
o it’s all begun. You might not even know you are pregnant until you are a bit into the first trimester. At this time, it is important to manage your personal stress (this might include nervousness and fear, but not all stress is negative – some of it can be from excitement!), as well as the stress around eating. Start by repeatedly reminding yourself that quality is more important than quantity at this time. Rest assured that there is little you can do food-wise that can cause harm to the baby.
Your immediate thoughts may go to giving up habits such as coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and sodas. Try to focus on what you can have to make yourself feel better. For example:
In terms of nutrition, folic acid, biotin, choline, and DHA are important, so if you are having problems tolerating your prenatal vitamin, you may choose to take these nutrients by themselves. And talking about low tolerance for certain things, if you’re experiencing nausea, low appetite, fatigue, or bowel changes, try to eat smaller amounts of food more often. Don’t forget to keep hydrated. Aside from its myriad beneficial properties, water can help to avoid nausea, constipation, or thirst.
About The Author
Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian in private practice and on staff at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. She is also a member of The Cradle's Board of Advisors.
A graduate of Duke University and New York University, Ashley is always on top of current trends in medicine, health and wellness.
Integrative medicine gurus like Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Soram Singh Khalsa, and the doctors at the world-renown Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, all utilize her services with their patients.
Koff has shared her nutritional expertise on programs including CNN and Entertainment Tonight, as well as in magazines such as In Style, Shape, and Weight Watchers. She's been ranked by CitySearch as the Best of LA’s nutritionists/dietitians for the past 3 years.