5.16.2013

When Eating for Two

I AM NOT PREGNANT.

I have to make that clear from the beginning so no one will ask me just by reading the title. =) Mother's Day fever is still in the air and there is so much to share and be thankful for.  I'm sure my new mom friends out there enjoyed their first celebration.  I also know a few expectant moms who can't wait to pop and embrace motherhood.  

One thing I really enjoyed about being pregnant is eating - eating a lot.  Eating whatever I feel like it.  Eating for me and for the baby.  Yes, I was literally eating for two, sometimes for three! Heeheeh...

This was my preggy self during my first time... I look dreadful! I think I was almost 8 months here.  I got all the pimples in the world, bloated from face to toes in my last trimester, gained over 50 pounds, and feeling itchy all over.  It did not help that my mother keeps saying I'll be having a boy (kasi pag pangit ka magbuntis, lalaki ang anak). 

The second time around was a breeze, and I felt and looked waaaay better (I had a girl)!  This was a few weeks before I gave birth.

Despite having no control of what I was eating then, I made sure I ate what I needed to eat, and avoided what I had to.  Experts say, "What you eat and drink is the main source of nourishment for your child.  You’ll need about 300 extra calories per day, especially in the latter stages when your child grows quickly."

If you are expecting, make sure to include the following in your diet:
  • Protein and Iron : lean meat and chicken, fish, eggs, and beans/lentils
  • Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 : fruits and vegetables, can be fresh, frozen, driedm or a glass of juice
  • Starchy foods : bread, pasta, rice and potatoes
  • Fibre : wholegrain breads, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation
  • Dairy : milk (like Anmum Materna), cheese, yoghurt, which contain calcium
  • Foods high in folate : green vegetables, brown rice, fortified bread and breakfast cereals
  • Other minerals like : Calcium, Iodine, Zinc and Selenium
I also learned from a nutritionist that pregnant women require these specific nutrients to meet the needs of the growing fetus, and help build reserves to prepare the mother for delivery and lactation.

What food to avoid when preggy:
  • Raw meat, eggs, and seafoods - risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, salmonella, and other bacteria
  • Fish with mercury - swordfish, king mackerel, shark, tuna (canned tuna should be eaten in moderation) - high levels of mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage
  • Soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk - may contain bacteria called Listeria which can infect baby and cause blood poisoning
  • Caffeine - this is a diuretic and can result in water and calcium loss; avoid especially during first trimester to reduce chances of miscarriage; take in moderation, limit to less than 200mg per day during pregnancy
  • Alcohol - can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders

In both my pregnancies,  I was craving for pizza, pasta, and steak.  I remember drinking more water than usual, and and having my nightly glass of cold Anmum chocolate milk.  I get hungry every night, so instead of eating before bedtime, I just drink my milk.  My OB was happy with my diet since I did not experience any pregnancy-related health issues like gestational diabetes, constipation, and U.T.I.  I just went overboard with the calories during my first pregnancy! =)

The average weight gain per trimester is 10 pounds, for a total of 30 pounds for the full term. Obviously, I went over the first time.  And with my second, I think I gained a modest 35 pounds, just right for my height and built.  This post is dedicated to my cousin and friends who are waiting for the stork to arrive.  Take care and eat well!

If you are eating for two, remember the "what and what not to eat" lists above, and enjoy the journey!
Learn from other moms and soon-to-be-moms, join Anmum Mommy Circle on Facebook and share your questions and experiences.
Follow @AnmumPH on Twitter for news and updates
Take the Folate Test here.

Anmum Materna is high in Folate, which is important to maintain the growth and development of the foetus. Delicious tasting Anmum Materna also contains Folic Acid, GA, EFA, FOS, Calcium, Iron & other essential nutrients. Just two glasses of Anmum Materna a day can give you 100% of your daily folic acid and 50% of your iron needs.

References:
Talks on Wellness and Nutrition
Food to Avoid during Pregnancy
Eat Well When You're Pregnant

Note:
Top image from Anmum.com.ph

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