Diet and Exercise in Pregnancy
The common misconception that a pregnant women should eat for two is no longer followed. A fetus obtains all necessary nutrients for developments and growth from the diet of the pregnant women and for that reason is very important that pregnant women adjust their diet to increased need for necessary nutrients and energy. However, pregnant women should pay more attention to quality than quantity of consumed foods.
Healthy diet is not only important for general health and well-being of the pregnant woman but is also essential for healthy development and growth of the fetus. Proper nutrition during pregnancy greatly reduces the potential problems and complaints directly related to pregnancy as well as the risks of potential physical and neurological disorders of the fetus. However, besides proper diet during the pregnancy women who are planning to get pregnant should also take care for healthy pre-pregnancy nutrition because proper pre-pregnancy diet will strengthen woman's immune system and greatly increase the possibility of conceiving a healthy child.
Diet in pregnancy should include foods high in folic acid, calcium, iron, iodine, and vitamins C, D, and B1, B2, and B12. During pregnancy also increases the need for vitamin A but it is very important to avoid excessive vitamin A intake because it can cause improper development of the fetus. Thus all pregnant women should avoid consumption of livers, products made of livers and products with added vitamin A. Highly important is also not to drink any alcoholic and caffeine beverages, not to smoke and not to use any medications or herbal remedies before consulting with health provider. It is also recommendable to eat organic and freshly prepared foods as much as possible because they are much richer with essential nutrients. However, besides proper diet pregnant women should also take care for adequate physical activity which should be adjusted to pregnancy to relieve the common complaints in pregnancy.