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WIC - Prenancy and Prenatal FAQ's |
Prenatal (Before Birth) Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat during my pregnancy?
Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. They do not have to be fresh - canned and frozen can be just as nutritious. Drink at least 6 - 8 cups of water every day. Avoid 'empty' foods that have little or no nutritional value, such as soda pop and candy. Limit fatty foods and sweets such as doughnuts, potato chips and cookies. They don't give your baby enough of what he or she needs to grow.
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
Many women who carefully watch their weight are concerned about gaining too much weight during pregnancy. At this time, the most important thing is to gain enough to support the healthy development of your baby. If you are at your ideal weight when you got pregnant, you should gain about 25 - 35 pounds during your pregnancy. If you were underweight, a 28 - 40 pound gain is recommended. If you are overweight, don't diet during pregnancy. Instead, improve the nutritional quality of the foods you eat. Consult your doctor about weight gain. Your doctor may advise gaining only 15 - 25 pounds.
You will lose about 12 - 14 pounds within a week after your baby is born. The rest of the weight gain will be lost gradually. Breastfeeding helps you to lose the extra weight and get back in shape faster after delivery.
How much weight should I gain each month?
By the end of the first 3 months, expect to gain a total of 2 - 4 pounds. In the following months, about 1 pound a week is normal. Underweight women should gain a little more.
What should I do if I am gaining too much weight?
Try lower fat types of some foods, such as skim milk, nonfat yogurt, and reduced fat cheese. Cut down of foods high in calories and low in nutrients, such as soda, candy, cake, pastries and other rich desserts. Broil, bake, grill or stir-fry foods instead of frying them. Talk to your doctor about doing more physical activity to burn calories.
Is caffeine OK during pregnancy?
It is best to eliminate, or at least cut way down on caffeine during pregnancy. Just one and a half cups of coffee a day increases the risk of miscarriage. Caffeine also interferes with the absorption of iron and may cause anemia. Soda pop, tea and chocolate also contain caffeine.
Is it OK to drink alcohol?
No. Don't drink any alcohol at all during pregnancy. It can be very harmful to your baby. And don't smoke or use street drugs. They are very harmful to both you and your baby.
Do I need to take vitamins?
Eating nutritious foods are the best way for you and your baby to get needed nutrients. In addition, your doctor may prescribe a vitamin and mineral supplement. You need 400 micrograms of folic acid per day to prevent some types of birth defects. The best way to get folic acid is to eat healthy foods like: leafy greens, orange juice and fortified low-sugar breakfast cereals, and take a multivitamin supplement with folic acid every day.
I am a vegetarian. What should I eat?
You can get the protein you need from foods such as dairy products, eggs, tofu, peanut butter, and dried beans, but you and your doctor should carefully monitor your iron level. WIC can test your iron level too. If you are a vegan and do not eat any animal products at all, you need additional supplements including vitamin B-12. Talk to your doctor and your WIC nutritionist.
I know I should drink milk, but I have lactose intolerance. What should I do?
Calcium is found in other foods besides milk. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach have calcium. Tofu and canned sardines or other canned fish with soft edible bones are good sources of calcium. You may find that you can tolerate yogurt, cheese, and you can add milk to cooked foods such as condensed creamed soups. Try adding dry milk powder to casseroles, meatloaf or hamburger patties. Talk to your WIC staff. They may be able to provide you with lactose free milk.
IInformation in this section is partly based on recommendations from the American Dietetic Association and the March of Dimes.
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