What are the essential dietary restrictions, hormonal markers, and physical recovery strategies for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum transition?
The first trimester of pregnancy comes along with many body changes, including an increased propensity for dry skin. In addition to being bothersome, dry skin is more vulnerable to infection, making it more important to prevent it from the start.
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Pass on the pina coladas during pregnancy, but don't pass on the coconut. The fruit of the coconut palm offers numerous health benefits -- especially via its oil. Coconut oil is an affordable alternative to expensive skin creams and hair conditioners.
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Pectin is a type of soluble fiber, and a common ingredient in many foods because it's a gelling agent. If you're pregnant and are worried about the safety of food additives and over-the-counter medications, you can likely use pectin safely for some applications.
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Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do to give your baby a great start in life and keep you healthy, too. But with so many food choices out there and so many nutrients to take in, many women find pregnancy nutrition to be perplexing.
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A nutrient-rich, well-rounded diet can help women have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Your pregnancy diet should include a wide variety of foods from all the food groups, including vegetables.
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Most mothers know that good nutrition is especially important during pregnancy. What women eat during pregnancy affects the physical and mental development of their child for years to come.
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Orange juice contains many essential nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy. In fact, "Parents" magazine lists it as one of the top five foods that all pregnant women need to consume.
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Losing the weight gained during pregnancy is a concern for many new mothers, especially when the weight seems to come off slowly, even with a healthy diet and exercise. Breast milk is the best nourishment for your baby, and breastfeeding can help you lose weight more quickly as well.
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You must be cautious when using any type of aromatherapy oil or other supplements while pregnant because it may pose a danger to your unborn baby. Oregano oil is one aromatherapy oil that is used for various health problems, but is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
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While some physicians recommend avoiding peanuts during pregnancy as a means of avoiding peanut allergies in your baby, cashews are in the clear and provide a rich source of vitamins and minerals during this time period.
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Eating lean meat during pregnancy is a way to get the protein you and your unborn baby need. Your little one requires plenty of protein for proper growth, and lean meats supply a healthy dose.
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Headaches can strike at any time during your pregnancy, so even if you sailed through the first two trimester without any symptoms, you could develop an aching head late in your pregnancy.
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Pregnancy can be an exciting experience but also can cause plenty of unpleasant side effects. For some women, severe nausea and an inability to keep down food dampens the enthusiasm a mom-to-be normally feels.
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Most pregnant women should drink eight to 12 8-oz. glasses of water each day, but this amount can vary among individuals. During pregnancy, your body relies on water for additional functions, and not getting enough water can have negative effects on your growing baby.
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Most foods and drinks are safe to consume during pregnancy, but some can increase the risk of miscarriage, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Some foods may contain bacteria and other microorganisms that could lead to a miscarriage.
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If the thought of giving up chocolate during your first trimester, and beyond, makes you break out in a cold sweat, rest assured that chocolate is safe to eat while you're expecting. That doesn't mean, however, that you can pop as much chocolate in your mouth as you want.
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Pregnancy is an added stress to your body, and regular exercise can prepare you to better handle the new load. If you did resistance training before you became pregnant, resistance training to tone your arms during your pregnancy is safe to do as long as you and your baby are otherwise healthy.
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Taurine, or L-taurine, is one of 20 amino acids produced in small amounts in your body, but more commonly found in animal products such as eggs, meat, fish, and dairy.
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You produce hormones called relaxins while pregnant. These hormones cause the ligaments in the pelvis area to soften.
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Doctors advise pregnant women to avoid various foods or eat them with caution, even though the choices seem to be healthful. Fish is one such food. According to the American Pregnancy Association and the U.S.
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