Pregnancy During a Crisis
20 Dec 2017
Newborn photographer Cassie Clayshulte has noticed there seems to be an increase in pregnancies during disasters. She tracked down 8 mothers-to-be, all 8 months pregnant who conceived during Hurricane Mattew in South Carolina, for a special maternity photo shoot.
Pregnancy is not very much fun for most women on any given day. First, there is the morning sickness. Followed by the swollen feet and sleepless nights. Being a mom is hard work right from the start. Being pregnant while your home is underwater must be an even greater challenge!
It is extremely important to take care of your body when pregnant. What you eat finds its way to the baby through the placenta and umbilical cord. During the first trimester, pregnant women will need 100 extra calories. During the second trimester they will need 300 extra calories, and during the third, they will need 500 extra calories to support a healthy growing baby. Finding extra food will be difficult during a crisis when supplies are limited. Focus on quality nutrition rather than quantity or number of calories. Healthy weight gain is key.
Folic acid and iron are extremely important to the baby's development. Folic acid and iron are often found in prenatal vitamins. Stock up on an 18-21 month supply of prenatal vitamins if you are pregnant, prenatals are also recommended for breastfeeding moms. Folic acid can also be found in leafy greens such as spinach as well as citrus fruits like oranges. A lack of folic acid during pregnancy can lead to Spina Bifida, a condition where the spinal cord doesn't close properly and is left exposed causing lifelong difficulties walking.
Roughly 50 percent of pregnant women are anemic. Anemia can cause serious problems with pregnancy and may even lead to an early delivery or extreme blood loss during the delivery. Iron fights anemia. It can be found in meats like chicken and beef as well as leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli. Raisins, black beans, and lentils are also a good source of iron.
Raw seafood and unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided when pregnant as they can contain harmful bacteria. Raw an undercook meat can also be harmful, ensure red meat is cooked to medium at the very least. Fish such as tuna contain mercury and should only be eaten in small quantity or not at all.
Do
It is extremely important to take care of your body when pregnant. What you eat finds its way to the baby through the placenta and umbilical cord. During the first trimester, pregnant women will need 100 extra calories. During the second trimester they will need 300 extra calories, and during the third, they will need 500 extra calories to support a healthy growing baby. Finding extra food will be difficult during a crisis when supplies are limited. Focus on quality nutrition rather than quantity or number of calories. Healthy weight gain is key.
Folic acid and iron are extremely important to the baby's development. Folic acid and iron are often found in prenatal vitamins. Stock up on an 18-21 month supply of prenatal vitamins if you are pregnant, prenatals are also recommended for breastfeeding moms. Folic acid can also be found in leafy greens such as spinach as well as citrus fruits like oranges. A lack of folic acid during pregnancy can lead to Spina Bifida, a condition where the spinal cord doesn't close properly and is left exposed causing lifelong difficulties walking.
Roughly 50 percent of pregnant women are anemic. Anemia can cause serious problems with pregnancy and may even lead to an early delivery or extreme blood loss during the delivery. Iron fights anemia. It can be found in meats like chicken and beef as well as leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli. Raisins, black beans, and lentils are also a good source of iron.
Raw seafood and unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided when pregnant as they can contain harmful bacteria. Raw an undercook meat can also be harmful, ensure red meat is cooked to medium at the very least. Fish such as tuna contain mercury and should only be eaten in small quantity or not at all.
Do
- Stay active, but take it easy towards the end as heavy lifting could start labor
- Wash and peel fruits and vegetables
- Dairy is a good source of protein and calcium
- Peas, beans, and peanuts contain fiber, protein, and folate B9
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and dark leafy green vegetables
- Drink plenty of water
- Dried fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals
- Consume whole grains which are packed with fiber and vitamins
- Don't eat a large amount of tuna
- Avoid raw seafood
- Absolutely no alcohol
- Skip soft cheese such a brie
- No more than 200 mg of caffeine a day, about 1 cup of coffee
- Avoid cold meats, warm them up first
- Liver shouldn't be consumed more 1-2 times a month
- Skip raw or runny eggs or anything with uncooked eggs like cookie dough
- Do not use cod liver oil as it could induce labor
- Prenatal vitamins--Folic Acid and Iron
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Clean water