Nutrition Concerns and Complaints of Pregnancy

Herbal Supplements

They are have not been tested and approved by the FDA

Herbs may contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contractions, or injury to the fetus.

Ask your healthcare provider

None are recommended

Pica

Pica is the practice of craving substances with little or no nutritional value.

Common: dirt, clay, and laundry starch, ice, cornstarch, toothpaste, soap, sand, plaster, coffee grounds, baking soda, and cigarette ashes.

May be caused by nutrient deficiency (iron)

None, Seek the help of your healthcare provider

May prevent absorption of nutrient and Cause a nutrient deficiency or items may be toxic

Alcohol

Causes birth defect FASLearning disabilities and

behavioral problemsHeart and Facial

deformities

Most women do not know that they are pregnant for the first month and a half. Do not drink if you may become pregnant

No amount of Alcohol is safe

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic Raises blood pressure

and heart rate Lowers body fluid

levelsCaffeine crosses the

placenta to your baby Interrupt wake and

sleep patterns

The less you consume the better

Artificial Sweeteners

Some non-nutritive sweeteners are considered relatively safe during pregnancy

The following are not considered safe: Sweet N Low

Ask your doctor but it is best to avoid them

Heavy Metals

Drinking contaminated water or Eating fish contaminated with mercury

Mercury poisoning can affect brain development and the nervous system.

AVOID: Grouper, shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tilefish

No more than one serving per week for other fish

Pesticides

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the nervous system is rapidly developing in your baby, so you definitely want to avoid any type of contact with pesticides during this time.

Oral clefts, NTD, Heart and Limb Defects

Avoid them as much as possible

Especially during the 1st trimester

Smoking

When you smoke during pregnancy, your baby is exposed to dangerous chemicals which can lessen the amount of oxygen that your baby gets.

Oxygen is very important for helping your baby grow healthy.

Can cause: Etopic Pregnancy Still Birth Cleft lip or palate Low birth weight

None is safeAvoid 2nd and 3rd hand

smoke also

Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

The two most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly.

Getting enough folic acid prevents most neural tube defects.

Constipation

Constipation occurs when there is abdominal pain or discomfort, difficult and infrequent bowel movements, and the passage of hard stools.

Eat a high fiber dietDrink a lot of fluidsExercise routinelyOver-the-counter

remediesReduce or

eliminate iron supplements

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are varicose (swollen) veins of the rectum and are usually painful

Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum is the primary reason that women experience hemorrhoids.

Place baking soda (wet or dry) on the area to reduce itching

Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding

Avoid sitting for long periods Use Tucks Medicated Pads Eat a high fiber diet Drink plenty of fluids Drink prune juice Do not delay going to the

bathroom Eat plenty of fruits and

vegetables

Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when the valve between the stomach and the food pipe (esophagus) are unable to prevent the stomach acids from passing back into the esophagus.

Pregnancy can increase the frequency of heartburn because the hormone progesterone causes the valve to relax.

Eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals

Wait an hour after eating to lie down

Avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods

If you are experiencing heartburn, there are a few natural things you can do to relieve the symptoms:

Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk

Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk

Gestational Diabetes

If diabetes is not well controlled, a mom and baby could face serious health complications:

The woman is more likely to have a miscarriage and stillbirth.

 Heart defects and neural tube defects are more common among babies born to women with diabetes.

The baby is likely to be very large (10 pounds or more).

Take insulin as directed by doctor

Eat plenty of lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains

Avoid junk foodsExercise 2 ½ hrs per

week

Hypertension

High blood pressure From water retentionCan prevent the

placenta from getting enough blood.

If the placenta doesn't get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food. This can result in low birth weight.

It is also called toxemia or preeclampsia

Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels.

Increase prenatal checkups.

Consume less salt.Drink 8 glasses of

water a day.

Nausea & Vomiting

Mild nausea and vomiting (often called "morning sickness") are common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness doesn't necessarily occur in the morning.

Get up slowly in the morning.

Eat smaller meals.Drink fluids often

during the day.