Pregnancy During a Crisis

During times of disaster, there often seems to be an increase in pregnancies. Newborn photographer Cassie Clayshulte noticed this trend during Hurricane Matthew in South Carolina. She gathered eight mothers, each eight months pregnant, who conceived during the hurricane for a special maternity photo shoot. Pregnancy brings challenges, even on a good day; it’s often marked by morning sickness, swollen feet, and sleepless nights. Imagine navigating this journey while your home is underwater!

Nutrition Essentials During Pregnancy

It’s crucial to nourish your body during pregnancy as everything you consume impacts your baby’s health through the placenta and umbilical cord. Here are essential calorie needs and nutrients by trimester:

• First Trimester: 100 extra calories per day
• Second Trimester: 300 extra calories per day
• Third Trimester: 500 extra calories per day

During a crisis, accessing nutritious food may be difficult, so prioritize quality over quantity. Key nutrients like folic acid and iron are essential for your baby’s development and are commonly found in prenatal vitamins, which should be stocked up for 18-21 months if possible.

Folic Acid: Found in leafy greens (like spinach) and citrus fruits (like oranges), folic acid is vital to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Iron: Iron helps fight anemia, a condition that affects about 50% of pregnant women. Iron-rich foods include chicken, beef, spinach, and broccoli.

Do’s and Don’ts During Pregnancy

Do:

• Stay active, but avoid heavy lifting as it may induce labor
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly
• Consume dairy for protein and calcium
• Eat fiber-rich foods like peas, beans, and peanuts
• Incorporate fresh fruits and dark leafy greens
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water
• Enjoy dried fruits for a natural source of vitamins and minerals
• Choose whole grains for added fiber and vitamins

Don’t:

• Avoid excessive tuna due to mercury levels
• Stay away from raw seafood and unpasteurized dairy
• Absolutely no alcohol
• Limit soft cheeses like brie
• Consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day (about 1 cup of coffee)
• Warm cold deli meats before consuming
• Limit liver intake to 1-2 times per month
• Avoid raw or runny eggs and uncooked dough
• Do not use cod liver oil, as it may induce labor

Essentials for Expectant Mothers

• Prenatal vitamins with folic acid and iron
• A variety of fruits and vegetables
• A clean water source