Eating right during your pregnancy is important, not only for the health of your unborn
baby, but for your own health as well. If you are making plans for adoption, doing all you
can to ensure your baby's health is essential. To give your baby the best start in life, you
should begin eating right as soon as you discover you are pregnant.

Keep in mind that your body will need a higher level of vitamins while you are pregnant.
Your doctor may prescribe a prenatal vitamin supplement that has larger amounts of
calcium and iron. To ensure you and your baby are getting the best nutrition, remember
to eat fortified foods that are high in calcium and other vitamins. Many cereals and
orange juices are fortified with vitamins and should be part of your healthy diet.

Folic acid is another essential supplement necessary for the optimal health of your
baby. You should begin taking folic acid as soon as you discover you are pregnant, and
continue taking the supplement through the first weeks of your pregnancy. Folic acid is
known to aid in preventing birth defects of the spine and brain.

Natural sources of folic acid include orange juice, beans, peanuts, green leafy
vegetables, peas, enriched grain products, broccoli and asparagus. Folic acid is just one
of the many healthy benefits of adding these foods to your diet. Your medical
professional will provide you with additional information on the benefits of folic acid
during pregnancy.

Your doctor may put you on a special diet for various reasons. If you are allowed an
ordinary "pregnancy" diet, the specific nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy for
you and your baby are included in the following daily diet:

6 to 11 servings of grains
3 to 5 servings of vegetables
2 to 4 servings of fruits
4 to 6 servings of milk and milk products
3 to 4 servings of meat and protein foods
6 to 8 glasses of water, fruit juice, or milk
Limited servings of fatty foods and sweets

To keep your health at its best and to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, work
at limiting the amount of sugar and sweets in your diet. This would include soft drinks or
other foods which are high in calories and low on nutrition. Moderation is the key. If you
find you are craving something sweet, choose fresh fruit or other nutritious alternatives
over empty-calorie snack foods.

Eating right will be good for your baby and for you, too. Not only will a healthy diet be
best for your baby, but it will also reduce your risk for gestational diabetes and excess
weight gain. Losing those extra pounds is much easier the fewer you have to lose.

Wearing a good supportive bra and exercising daily are two areas most women find
helpful in staying fit and healthy, both inside and out.

Drinking plenty of water and getting the sleep you need will help your hormones stay
balanced and your emotions remain stable.

Consult with your health care provider before trying any new medications or herbal
supplements which your doctor has not prescribed for you. Some substances can be
harmful to you or your baby. So, always ask first. And remember, smoking cigarettes or
pot is very harmful to you and your baby. If you find you are struggling with harmful use
or abuse of any substance, seek help. This could be a good time for you to move closer
to a healthy lifestyle.

If you are eligible for WIC (a government nutrition program for women, infants and
children), you will receive some helpful information from the program's staff about
nutritious foods available for you during your pregnancy.

Many times adoptive parents are allowed to help out with your expenses, including food,
during your pregnancy. Just ask your adoption professional about options and available
help.

Your medical professional and their staff can give you suggestions that can help you
stay fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Remember to always ask for any help you may need. Your and your baby's good health
will be important to your adoption plan.

For more help about adoption or referral to a medical provider in your area, visit Lifetime Adoption or call the adoption
answer line at 1 800 923-6784.