Should A Prenatal Diet Be The New Norm?

Knowing that diet is crucial to the development of a healthy fetus, expectant mothers go to great lengths to avoid alcohol, caffeine and sushi. It wouldn’t be unusual for one to call a restaurant before visiting to ensure they serve pasteurized dairy or to request meat to be cooked well-done upon ordering. Depending on dietary practices beforehand, these restrictions may seem like a hindrance. Yet, because the benefits outweigh the cost, mothers endure this lifestyle full-term. That’s great - but if cutting back on certain substances has proven beneficial time and time again, why not follow these guidelines year-round? More specifically, why isn’t the general population encouraged to follow suit? If Americans all followed the same dietary guidelines, the US might be in a healthier state.

Consider the household staples below that mothers are encouraged to eliminate or avoid and you will notice a few commonalities: artificial ingredients, preservatives, chemicals and foods containing harmful bacteria. This should come as no surprise considering these items are known to cause weight gain, lethargy and contribute to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes – not ideal for mother or child. Rather than advising only a small percentage of people to be more conscientious of diet, it makes sense to urge everyone to follow these same dietary guidelines.

Food and ingredients to avoid while pregnant:

·       Alcohol

·       BPA (chemicals)

·       Caffeine & energy drinks

·       High-Mercury fish

·       Lead

·       Processed foods

·       Refined sugars

·       Under-cooked and processed meat

·       Unpasteurized dairy and juice

Americans rely heavily on caffeine and processed foods and consume alcohol in abundance. Ask yourself: is it necessary to drink more than 2 cups of coffee a day? Getting adequate sleep every night has been known to combat tiredness yet people turn to coffee and energy drinks instead. Along with the above restrictions, excess food consumption and weight gain is also condemned as it threatens the lives of mother and child. Although strict, these dietary guidelines weren’t created as punishment. They serve as precautions to decrease the risk of a miscarriage, birth defects and developmental defects such as fetal alcohol syndrome, or going into an early labor.

It doesn’t stop there. Along with having restricted diets, taking over-the-counter drugs will warrant a slap on the wrist. The human body is an amazing thing; capable of self-healing when we provide ourselves with proper care. When off-balance, our bodies cry out for help in a variety of ways, both internally and externally. Luckily, most of these issues can be quickly and easily fixed without medication. Unfortunately, most people aren’t listening to the cues and are too impatient to try. Read more.

Foods encouraged to eat while pregnant:

·       Fresh fruits

·       Healthy fats (avocados, seeds, nuts, nut butter)

·       Lean meat

·       Legumes (beans and lentils)

·       Pasteurized dairy

·       Vegetables

·       Whole grains

The more variables you control during pregnancy, the better. In turn, expectant mothers are encouraged to consume a diet rich in whole foods. These foods create optimal health and vitality as they are naturally high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Women need roughly twice as much iron when they pregnant as it helps carry oxygen to the blood. This mineral can be found in a variety of foods such as leafy greens, potatoes, asparagus, beets, oats, yogurt, lentils, nuts and seeds. The more colorful the diet, the better.

Parents are invaluable mentors. When women change their diets during pregnancy, only to return to unhealthy eating habits after birth, their children miss out on crucial guidance. Even though society tells us processed food is the norm, we need to educate ourselves and make better choices each and every day.

Eating healthfully on a daily basis garners numerous benefits. If everyone were encouraged to follow the same dietary guidelines at which prenatal women must abide, mothers wouldn’t need to completely transform their diet post-fertilization, making for a smoother transition. The benefits of good health don’t stop after the birth of a child. By consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meat and whole grains, everyone would be able to sustain the life of a healthy being; their own.

-Mallory