Diet During Pregnancy

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What effect does my weight before pregnancy have on my baby's weight?
Research suggests that smaller women tend to have smaller babies. Women who are overweight tend to have larger babies, even if the weight that they gained during pregnancy was within the normal range.
Before I conceived my weight fell within the normal range. How much weight can I expect to gain during my pregnancy?
Most doctors recommend that normal weight gain is at least 24 pounds and no more than 35 pounds. If your diet consists of about 2,400 calories daily, you should have no trouble falling within these ranges.
Before I conceived I was underweight. How much weight will I gain during pregnancy?
Most doctors will recommend that you gain at least 30 pounds during your pregnancy. This will beneficially affect the gain of your baby's weight during pregnancy and bring them into the normal range.
Will drinking caffeine increase my risk of miscarriage?
An FDA sponsored study suggested that drinking up to three cups of coffee per day did not increase the risk of miscarriage. More recently, a retrospective survey (examining the data from a previous study), suggested an increase in the rate of miscarriage if coffee consumption was only one cup per day.
Will caffeine increase the risk of birth defects in my baby?
Caffeine does not cause birth defects in humans.
Will drinking coffee increase the risk of growth retardation in my baby?
Studies suggest that caffeine does not reduce birthweight or your baby's development. However, the most dedicated coffee drinkers are more likely to smoke and experience complications in their pregnancies.
How much caffeine is it safe to consume during pregnancy?
Many doctors suggest that a moderate caffeine intake is safe during pregnancy. That would include up to three cups of coffee, six cups of tea, or five cans of soda.
My doctor tells me I need to eat a better balanced diet, but my mother told me that the fetus obtained all the required nutrients from my body anyway?
The fetus is unable to obtain all the required nutrients that are stored in your body, although this used to be accepted as fact. It is necessary for you to eat a well-balanced diet to supply you and your baby with sufficient energy, proteins, minerals and vitamins required to properly develop. Poor nutrition only increases the risk of complications such as toxemia and preterm labor.
What are the basic food groups? I used to know this, but I've forgotten!
The basic food groups are today considered dairy, protein, fruits, vegetables and grains. A well-balanced diet will consist of servings from all of the food groups. Listed below are the recommended amounts during pregnancy.
Dairy -- 4 Servings
Protein -- 2-3 Servings
Fruits -- 2-4 Servings
Vegetables -- 3-5 Servings
Grains -- 6-11 Servings.
I've read about eating a well-balanced diet, but am still a bit unsure. Could you give me an example?
A typical well-balanced diet for a day would include:

Breakfast
Fruit Juice
Cereal
1 Egg
1 Slice of Whole grain toast
Milk

Snack
1 Piece of Fruit
Dry crackers

Lunch
Tuna Salad
1 Piece of Fruit
Milk

Snack
Cookie
Milk

Dinner
Skinless Baked Chicken or Turkey
Rice
Green Vegetable
Milk

Snack
Cookie
Milk
I've read about food cravings during pregnancy. Do they really exist?
There are two types of food cravings you may experience during pregnancy. You may crave a certain food because your body needs to balance the levels in your body; a sweet to raise blood sugar for instance, or an orange to increase Vitamin C.
More bizarre food cravings during pregnancy are called pica. These may include a lump of coal, ice cream and pickles or laundry starch. Many doctors believe that these cravings are due to a severe iron deficiency. It is very commonly found among pregnant women in impoverished areas.
I used to like certain foods, but now I find I can't stand to even look at them. Why is this?
It is not unusual for women to dislike foods they previously enjoyed during their pregnancy. The aversion will usually disappear after your pregnancy.
Don't worry about your food aversions. It is estimated that between 50% and 85% of pregnant women experience aversions during their pregnancy.
Will my baby move more after I have eaten?
There is no evidence to suggest that your baby will be more active before, duuring or after a meal.

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