnant women and children.

Grow Your Own Food: Consider starting a small vegetable garden at home to have access to fresh produce.

Here at Avenue 360 Health + Wellness, we’re here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey. If you need food assistance, please let us know when you call 713.426.0027, to schedule an appointment.

Remember:

Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources, you can nourish your body and promote a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. Our dedicated OB/GYN specialists and pediatricians at Avenue 360 Health + Wellness are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting journey!

For more information about our OB/GYN services, schedule an appointment, 713.426.0027.

The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.