Four Reasons To Consult With A Prenatal Nutritionist

Posted on: 26 August 2020

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Taking care of your overall health and wellness is essential during pregnancy, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is an important part of that self-care. Consulting with a prenatal nutritionist can help ensure you follow a healthy diet during pregnancy, and it can also help minimize some dietary concerns you may face throughout each trimester. Here are just some of the many reasons to work with a prenatal nutritionist during your pregnancy.

Meal Planning Assistance

Properly planning your meals each week can help ensure you get the essential vitamins and minerals you and your baby need. It can also prevent you from making last-minute runs to local fast food restaurants to fulfill your cravings. Your nutritionist will work with you to determine which foods you love, and he or she can use those personal preferences to craft a meal plan that fits your needs. Having meal planning assistance is also great if you develop sensitivities to certain types of foods or flavors, as he or she can help you avoid food triggers that make you feel less than your best during pregnancy.

Morning Sickness Relief

Morning sickness can be a brief inconvenience for some women and a chronic condition for others during pregnancy. You may find that certain foods and smells trigger this condition, which can make it difficult to prepare meals that are nutritious and delicious. Your prenatal nutritionist can help you find the foods that minimize stomach upset during your pregnancy while still giving you and the baby the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy. Your prenatal nutritionist may even be able to recommend snacks to help counteract morning sickness.

Heartburn Relief

It is estimated that between 17 and 45 percent of pregnant women experience heartburn at some point. Heartburn can make it difficult to eat and sleep, so it's important to make sure you are eating foods that aren't as likely to trigger this condition. A nutritionist can provide you with guidance about which types of foods and drinks to avoid if heartburn is an issue. He or she can also help you plan menus to ensure you're still getting the best nourishment even as you avoid those potential triggers. For expectant moms who want to avoid taking any over-the-counter medications, a nutritionist can be a great partner in battling against heartburn and acid indigestion.

Gestational Diabetes Maintenance

During your prenatal visits, your obstetrician may order a glucose test to look for signs of gestational diabetes. If you have this condition, it's important that you follow a special diet to help protect your health and the health of the baby. Consulting a nutritionist at the beginning of your pregnancy can help you follow a diet that might prevent gestational diabetes, although it may still be possible for you to develop this condition even with the best possible diet. A prenatal nutritionist will also assess your current diet after a gestational diabetes diagnosis to make adjustments and craft a plan that provides you with the nutrients you need without complicating your condition.

Contact a prenatal care provider to learn more.