Pregnancy Eating problems.Cravings
I've been craving certain foods now that I'm pregnant. Is this
normal?
For many women, cravings during pregnancy are normal. Cravings for particular foods during pregnancy can be both good and bad. If you crave foods that are nutritious and healthful, eat them in moderate amounts. If you crave foods that are high in sugar and fat, and loaded with empty calories, be very careful about eating them.
Why do I have these cravings now, especially for foods that I don't normally eat?
No one knows for sure, but many believe it is because of the hormonal changes and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy. I've found that I want to eat late at night, even though I've never felt hungry at night before. Should I eat late at night?
Late-night nutritious snacks are beneficial for some women, especially if they must eat many small meals a day. However, many women should not snack at night because they don't need the extra calories. Food in the stomach late at night may also cause more distress if heartburn or nausea and vomiting are problems.
Nausea
Some foods I normally love make me sick to my stomach now. Why?
This is normal and very common during pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal tract, which can affect your reaction to certain foods.
I feel so nauseous that I can't eat anything. Is this dangerous?
Nausea, also called morning sickness, is usually not dangerous because it doesn't last too long. It becomes dangerous when you are unable to eat an adequate amount of food or drink enough fluid.
Nausea is typically the worst during the beginning of pregnancy. It usually lessens and disappears after the 1st trimester, and you'll feel better for the rest of your pregnancy. See page 29 for further information about nausea and morning sickness.
Cholesterol
I'm 11 weeks' pregnant and had my cholesterol checked at the supermarket last week. It was higher than the last time I had it checked. Is that normal?
Yes. Cholesterol levels usually increase during pregnancy and nursing because of hormonal changes, so it's rather pointless to have them tested at this time. BEVERAGE CHOICES
My doctor told me to drink lots of water every day, but it's hard to do. Do I really need it?
Water is necessary for your body to process nutrients, develop new cells and sustain blood volume. You may also feel better if you drink more fluid than you normally do. Your blood volume increases during pregnancy; drinking extra fluids helps you keep up with this change.
How else can drinking lots of water help me?
Many women who suffer from headaches, uterine cramping and other problems during pregnancy find increasing their fluid intake helps resolve some of their symptoms. It also helps avoid bladder infections.
How much water do I need to drink?
Drink 6 to 8 glasses (64 ounces; 1.9 liters) of liquid every day. Water is the best liquid to choose. When your urine is light yellow to clear, you're getting enough water. Dark yellow urine is a sign that you need to add more fluid to your diet.
If I drink beverages that normally act as diuretics, will it counteract the increase in fluids?
No, it won't.
How can I possibly drink this much extra fluid?
It's really not that hard. Some women drink water, one glass at a time, throughout the day. (Decrease your intake later in the day so you don't have to go to the bathroom all night long.)
Caffeine
I drink a few cups of coffee and several glasses of diet cola every day. Do I need to worry about caffeine?
Drinking as few as 4 cups of coffee a day (800mg of caffeine) by a pregnant woman has been associated with decreased birth weight and a smaller head size in newborns. That same amount of caffeine may also affect your baby's developing respiratory system. One study showed this exposure before birth might be linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although an exact toxic amount for caffeine has not been determined, it makes sense to limit your caffeine intake.
What foods contain caffeine?
Caffeine is found in many beverages and foods, including coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate. Some medications, such as cough medicines and headache medicines, also contain a lot of caffeine. It's important to read labels.
Why is caffeine a problem?
Caffeine is a central-nervous-system stimulant. There are no known benefits for you or your unborn fetus from caffeine. Caffeine can also affect calcium metabolism in both you and your baby.
What do you suggest about caffeine intake during pregnancy?
Limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Read labels on foods, beverages and over-the-counter medications to find out about caffeine content. Eliminate as much caffeine from your diet as possible.
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