It is important for women to eat a balanced diet during pregnancy to avoid preeclampsia. Most women eat the Standard American Diet (SAD) and end up with problems during the latter part of their pregnancies. Good nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy. As a birth Douala, I see many mothers who come up against induction because of preeclampsia. This can be avoided with a healthy diet.
You should consume up to 100 grams of protein per day. Some good sources of protein include boiled eggs, nut butters, nitrite-free deli meat, and liver. You should also consume three servings of healthy fats per day, along with an omega-3 fish oil supplement. Good sources of healthy fats include avocado, 1 Tbsp. of nut butter, or 1 Tbsp. of real butter (not margarine!). You can also consume unlimited amounts of salt, such as soy sauce, Celtic sea salt, and kelp powder. These can be easy to add to smoothies, pasta, etc. Lastly, you should consume two servings of dark, leafy vegetables.
Eating well is important during pregnancy and the child-bearing years. I attribute the 8- and 9-pound birth weights of my babies (as well as my healthy 40-pound weight gain on my 53″ frame) not to luck, but to the diet and self-care I took while pregnant. This diet is also extremely important postpartum, as you need the same support while breastfeeding your baby.
