Pregnancy Nutrition: Safe Seafood, Cheeses & Calorie Needs

What seafood and cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy? Calculating daily caloric needs while avoiding foods that cause bloating or indigestion is essential for both maternal health and fetal development.

Pregnant woman standing near cradle

Eating Ice While Pregnant

Cravings occur frequently during pregnancy, but certain cravings, like chomping on ice, may indicate something potentially more serious than a craving for pickles and ice cream. An urge to eat non-nutritive substances, a condition called pica, can occur in pregnant women with low iron levels.

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Pregnant women with hands on stomach

Healthy Soups During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, it is important that you eat essential vitamins and minerals to help your baby grow and develop. Soups can be healthy and nutritious meals, providing you and your baby with important vitamins without loading you up with fat grams or calories.

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Mix of dried fruits and nuts on rustic wooden background

Fruits to Avoid When Pregnant

In general, eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables during your pregnancy is a good thing. You need the vitamins, minerals and fiber they provide. Plus, opting for unprocessed, "whole" foods is generally a healthier choice overall.

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Full fruit and greek yogurt breakfast bowl. Persimmon, apple, walnuts, pomegranates and natural yogurt. Healthy food concept on

Is it Okay to Eat Flaxseed While Pregnant?

Flaxseed is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient especially important during the development of your child. However, flaxseed also contains lignans, chemicals that can mimic the actions of estrogen in your body.

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Yogurt, granola, seeds, fresh, dry fruits and honey in bowl

The 11 Best Foods to Get Your Body Back After Pregnancy

Second to having and caring for a healthy, happy baby, many mothers set their sights on shedding excess pounds soon after labor. Slow down there, mama! The National Library of Medicine recommends waiting at least six weeks after childbirth before attempting to lose weight to allow your body time to recover.

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Hamburger

Causes of Weight Gain During First Month of Pregnancy

During the first month of pregnancy, your baby-to-be grows at a rapid rate. But he's only about 1/5 of an inch long 4 weeks after conception, still not large enough to account for any weight gain by himself. Most women gain very little weight related to pregnancy itself during the first month.

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canned pickles

Does Pickle Juice Increase Metabolism?

Pickling vegetables at home was a very common activity with past generations. Pickling preserves food, which was especially important prior to refrigeration. The most commonly pickled vegetable is the cucumber, although other vegetables are also pickled.

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Chopped Celery

Is There a Natural Food Good for Swelling During Pregnancy?

Swelling, or edema, is one of a plethora of symptoms many pregnant women experience. It’s caused by increased pressure in your veins and water retention and is exacerbated by hot weather and fatigue. Edema typically occurs in your ankles, fingers, face and lower back.

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nutrition and diet during pregnancy. Pregnant woman with fruits

Are You Only Craving Vegetables While Pregnant?

If you experience food cravings during pregnancy, you fit in with about half of all pregnant women, reports Judith Brown, author of "What to Eat Before, During, and After Pregnancy." Many women crave unhealthy sweets and salty snacks, but others may crave healthy vegetables and fruits.

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Pregnant woman with orange juice

Is Nonalcoholic Beer Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women put their newborns at risk for birth defects if they drink alcohol during pregnancy. You may try to avoid the risk while pregnant by resorting to nonalcoholic beer, but even these beverages may contain small amounts of alcohol.

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Mint/toned photo

Peppermint & Kidneys

Your kidneys remove waste and excess water from your blood, releasing them as urine. When your kidneys don't work properly, this process is affected and kidney disorders may be a result. Some forms of peppermint are not recommended for people with certain kidney disorders, but may be beneficial for others.

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Tuna fillet

Is Seared Tuna Safe in Pregnancy?

Fish is a low-fat source of protein that also contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that most people eat fish twice a week, and pregnant women should follow this guideline also.

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Fresh sea bream on wooden board

Can Pregnant Women Eat Porgy Fish?

If you're pregnant, you're probably aware of the risk of eating fish high in mercury. Mercury can cause central nervous system disorders, including brain damage and nervous system damage. But mercury isn't the only contaminant that can cause problems to your baby.

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Purple plum

Drinking Plum Juice With Fiber for Losing Weight

People often tout the benefits of prune juice for weight loss, but prunes are just dried plums. Plum juice is full of antioxidants and fiber, two substances that may help you lose weight. Drinking plum juice may also improve your health in other ways, but speak to your doctor before modifying your diet.

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Best food for pregnant

Why Does Drinking Water Help With Pregnancy Cramps?

Pregnancy comes with a host of symptoms -- one of which can be cramping. While uncomfortable, mild cramping is typically normal during pregnancy. If you are ever concerned, speak with your obstetrician. Otherwise, don’t underestimate the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout your pregnancy.

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Mortar, pestle and pharmacy bottle.

Herbs to Avoid on Metformin

Metformin is usually prescribed for Type 2 diabetes patients who have trouble maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. As a general rule, it is unsafe to take any herbs, supplements or vitamins while taking metformin unless you have the express approval of your doctor.

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