Juniper Tree Wellness Blog: Pregnancy Health

So today I am writing this little health quip a little out of personal want and a tad out of irritation. See this is the thing, I am currently pregnant and what you hear from other people sometimes can be so outrageous it isn't even funny. I am not one of those ladies who "love" it or who will miss it or long for the days when i was pregnant again. I just am not like that. Pregnancy for me means that I get to bring a beautiful new life into the world but in the mean time I throw up most of the time, can not sleep, and am in a ton of pain from the waist down from joints and muscles shifting. Those are just the facts. I have friends who love it, cry about, and can't wait to do it again. Me on the other hand, will celebrate the day my love's come into the world and then move on with my life to care and raise them. The crazy part of all this is that everyone wants to give you advice. People that should not give you advice...tell you what to do.
I have been told to do some of the following things.
"Eat for two...now is the time....live it up."
"It does not matter what you eat, you are pregnant: feed the baby!"
And one of my all time favorites..."Now make sure you eat a lot and good so you have a healthy baby."
As if...as a mother growing a child...I would eat bad? Or not want my child to grow healthy?
In the meantime the people who say this are not meaning eat "healthy". They mean eat whatever and in large portions.
This is what i have to say on this topic and being pregnant and have done my research and have an education in these areas , this is the TRUTH.
Pregnant women need an additional 300 calories a day. Now if they are obese or underweight, the calorie count will vary. BUT 300 calories additional a day is really what you need typically. Now, do you crave 300 more calories a day? NO way! Especially in the middle and in the end you will feel super hungry and want to eat whatever you want. This is really where pregnancy weight gain can get totally out of control. You have to keep in mind that what you eat, so does your child. The doctor gives you certain things you need to avoid, those you should keep in mind. Also, eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. If you have a juicer and can juice vegetable juice it is a great way to get additional nutrients. For some women, they can not stomach the prenatal vitamins, there are other ways you can supplement if you need to.
Examples of an additional 300 calories:

Each of these healthy choices has about 300 calories:

1 cup of non-fat fruit yogurt and a medium apple
1 piece of whole wheat toast spread with 2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 cup of raisin bran cereal with 1/2 cup of non-fat milk and a small banana
3 ounces roasted lean ham or chicken breast and 1/2 cup sweet potatoes
1 flour tortilla (7-inch), 1/2 cup refried beans, 1/2 cup cooked broccoli, and 1/2 cup cooked red pepper.
It is important to gain a healthy amount of weight for your size. It reduces complications such as diabetes, blood pressure, and back problems.Gaining too little weight during your pregnancy makes it hard for your baby to grow.If you gain too much weight, you are more likely to have a longer labor and more difficult delivery. Extra body fat will make it harder for you to return to a normal weight after you have your baby. If you feel you are gaining too much weight during your doctor or a nutritionist.
TIPS:
Eat small frequent meals during the day.
Start with a healthy breakfast.
Drink water all day to keep from dehydrating.
Eat high fiber foods.
Have healthy snacks on hand. (fruits, veggies, and nuts)
Avoid spicy foods.
Drink in between meals instead of with your meal.
Get exercise every day, even if walking.