When you’ve got a bun in the oven, it’s important that you’re whipping up the healthiest foods whenever you’re in the kitchen. Whether you’re snacking throughout the day or eating a few extra meals, you need to make sure that you get all your essential nutrients when you’re eating for two.

If you’re having any weird food aversions or nausea, remember that this is totally normal, especially in the first few weeks of your pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll want plenty of healthy snacks to keep you and the baby nourished. Consider incorporating a few of the following foods into your daily diet for a healthy, happy pregnancy.

1. Leafy Greens 

You’ll need to eat plenty of leafy greens while you’re growing a little one. Kale, mixed greens, spinach, and even bok choy are packed with nutrients. A single salad will increase your daily intake of fiber, iron, magnesium, and calcium. And if salads aren’t your thing, you can add greens to smoothies and soups so that you don’t even need to taste them!

2. Whole Grains

Since whole grains are fortified with lots of nutrients, they’re one of the best snacks you can eat throughout your pregnancy. If you’re nauseous or having trouble keeping down your food, try snacking on whole wheat bread or dry, whole grain cereal to ease your upset stomach. Whole grains also ensure that you get enough folic acid for the day. 

3. Lean Protein 

Protein is also very important during pregnancy. It allows both you and the baby to build and repair muscle tissue. But that’s not all! Lean proteins will also aid in fighting off any lethargy while boosting cognitive development for your little one. And on the bright side, there’s a lot less saturated fat than other forms of protein.

4. Healthy Fats

Speaking of fats, remember that they’re not all bad. Healthy fats provide a source of fatty acids that the human body can’t create on its own. The healthy fats that you’ll find in nuts, olive oil, avocados, and peanut butter will support the baby’s brain and eye development.

5. What Makes You Happy

Let’s face it, nobody is eating salads all day when they’re pregnant. If you’re craving hot pickles and ice cream, go ahead and eat them! It’s important to be kind to yourself while your body is creating another life. That’s hard work, and you deserve to satisfy your cravings. While there are a few foods you should definitely avoid while you’re pregnant, it’s okay to indulge, because happy, healthy mommies make happy, healthy babies!

Have a Pleasant Pregnancy with OB2Me

Sticking to the best diet for you and baby can be difficult, but support is available whenever you need it. At 2Me Healthcare, we offer private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery care to support you with comfortable prenatal and postpartum care for both you and your family. We are also available to you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2Me provides multiple packages and services to best fit your needs and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Just contact our team today to see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference!

Carson

Carson Ragan, CNM is a Certified Nurse Midwife with more than 25 years of experience in Labor & Delivery, Neonatal ICU, and women’s healthcare. After becoming a mother at a young age and experiencing the birth of her premature second child, she was inspired to pursue nursing and ultimately midwifery.

She earned her nursing degree from Columbus State University and graduated as an RN in 1999. After years of experience as an L&D and NICU nurse, charge nurse, educator, and clinician, she earned her graduate degree from Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in 2010 and became a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Her personal experiences as both a mother and healthcare provider inspired her vision for a more personal, convenient approach to women’s healthcare. She created a concierge model designed to give women more time, individualized attention, and quality care in the comfort of their home or office.

Outside of work, Carson enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, volunteering with her daughter’s volleyball teams, traveling, and scuba diving.