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Nutrition and Weight Management |
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Late -
Pregnancy
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Nutrition and Weight Management The fetus growing inside you has many nutritional needs you must fulfill through the foods you choose. A pregnant woman who eats a healthful diet during pregnancy is much more likely to give birth to a healthy baby. Eating well reduces the risk of complications and limits some pregnancy side effects.
You can meet most nutritional needs by eating a well-balanced, varied diet. The quality of your calories is extremely important-if a food grows in the ground or on trees, it's better for you nutritionally than if it comes from a can or a box.
You may have heard the adage "a pregnant woman is eating for two." Many women take this to mean they can eat twice as much. Not true! The saying really means that you must be concerned about getting the best nutrition for yourself and for your growing baby.
Some women have the false idea they can eat all they want during pregnancy. Don't fall into this trap. Don't gain more weight than your doctor recommends during your pregnancy-it can make you uncomfortable and it may be harder to lose the extra pounds after your baby is born.
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