Risks of being underweight during pregnancy
Paying attention to what you eat and how much you eat is very important during your pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your baby grows in your uterus and depends on you for nutrients and what you provide him or her. So, eating right and maintaining a good diet before, during and after pregnancy is very essential if you want a strong and a healthy baby.
Most women are worried about the cravings and all the weight that you gain during pregnancy. But if you want a healthy baby, you must gain weight no matter what, especially if you're underweight and even if you're overweight. Most women who are pregnant and underweight are advised to gain between 25 and 40 pounds while overweight women are recommended to gain around 15 pounds. However, these numbers are only for those women expecting one baby. Women who are expecting multiple babies are expected to gain more weight.
If you are pregnant and underweight, you might put your baby at risk for serious birth defects. There is also a chance for premature birth if you are underweight. So, eat right and pack on a few pounds. According to the American Dietetic Association, if your diet does not amount to at least 400 micrograms of folic acid, then your baby will increase its chances of being born with Spina Bifida, a neural tube defect. Therefore, you must get at least 600 to 800 micrograms of folic acid as well eat lots of beans, legumes, spinach, asparagus and orange juice to boost your folic acid. Other foods rich in folic acid include breads and breakfast cereals.
If you don't know how to stick to a healthy diet, talk to a registered dietician and come up with a meal plan. The meal plan will provide you a list of foods rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for your developing baby. So, stick to the plan and improve your eating habits. By eating right, you will not only decrease the risks of serious birth defects but also give your baby a bright future to look forward to when he or she is born.
If you want to learn more easy ways to put on weight and get more calories, follow these steps.
- Eat breakfast daily. Add some peanut butter or cheese to your toast and increase your protein intake.
- Add avocado, nuts and seeds to salads during lunch and increase your protein and fat intake.
- Eat snacks between meals.
- Eat Yogurt, dried fruits, fruit smoothies etc.
- Eat fresh fruit such as grapefruit, papaya, orange, and apricot that are high in Vitamin C or beta carotene.
- Avoid drinking sodas.
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