Getting A Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy

The root of the expression really means is that you now have to be conscious that everything you eat is what your baby is forced to eat as well. Being pregnant means you're responsible for your baby's health by choosing foods and drinks that are right for him, not you. While you can still enjoy some chips or a soda, overindulgence will provide your body with a big boost of sodium or caffeine, something that isn't considered healthy for either you or your growing child. You have the option of setting aside the chips and soda to choose a peach and a glass of milk instead, but your baby doesn't.

During your pregnancy, your doctor will continually monitor you to ensure that you and your baby are gaining weight in a gradual, steady incline. You do have to put on some weight, and your baby will as well. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal and healthy, and your baby needs the extra calories to grow properly. The optimal gain is between 25 and 35 pounds, and anything extra can usually be attributed to eating poorly or too much. Your baby doesn't need the extra padding you may end up putting on by not making wise choices with your nutrition. His or her needs are far more internal, that of receiving good vitamins and minerals through the foods you eat.

Eating for two in moderation doesn't mean that diets during pregnancy are recommended. Dieting can deprive your growing child of the nutrients it needs to take from the foods you eat, and doctors definitely don't want to see you losing weight during your pregnancy. Some women are chronic dieters and this is one time in your life that you need to hold back and make sure you're getting the caloric intake your body needs. New trends of low carbohydrate diets are especially dangerous to pregnant women and their babies, as the child you carry needs to receive the glucose produced from carbohydrate for a steady, normal growth.

Contact your health practitioner or ask your doctor about nutritious foods for you and your baby. Parenting magazines and the internet can both provide information and tasty, wholesome recipes. Following the recommendations of the Food Guide is another good way to know if you're making proper, nutritious choices. While you do need to eat more to compensate for your growing baby, there's no reason to stuff yourself or go overboard on anything at all. Eat well and properly, enjoying small, healthy snacks spread out during the day, and have complete meals for breakfast, lunch or supper that include plenty of vegetables and whole grains.

100 Promises to My Baby

A lyrical ode to maternal love -- and a universal expression of every mother's hopes and dreams for her child

I promise to love you with no conditions. I promise to try to teach you through example, not words. I promise to help you develop a love for your culture and heritage. I promise to show you that there are infinite possibilities in every moment. I promise to help you see and develop your unique talents. As she eagerly awaited the birth of her first child, Mallika Chopra began to craft a unique gift that would express her profound loving commitment to the baby growing inside of her.

100 Promises to My Baby is that gift -- a covenant with her child that reflected her own deepening awareness of the sacred responsibilities of parenthood. Here the author shares the vows she made to help her child grow up feeling cherished and secure, look at the world with wonder and curiosity, and learn spiritual values that would enrich her own life and contribute to making the world a better place. This audio will inspire listeners to think about their own lives, values, and beliefs, and what they would like to pass on to their children.