An article by Dr Phil.
Pregnant women crave pickles and ice cream.
False. Not all women crave pickles and ice cream, but food cravings such
as these are based on fact. In general, food cravings can be very helpful
in telling you what your body needs.
Explanation:
Women who crave pickles are really craving salt and may be mineral deficient,
and specifically sodium deficient. Additional minerals are particularly important
in pregnancy when women's bodies increase blood volume by up to 20 percent,
so the existing minerals are diluted.
Many women crave junk foods such as ice cream during pregnancy because junk
food is associated with comfort. Sugars found in sweet foods, as well as in breads,
pasta and rice cause the body to produce serotonin, which makes women feel good.
Pregnant women must eat for two; they must gain 25 pounds / 11.34 kg.
False. North Americans already eat for two prior to pregnancy! (this is not what I say)
Explanation:
Thirty years ago, the average size of babies was 6 pounds / 2.73 kg. Today the average
size is 8 pounds / 3.64 kg. There are many reasons for this, but one reason is over-eating,
particularly unfavourable carbohydrates (breads, pastas, rice), and not getting
enough vegetables, protein and healthy fats.......or exercise.
As long as a pregnant woman eats properly — and as long as her doctor is not concerned —
there is no set formula for how much she must gain. Generally, in the last
trimester, the baby gains half a pound or, 23 grams a week. So, as a general rule, if, during this time,
if the pregnant woman is not gaining a bit more than that, her doctor may be concerned and
her diet should be re-evaluated.
Pregnant women shouldn't eat fish.
False. Although women are told not to eat fish due to mercury levels and fears of food
poisoning, (a) women can choose fresh fish with low mercury levels and (b) fish oil has
many benefits to the baby. After all, women in Japan don't stop eating sushi or sashimi!
Explanation:
Mercury and food poisoning are significant concerns. Women are individuals and
every pregnancy is unique. Small white fish have lower mercury levels because
they have been living in the ocean for a shorter period of time.
Moreover, fish oil contains helpful Omega 3 fats, which actually
enhance the development of the baby's brain,
improve the baby's IQ,
make the baby a better sleeper after birth,
prevent premature contractions and premature labour,
prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy, and act as an anti-inflammatory that prevent infection.
If a pregnant woman is uncomfortable eating fish, she can visit
her local health food store for fish oil supplements.
See what Michelle has to say too.
Pregnant women crave pickles and ice cream.
False. Not all women crave pickles and ice cream, but food cravings such
as these are based on fact. In general, food cravings can be very helpful
in telling you what your body needs.
Explanation:
Women who crave pickles are really craving salt and may be mineral deficient,
and specifically sodium deficient. Additional minerals are particularly important
in pregnancy when women's bodies increase blood volume by up to 20 percent,
so the existing minerals are diluted.
Many women crave junk foods such as ice cream during pregnancy because junk
food is associated with comfort. Sugars found in sweet foods, as well as in breads,
pasta and rice cause the body to produce serotonin, which makes women feel good.
Pregnant women must eat for two; they must gain 25 pounds / 11.34 kg.
False. North Americans already eat for two prior to pregnancy! (this is not what I say)
Explanation:
Thirty years ago, the average size of babies was 6 pounds / 2.73 kg. Today the average
size is 8 pounds / 3.64 kg. There are many reasons for this, but one reason is over-eating,
particularly unfavourable carbohydrates (breads, pastas, rice), and not getting
enough vegetables, protein and healthy fats.......or exercise.
As long as a pregnant woman eats properly — and as long as her doctor is not concerned —
there is no set formula for how much she must gain. Generally, in the last
trimester, the baby gains half a pound or, 23 grams a week. So, as a general rule, if, during this time,
if the pregnant woman is not gaining a bit more than that, her doctor may be concerned and
her diet should be re-evaluated.
Pregnant women shouldn't eat fish.
False. Although women are told not to eat fish due to mercury levels and fears of food
poisoning, (a) women can choose fresh fish with low mercury levels and (b) fish oil has
many benefits to the baby. After all, women in Japan don't stop eating sushi or sashimi!
Explanation:
Mercury and food poisoning are significant concerns. Women are individuals and
every pregnancy is unique. Small white fish have lower mercury levels because
they have been living in the ocean for a shorter period of time.
Moreover, fish oil contains helpful Omega 3 fats, which actually
enhance the development of the baby's brain,
improve the baby's IQ,
make the baby a better sleeper after birth,
prevent premature contractions and premature labour,
prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy, and act as an anti-inflammatory that prevent infection.
If a pregnant woman is uncomfortable eating fish, she can visit
her local health food store for fish oil supplements.
See what Michelle has to say too.