| ~ Pregnant HOMEPAGE ~ Pregnant FITNESS ~ Pregnant NUTRITION ~ | ||||||||||
| Pregnant Questions & Answers | ||||||||||
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Q: Is
tuna safe to eat?
Kelly B.
A: Eating a variety of fish during pregnancy offers preventive health benefits and can promote a higher and healthier birth weight. However, some fish, such as tuna, can have high levels of contaminants that can cross the placenta and be harmful to your baby if consumed in large amounts. Eat about 1-2 (6 ounce) cans of tuna per week. Limit albacore tuna and tuna steak to one serving per month. Q: I don't want to give up my caffeine! So, how much caffeine can I drink? Bethany K. A:Research is inconclusive on the harmful effects of caffeine on a developing fetus. It is known, however, that caffeine passes quickly through the placenta to the baby. The FDA and most health organizations recommend that you don't drink or eat foods with caffeine while pregnant, or at least limit your intake to 300 mg per day (2-3 servings). There are about 65-135 mg of caffeine in brewed coffee. Remember, caffeine is also found in tea, sodas, and chocolate. Q: Is highlighting my hair dangerous to my baby? Kim B. A:The effects of chemicals in hair dyes on a developing fetus are unknown. Some doctors recommend that women should avoid any kind of hair dyes while pregnant, or at least minimize use, especially during the first trimester. Highlighting or streaking your hair involves less scalp contact with dye, so it might be safer. Always use latex gloves and don't leave dye on longer than necessary. This will minimize skin contact and the level of absorption. If you do dye your hair, consider vegetable-based products like henna. Q: I like to drink a glass of wine every night and want to know if I can continue during my pregnancy? Kristin W. A:When you drink alcohol your baby is drinking it too. Therefore, you should avoid all forms of alcohol when you are pregnant. This includes beer, wine and hard liquor. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it quickly reaches the baby through the blood stream. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may result in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, lower birth weight, physical deformities, mental retardation, and motor development complications. There is no data to support a safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Therefore, medical experts recommend avoiding alcohol completely during your pregnancy. Q:
What should I
weigh when I'm pregnant?
Nancy L.
A:Being
overweight, underweight, or a desired weight at the beginning of your
pregnancy affects your recommended weight gain. Ideally you want to aim
for a BMI (body mass index) between 20 and 25. Your BMI is determined
by taking your weight (kg) and dividing it by your height (m2) to get
your BMI number. Calculate your BMI using your weight before you were
pregnant.
Generally, little weight is gained during the first trimester (3 or 4 lbs.). The most weight (about 12 to 14 lbs.) is gained during the second trimester. In the third trimester, a woman should expect to gain about 8 to 10 lbs. |
