Now that you’re expecting, you can expect your body to go through some serious changes. Proper nutrition can help your body adjust just right. In fact, nutrition plays a big role in a healthy, full-term pregnancy. Everything from diet to daily activities to sleep quality can impact your pregnancy. That’s why we put together these five things to help you become your healthiest during pregnancy.
Watch the sugar.
Studies show a relation between consuming sugar and poor infant health. That means, if you’re eating too many sugary foods during pregnancy, you could be putting you and your baby at risk. It can affect things like your baby’s memory and learning. That’s why it’s important to cut back right now. Now is a great time to trade in soda or juice for water and cut back on sugary snacks and candy.
Focus on a healthier diet.
It’s said “you are what you eat.” While it’s just an expression, it can apply even more to pregnancy. That’s because you’re now eating for two—you and baby. Everything you eat right now is helping your baby develop. That means both the good and bad things. So now is a great time to make sure you’re eating more good foods than bad ones. These include:
Replacing fatty, fried foods with healthier choices can positively impact your pregnancy and your baby’s growth. Nutritious foods can also help you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
- A variety of fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, oranges, apples, bell peppers, broccoli and more
- Whole grains such as whole-wheat bread and oatmeal
- Low-fat dairy like yogurt, milk and cheese
Foods high in protein like chicken, eggs, peas and beans
Drop bad habits like a bad habit.
Got a bad habit? Looking for a reason to give up things like cigarettes or alcohol? Good news. Pregnancy is the perfect excuse to break bad habits for good. That's because they can affect the health of your baby as much as they affect yours. Bad habits can be hard to break, but there are resources available to help you. Your health plan includes help quitting smoking and promoting healthier habits.
The State of Michigan offers a program to help you quit smoking with cash incentives. Learn more or call 1.800.QUIT.NOW.
Learn more about the negative effects of smoking.
Get started taking prenatal vitamins.
Taking prenatal vitamins is an easy way to support proper nutrition during your pregnancy. They offer a variety of important vitamins and nutrients. And they’re covered by your Priority Health insurance plan. All you need is a prescription from your health care provider to take advantage of this benefit. You can talk to your OB provider about which prenatal vitamin is right for you and get a prescription at your first prenatal visit.
Learn more about pre and post-natal visits.
Take advantage of nutritional resources.
While your health plan covers prenatal vitamins, there are other resources to take advantage of in maintaining nutritional health. If you’re on Medicaid, you qualify for assistance getting nutritional foods for you and your baby through the Women, Infants and Children program, known as WIC. WIC is a nutritional support program for mom and children that gives you benefits for healthy foods and support whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding.
When you enroll in WIC, you will:
- Talk to a health professional about good nutrition and healthy eating for you and your family.
- Receive an EBT card to purchase WIC approved foods.
- Make an in-person or online appointment every three months to continue receiving WIC foods and nutrition education.
- Find the closest WIC agency near you.