Once the excitement of being pregnant subsides, lots of questions come up.Eating the right foods is more important than ever now that you are pregnant.Eating the right foods will help you avoid pregnancy complications.  Learning what to eat during pregnancy has never been easier than it is now.  

First, remember that once you hit the second trimester, good nutrition during pregnancy requires that you eat about 300 more calories a day.  Calories provide you with the extra energy that  your body needs to grow your baby.You need extra calories, but that doesn’t mean hijacking the donut truck.This is only 300 calories.There are about 100 calories in a glass of milk or one banana, and about 200 calories in a slice of whole wheat bread, and ounce of cheese and a half cup of grapes.If you eat this way, you will find that the amount of food you eat is actually more than if you just gave in and had that donut with sprinkles you have your eye on. 

At least 3 servings of protein daily are required to give your baby what she needs to grow strong.Protein will supply important building blocks for your baby.  Protein is very easy to come by and your options are endless.Try something like 3 glasses of milk, 2 cups of yogurt and 3 ounces of cheese.

In addition, you will need at least four servings of calcium daily.Not only will the calcium help your baby’s bones to grow, it will also protect your own.  Milk is the best way to get your fill of calcium, but you can also get your fill of calcium from cheeses,  yogurt and even ice cream. 

Aim for at least three servings of vitamin C.  Your body does not store vitamin C so you need a fresh supply of it every day.There are lots of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C.  You also want to make sure you get three to four servings of green leafy and  yellow vegetables and fruits.An added benefit is that these fruits and most vegetables will give you vitamin C. 

Try to eat at least one or two servings of other fruits and vegetable too, as they will supply you with other nutrients and much needed fiber.You might consider bananas, apples and onions for foods in this category.   Eat six or more servings of whole grains and legumes.These foods not only give you lots of important vitamins, like E and B, they also help you avoid constipation, a common complaint among pregnant women.   Try eating brown rice, whole wheat breads and even air popped corn to get  your servings of whole grains and legumes in. 

No doubt, one of the most important nutrients you need when you are pregnant is iron.  Your body’s demand for iron will never be greater than it is while you are pregnant.It is important not to ignore this.Not enough iron can cause anemia, so be sure you are getting enough.Your doctor can prescribe an iron supplement if you feel you are not getting enough in your diet. 

A fit pregnancy gives your baby the best chance for healthy development.  And while it is always a good idea to eat well every day, when you are pregnant it is essential that you eat well every day.