3. Weight Gain…
1 to 4 pounds total
during the first 3
months (first
trimester)
2 to 4 pounds per
month during the 4th
to 9th months (second
and third trimesters)
9. Beneficial Nutrients
Folic Acid
○ reduces risk of birth defects (spina bifida)
○ found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, citrus
fruits, beans, fortified cereals
Iron
○ helps mom and baby’s blood carry oxygen
○ green leafy vegetables, red meat, beans
Calcium
○ fetus needs for bone growth
○ helps mom from losing bone density
○ found in Milk group
11. Avoid …
Smoking –low birth weight, stillbirth,
poor lung development, SIDS, 2nd
hand smoke is also dangerous
Medications – NO medications should
be taken (even over the counter)
unless approved by doctor
X-rays – Exposing fetus to radiation
can cause birth defects
Hot tubs/saunas – raises core
temperature of mom, could harm fetus
12. Foods to Avoid …
Some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels
of mercury. Too much mercury could damage your baby's
developing nervous system.
The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it's likely to
contain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourage pregnant
women to avoid:
Swordfish
Shark
King mackerel
Tilefish
Limit albacore tuna, chunk white tuna and tuna steak to no
more than 6 ounces, or 170 grams, a week
