The Perfect Pregnancy Diet

A good diet is essential for your health—and for your developing baby. Learn how to eat over the next nine months!

by Diana Davis, RD, RN, CMT

Combating Constipation

If constipation plagues you, combat it by eating foods high in fiber. Whole-grain breads, cereals, and crackers usually do the trick. Look for the words "whole," "stone-ground," or "cracked" to be sure you're selecting a whole-grain product. Raw fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, apricots, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and nectarines as well as dried fruits and raw vegetables are all great sources of fiber.

And don't forget fluids. Drink eight glasses of liquids each day. Begin your day with a hot cup of water with one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or a pregnancy-safe tea.

If you were eating a healthy diet before pregnancy, these simple modifications will ensure you're getting the nutritional requirements important for you and your unborn baby. And if your diet was less than optimal before conception? There is no better time than pregnancy to begin a healthy new way of eating!

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