Feeding the Baby Before Birth

by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., author of Feeding: The Brazelton Way

From the beginning of pregnancy, every mother-to-be has a chance at the thrill of feeling her unborn baby growing inside her and the satisfaction of knowing that she is doing everything she can to nourish the fetus right from the first. Of course, morning sickness can make this more difficult, especially during the first 3 months. Many pregnant women, though, find that dry crackers, flat soda, grapefruit juice, and other traditional remedies help. Often, the worst of the nausea subsides by the end of the first trimester.

In addition to eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, pregnant women will want to be sure to take the vitamins and minerals prescribed at their prenatal care visits. Women need more calories and more of certain vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, when they are eating for two. Folic acid, for example, will protect your baby from certain birth defects, but you'll need more than when you're not pregnant. Iron protects mother and fetus against iron deficiency anemia. Taking 50 percent more calcium than what women who are not pregnant need will keep your bones strong while your baby's bones are growing. Check with your doctor about your supplements, because too much iron, calcium, and certain vitamins can be harmful. At each prenatal care visit, your doctor or nurse—midwife will help you be sure that your diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, and weight gain are the best they can be for your baby-to-be's healthy development inside of you.

It is important to avoid alcohol and tobacco, as well as exposure to high levels of lead, during pregnancy. Alcohol, tobacco, and lead can damage the unborn baby's developing brain. Tobacco also interferes with the transfer of food through the placenta from mother to fetus, increasing the risk of low birth weight. If you need help to stop smoking or drinking alcohol, be sure to ask your doctor. You deserve help, not judgment, especially at this important time.