What you should know about following a healthy pregnancy diet

It's so important to establish a healthy pregnancy diet. You're eating for two now so it's a balance between getting all the nutrition and calories you and baby need without putting on too much baby fat in the process.

Start by discussing with your practitioner about your new dietary requirements as well as finding a good prenatal vitamin. Vitamin supplements should not be used to replace good nutrition, but rather are taken to ensure that each day your body is getting all the necessary nutrients to promote healthy growth in your baby.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

If you are allergic, or have a family history of allergy, to any food this food should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Peanuts and shellfish are very common allergens and you should discuss with your practitioner whether they should be removed from your diet for now. Many doctors recommend avoiding both of these foods during pregnancy.

Listeria, a bacterium which can cause early labor, miscarriage, or flu-like symptoms can be found in the following list of foods. All of these foods should be avoided throughout pregnancy:

Following these guidelines will help you establish a healthy pregnancy diet that will provide you and your baby everything needed for a great start on this wonderful journey.

Visit MyPyramid.gov to get your personal dietary needs while pregnant