Pregnancy Nutrition Dos and Don'ts

• If you are of normal weight when you get pregnant, you should gain between 25 and 35 pounds: no more than five to 10 pounds in the first 20 weeks, and about a pound per week for the remainder of your pregnancy.
• If you're overweight when you get pregnant, you should gain only between 15 and 25 pounds.
• If you're obese, you should gain 11 to 20 pounds.
• If you're underweight, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds.
• Your health care professional will help you determine your weight gain goals.

If you are overweight, try and lose some weight before you get pregnant. Women who are overweight have a higher risk of emergency cesarean, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and miscarriage. There also is a greater risk of delivery complications.

Now, onto what you eat.

First, make your diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Go light on the saturated fat (i.e., red meat and whole-milk dairy) and aim for as few processed foods as possible. Maintain this eating regimen throughout your pregnancy.

Here are some special considerations for the pregnant woman: