Join us for our first live chat in Parenting.Gather.com @7PM ET with Hope Ricciotti, M.D., author of I’m Pregnant! Now What do I Eat?
Parents-to-be and those considering pregnancy, learn nutritional advice from an expert! Have you been pregnant before? What was the strangest thing you ate? What did you crave? Do you wish you had planned your diet differently?
Share your stories, thoughts and questions.
Five chat participants will randomly be chosen to receive a free signed copy of I’m Pregnant! Now What do I Eat?
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If you can’t make it to the chat, leave your comments and questions below.
You can read Hope Ricciotti M.D.’s articles at Parenting.Gather.com.
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Comments: 61
I *do* wish I had eaten a little differently during my last pregnancy because I feel like I gained too much weight for my frame. I had my baby almost a year ago and my problem is that I have 15 pounds to lose and I can't seem to figure it out. I have 3 children and have never really had a problem until now... and I know that I can lose the weight with small changes in my eating habits. I just don't know where to begin! So, if you'll be talking about "after baby" eating habits as well during the chat... I will definitely be back for some tips.
Thanks again and I'll see you soon.
Pat O. from St. Louis, Missouri sent us this question: We have a neighbor who is about to have a baby any day. I would like to organize some of our friends to have ready made dinners for the parents for the first week or two that they are home. What are some meals that would be healthy and easy for them to reheat. None of us are gourmet cooks by any means.
While pregnant, I know that it is important to limit your intake of certain seafoods because of the mercury content - does this also hold true for breastfeeding women?
Also, how do I judge which fish I can eat and how much? I was very nervous about the content of mercury in Tuna and stayed away from it during my whole pregnancy.
Thanks.
Your total fish and shellfish intake can be 12 ounces, or two average servings per week. You can have one serving, or about 6 ounces, of tuna. Stay away from swordfish and shark. Salmon is a really good choice - low in mercury and rich in brain building omega three fatty acids.
If you can do organic, great. If you cant, then try the least processed brands with the fewest added ingredients. In general, a diet that is rich in whole foods that are not processes is best. No one really knows the health benefits of organic foods. They are certainly better for the planet though.
I have a friend who is 10 weeks pregnant with twins, so I'm sure she needs to be extra mindful of what she eats. She's been on a pretty much vegetarian diet because she says meat makes her feel more nausea. She "forces" herself to eat some meat every day because she feels she has to in order to give her babies what they need.
Does a woman really "need" meat while she's pregnant? Should she feel guilty because her body is rejecting it right now? And are there other sources from which she could get the same vital nutrients?
Thanks!
Oh, and I read your book, Hope. Enjoyed it very much. I even found it very helpful though I didn't get to read and use the info during pregnancy, there is info about postpartum that is resourceful. You can read my review on it here.
Sorry - the restrictions for tuna are the same for breastfeeding as for pregnancy - one serving per week. This is because the baby's brain is still rapidly developing and mercury gets in your breastmilk and is a neurotoxin.
Your friend should eat what she can while she is early in pregnancy and feeling nausea. Forcing is not necessary. Women pregnant with twins often have worse nausea. I recommend the white diet - pasta, rice, potatoes, crackers - as bland a possible. It is not necessary to force proteins or meat. Later, when the nausea resolves, 60 grams a day of protein is recommended. If you have a protein source at all three meals you'll get enough. Vegetarians should add one protein snack to ensure they get enough but it is fine to be a vegetarian.
You dont need to restrict salt. It is ok to salt your food to taste. Chocolate is not forbidden. It is fine to have a bit every day. Dark chocolate is best since it is rich in healthy antioxidants. And at 6 months of age, mom's who ate chocolate during pregnancy have baby's who smile more!
This is great, thanks.
I *do* wish I had eaten a little differently during my last pregnancy because I feel like I gained too much weight for my frame. I had my baby almost a year ago and my problem is that I have 15 pounds to lose and I can't seem to figure it out. I have 3 children and have never really had a problem until now... and I know that I can lose the weight with small changes in my eating habits. I just don't know where to begin! So, if you'll be talking about "after baby" eating habits as well during the chat... I will definitely be back for some tips.
Thanks again and I'll see you soon.
Faith, Painted, Jul 18, 2007, 5:46pm EDT
I wish I had a really good answer to your question. No one diet has been shown in studies to be superior to others. The best diet for you is one you can stick to for life. In other words, dont diet, but adjust your eating habits. Eat smaller portions, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and allow yourself some small treats so you dont feel deprived. Eat whole grains - unrefined grains make you feel full longer. And be sure to get exercise.
I recommend none. There was a recent reliable study that showed that even very small amounts - a few ounces - even in the third trimester, can affect mental processing in children. You can cook with wine, the alcohol simmers off. The brain develops in all three trimesters, moreso in the third.
There is no one fruit or veggie that is best - it is variety that gets you the array of nutrients that you need. Having said that - blueberries are a pregnancy superfood. They are the highest in antioxidants of any fruit.
That will be fine to make the changes a few months before trying if you are able to do it that way. You body really does not store up toxins. Mercury can accumulate, so avoid fish high in mercury for a few months before trying to get pregnant. You might try making some small changes now - eat a fruit a day for example, or try some new veggies. Switch to brown rice from white.
Welcome to my world. My son wont eat anything green - even a speck will send him screaming. Studies show that the more times you offer, the more likely they will accept new foods. So keep trying - it takes 7-9 times before they'll try something new. I find they often accept new foods from friends more than from me. We also hide vegetables - we can get them to eat them when they are hidden in burritos for example.
Studies show that unrefined carbohydrates are healthier - brown rice, whole wheat pasta - because they are broken down more slowly in the body, which avoids a high spike of glucose in the blood stream as they are broken down. Think of unrefined carbs as more time released. Refined carbs increase the risk of overweight and obesity. Recent studies suggest you can start prevention as early as the diet your baby is exposed to in utero.
I do have another question: My baby will be turning 1 on the 29th this month and I'll be switching him to cow's milk from formula. I can't start the switch until his 1st birthday, right?
I know that may sound like an odd question, especially because he's my 3rd child, but it's been 6 years since my middle son was a baby and I just can't remember!
My friend is in her third trimester and her normally svelte husband has packed on more than a few pounds. She is a little worried about this. Is this normal?
Right. No cows milk until at least a year.
Very normal. Sympathy pounds. Encourage him to slow it down a bit so he does not have too much to lose after the baby comes.
This will change. It is common to have an altered palate - things you used to like now you hate, and vise versa. And your tastes keep changing. Get ready for the cravings. The most common is salt. Try our Salty Tuscan Pork Chops. Yummy.
It's a myth that you need more calories with boys. However, the basis for the myth is that boys are usually a few ounces heavier than girls. Every pregnancy is different.
Be careful of the internet for health information you obtain by surfing. There are some very reliable sites (like this one!) Her doctor can also recommend a few that might be right for your cousin.
Craving sweets is very common. Go ahead and have a bit of good chocolate, or your favorite sweets. Just dont over do it. And fruit can be a healthy way to fill that craving. Try some chocolate dipped strawberries.
And thank you to all the Gather members who participated. Until next time!