In this latest ARC Doc Talk video, Alessandra M. Taylor, MD, ARC Obstetrics/Gynecology (Ob/Gyn), talks about proper nutrition before and during pregnancy. Dr. Taylor touches on topics including prenatal vitamins, whether you need to "eat for two," and what a healthy diet should look like. She also addresses what to avoid eating during pregnancy, "There are a few things to avoid during pregnancy — anything raw, so no raw fish or meat. Absolutely no alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, including marijuana, as they can affect the development of the baby."
Watch the full video or read the transcript below to ensure a thriving start to your motherhood journey!
Transcript:
Hi, I'm Dr. Alessandra Taylor. I'm an Ob/Gyn at Austin Regional Clinic, and today we're going to be talking about nutrition in pregnancy.
Important supplements
Every woman planning to get pregnant should be on prenatal vitamins or at least folic acid because the biggest benefit is in the very first four weeks of pregnancy, before most women even know they're pregnant. So, we should be on it one month before conception. We should begin eating healthily even before you get pregnant, as early as possible.
Eat a healthy diet
Most women in the US get enough calories, but it's important that your calories are the good kind. As the baby is forming, they're going through such fast development that it's super important that you're eating the right kinds of foods for the baby's development and to prevent complications in pregnancy, such as diabetes, preeclampsia, pre-term labor, and things like that. The baby needs a variety, a balanced diet — proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. The less processed, the better, so the baby can get all the good nutrients needed for development.
Eat a balanced diet
If you look at a plate, divide it up — 50% fruits and vegetables (fresh), 25% proteins (avoid fried), and the other 25% whole grains (less processed). Most women do not need to eat for two; you're eating for one, and only 300 calories more a day. If you're ever worried about whether you're getting enough calories during pregnancy, please talk to your doctor. It's based on weight, so your pre-pregnancy weight is crucial for us to know how much you need to gain throughout the whole pregnancy. That's definitely a discussion you need to have with your doctor.
What to avoid
There are a few things to avoid during pregnancy — anything raw, so no raw fish or meat. Make sure everything's cooked thoroughly to kill any bacteria. Absolutely no alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, including marijuana, as they can affect the development of the baby. Regarding caffeine, it's a bit controversial, but if you already drank caffeine on a daily basis before pregnancy, you can still have a cup a day. Nutrition in pregnancy is crucial for both mom and baby. If you have any questions, please ask your Ob/Gyn or come see any of us at ARC. We'll be happy to help you with it.
Make an appointment today
Dr. Taylor has an ARC hospital-based delivery-only practice. Please see the list below for physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) she recommends to new patients wanting to transfer or establish care at ARC Center Street in Kyle.
- Hannah L. Chacon, MD
- Shao-Chun Rose Chang-Jackson, MD, FACOG
- Christopher S. Cowden, MD, MPH
- Gabriella G. Gloria, APRN, MSN, CNP
- Jonathan C. Saperstein, MD
- Candice R. Shipp, APRN, MSN, WHNP-BC, IBCLC