How Long Can I Go Without Eating While Pregnant?

A lot of expecting mothers experience nausea and vomiting during the early weeks of pregnancy which make it challenging to maintain a balanced diet let alone keep anything down. It is recommended that pregnant women eat simple carbohydrates that are dry and easily digestible such as salted crackers, plane rice or pasta, baked potato, dry cereal, bread, etc.

Ginger or peppermint tea has natural anti-nausea properties that can help settle your stomach as well. If you are not a fan of those, try bananas, applesauce, or popsicles! If you are looking for more foods check out these 10 foods that fight nausea during pregnancy.

Remember, you want to make sure you eat, because skipping meals contributes to lower blood sugar causing more nausea, which just compounds the problem. Try to eat small meals throughout the day frequently, rather than large ones.

Intermittent fasting has become more popular over the years due to its health and anti-aging benefits. Engaging in intermittent fasting while pregnant is generally discouraged since it is a crucial time when your body and your developing baby have increased nutritional demands. Fasting, even intermittently, can disrupt the essential supply of nutrients and calories needed for the baby's growth and your well-being. 

If you have questions or concerns about fasting or your dietary choices while pregnant, consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian specializing in prenatal nutrition. They can help you create a safe meal plan that addresses your unique needs during this time.

During pregnancy, your body's energy needs increase. This means you require more calories and important nutrients to support both your own health and the development of your growing baby. Think of it as your body's way of saying, "I need some extra fuel to make this baby happen!" These extra calories and nutrients are essential to fuel the increased metabolic rate, the formation of new tissues, and the overall demands of pregnancy. It's crucial to meet these energy demands with a healthy diet to ensure a healthy pregnancy for your baby.

Maintaining a balanced and nutrient dense diet during your pregnancy:

Pregnant women should focus on consuming a well-balanced diet that provides essential nutrients for both their own health and the healthy development of their growing baby. Here's a breakdown of nutrients to prioritize:

Folic Acid (Folate): Found in leafy greens, fortified cereals, and legumes, folic acid is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

Iron: Red meat, poultry, beans, and fortified cereals are excellent sources of iron, which is essential for preventing anemia during pregnancy. If you are anemic or have low blood pressure, it is recommended to supplement with iron pills as well.

Calcium: Dairy, fortified plant-based milks, leafy greens, and almonds are rich in calcium, which is essential in the developing of the baby's bones and teeth.

Protein: Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu provide protein, which supports the baby's overall growth.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish (like salmon and sardines), flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids important for the baby's brain and eye development.

Vitamin D: Eggs, fortified dairy or plant-based milk, and exposure to sunlight are sources of vitamin D, necessary for calcium absorption. It is recommended to take vitamin D supplements as this is the most efficient way to get your vitamin D.

Vitamin C: Citrus fruits like strawberries, and bell peppers provide vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of iron.

Fiber: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supply fiber, which helps with digestion and prevent constipation. Having a fiber-rich diet can also stop you from eating too many calories as it makes you feel full faster and stops excessive weight gain

We recommend eating nutrient-dense foods to ensure you can get all your vitamins easily and efficiently. You can also buy pre-natal vitamins!

With many foods that your body needs during pregnancy, there are also many foods to avoid during your pregnancy: 

Caffeine: While a little caffeine is considered safe, excessive caffeine is not reccomended. Stick to moderate amounts, around 200-300 mg per day.

Alcohol: Alcohol consumption should be completely avoided during pregnancy to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or premature birth.

High-Mercury Fish: Certain fish, like, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, can contain high levels of mercury. Pregnant woman should limit their intake of eating fish and go for lower-mercury options like salmon and shrimp.

Processed Foods: I know it could be difficult to stay away from these types of foods, especially during pregnancy, but foods high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excess salt should be limited.

Raw or Undercooked Meat: To prevent food-borne illnesses, avoid raw fish or undercooked seafood, eggs, and meats, as well as unpasteurized dairy.

Excess Vitamin A: High doses of vitamin A, found in some supplements and animal liver, can be harmful to the developing fetus. Stick to recommended prenatal vitamins and dietary sources of vitamin A.

7. Unpasteurized Foods: Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, since they might carry harmful bacteria like Listeria.

Lastly, you want to make sure you drink plenty of water. Your body's working overtime to support you and your growing baby, and water is a crucial part of that equation. Staying hydrated helps transport enough nutrients, control body temperature, and maintain amniotic fluid levels. Plus, dehydration can lead to pregnancy complications like contractions or urinary tract infections, so drink up! Aim for about 8-10 cups of water a day, and more if you're active or it's hot outside. A helpful tip is to get yourself a large hydra-flask and just sip on it all day. 

While discussing the essential aspects of pregnancy, it's equally important to celebrate the journey with your partner. Speaking of celebrations, in our recent post on 15 unique maternity picture ideas for black couples, we've gathered some unique tips to help you capture the beauty that comes with this special phase of life.