1. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures
2. Slideshow of Early Pregnancy Symptoms
3. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Quiz

In this Article

• Eating right when pregnant introduction
• Goals for healthy eating when pregnant
• Foods to avoid when pregnant
• What to eat when pregnant and don't feel well
• Can I diet while pregnant?
• Can I eat a "low carb" diet when pregnant?
• Can I maintain my vegetarian diet when pregnant?
• Why do I need more calcium when pregnant?
• How can I get enough calcium if I'm lactose intolerant?
• Should I take a calcium supplement during pregnancy?
• Why do I need more iron during pregnancy?
• What are good sources of iron?
• Should I take an iron supplement during pregnancy?
• Food cravings during pregnancy
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Pregnancy: Your Guide to Eating Right Index

During pregnancy you may have morning sickness, diarrhea, or constipation. You may find it hard to keep foods down, or you may feel too sick to even eat at all. Here are some suggestions:

• Morning Sickness: Eat crackers, cereal, or pretzels before getting out of bed; eat small, frequent meals throughout the day; avoid fatty, fried, and greasy foods.
• Constipation: Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Also drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
• Diarrhea: Eat more foods that contain pectin and gums (two types of dietary fiber) to help absorb excess water. Examples of these foods are applesauce, bananas, white rice, oatmeal, and refined wheat bread.
• Heartburn: Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day; try drinking milk before eating; and limit caffeinated foods and beverages, citric beverages, and spicy foods.

No. Do not diet or try to lose weight during pregnancy -- both you and your baby need the proper nutrients in order to be healthy. Keep in mind that you will lose some weight the first week your baby is born.

Low carbohydrate diets, such as Atkins and the South Beach Diet, are very popular. There have been no studies of the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on pregnancy, so its effect on the fetus, if any, are unknown. While you are pregnant, you should eat a balanced diet from all of the food groups.

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