Eating the right type of foods will also help the fetus grow properly and it reduces the risk of prematurity and low birth weight. Mothers need to have a nutritious lifestyle as it will help their bodies cope easier with pregnancy. Eating right will help you with labor, healing, and it can prevent infection and anemia.

If you are a vegetarian, you need to talk to your doctor about getting the right nutrition for your baby. Some women focus too much on consuming vegetables that they are unable to consume the amino acids their baby needs that are found in meats and dairy products. Eating a good variety of wholesome foods is the best way to help your baby grow properly and to help your body stay healthy. Always drink plenty of water in order to help your body stay healthy. Your new baby needs plenty of protein, calcium, iron, and folic acid to grow properly and to prevent many common birth defects. Take a daily prenatal vitamin to help your baby grow healthy and strong and to keep your body strong.

Here are the recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration for women that are currently pregnant. These diet recommendations will allow the baby to grow properly and they can help your body recover quickly after giving birth:

• Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pastas. You need to consume between 9-11 servings each day. Your body needs the carbohydrates for energy and the whole grains contain folic acid and iron. Some of the best foods in this category include whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.


• Vegetables. It is important to consume at least 5 servings of vegetables each day. Dark green vegetables are packed full of important vitamins and minerals that help the baby grow properly. Vegetables also contain iron, folic acid, and magnesium. All of these nutrients allow the baby to grow properly and to stay healthy. Broccoli, asparagus, beans, vegetable juice, and raw carrots are great foods to consume if you are pregnant.


• Fruit. A pregnant mother should try to include about 4 servings of fruit in her diet. Fruit is packed full with Vitamins, fiber, and potassium. Fresh fruits and 100% juice drinks have a lot of nutritional value especially compared to frozen juice drinks and soda. Look for a variety of different fruits to help you and your baby stay healthy and strong. Melons, oranges, bananas, apples, and berries are wonderful fruits to eat during pregnancy.


• Dairy. You also need to consume dairy foods during pregnancy as they are loaded with calcium which helps your bones and your child's bones. Try to get in about 3 servings of dairy products each day. Dairy has protein and phosphorus in addition to calcium, both of which improve and strengthen your muscles and bones. Milk, yogurt, and small amounts of cheese are great dairy products to consume.


• Meat. This is another category that you need to eat at least 3 times a day. Your baby needs meat because it contains protein, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. The nutrients you get from the meet are not found in most other food products which is why you need to try and eat them even if you don't like meat. Look for low-fat meat like poultry and fish. Eggs, peanut butter, and cooked beans also have the same nutrients you need in order to help your baby grow properly.


• Fats, Oils and sweets should be used sparingly. Don't drink soda or eat candy and processed foods, they are full of empty calories and carry no nutritional value. Most of the fat you and your baby need are found in the foods you already consume on a daily basis.