Nutrition & Pregnancy

Good sources of protein include tofu, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, red meat, chicken, turkey, fish, pork, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt. Aim to alternate and include a variety of these protein sources at every meal and snack. Try a parfait with... Full Answer

Beyond avoiding alcohol, caffeine, fish, and soft cheeses, many women allow themselves some extra indulgences during pregnancy. New research from the Oregon National Primate Research Center, presented at the Society for Neuroscience annual... Full Answer

During pregnancy, we need more protein, iron, and calcium, and larger amounts of some vitamins. Often you can get these nutrients from eating a well-balanced diet, but taking a vitamin supplement may be helpful. Full Answer

Herbal medications can treat pregnancy discomforts such as nausea and vomiting which is known as morning sickness.  Nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness usually starts about 6 weeks into the pregnancy, and resolves in approximately... Full Answer

A primary fat in the developing and infant brain is docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, which must come from the pregnant or nursing mother’s diet. Watch the animation to learn more about DHA and brain development. Full Answer

Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is a primary fat in the developing and infant brain. Although breast milk contains significant amounts, levels depend on the mother’s diet. Watch the animation to learn more about DHA and breastfeeding. Full Answer

Here’s a list of some healthy, eco-friendly seafood options that are high in omega-3 fats and low in contaminants like mercury: Farmed abalone, farmed catfish, farmed caviar, farmed clams, Blue crab, Dungeness crab, Snow crab, Stone crab,... Full Answer

A developing baby in the womb develops the sense of taste early on. By 15 to 17 weeks, the amniotic fluid can reek of curry, cumin, garlic, onion, or other strong tastes from a mom's diet. The taste of that fluid changes depending on what you're eating -... Full Answer

Some Americans, including a fair number of women of childbearing age, don't get enough of folic acid. That's worrisome because insufficient levels just before and during the early stages of pregnancy increase the risk of having a baby with a neural tube... Full Answer

There are certain additional (supplemental) nutrition needs during pregnancy. Pregnant women need extra iron and folic acid, and these are often prescribed by the health care provider in pill or liquid form as supplements. Sometimes a prenatal... Full Answer