At MFMA, we offer nutrition services for our pregnant patients to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Our registered dietitian works with each individual patient to create a unique dietary plan to address individual needs. Having a nutritionist onsite is extremely beneficial for those with at-risk pregnancies since diet and nutrition can play a major role in the health of you and your baby. Read on to learn more about our nutrition services.
What does a prenatal nutritionist do?
A prenatal nutritionist provides guidance and support to promote healthy weight gain in the expectant mother and adequate growth of the fetus. Additionally, a prenatal dietitian tailors dietary advice to help women deal with common ails and symptoms of pregnancy like constipation, nausea, reflux, and nutrient deficiencies.
How important is nutrition during each trimester?
In the first trimester, nutrition is important to help women tailor their lifestyles to meet their bodies changing nutrient needs; teach them about foods to avoid/limit and to explain weight gain targets for their pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, nutrition is essential in assessing weight gain in the expectant mom, management of gestational diabetes, and increasing macronutrient needs if the fetus is not growth optimally.
How do you help expecting mothers maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy?
Our registered nutritionist helps expectant mothers maintain a healthy diet by tailoring dietary advice, meal plans, and resources to their stage of pregnancy and whether they have health conditions which warrant closer dietary surveillance and monitoring.
What kinds of services are available to MFMA and CIW patients during pregnancy? How often are you available to patients at MFMA and CIW?
Nutrition and diabetes in pregnancy teaching are offered at MFMA Mondays-Thursdays 8:00am-3:30pm.
Can you create personalized diet plans to suit different patient’s needs?
Yes, our staff can customize diet plans for patients who have unique health needs or conditions which require greater emphasis on specific nutrients during pregnancy.
What are the biggest misconceptions about proper diet during pregnancy?
The obvious misconception is the mentality that the expectant mom is eating for two, and therefore her caloric intake needs to double. For most singleton pregnancies, one needs about 300-500 extra calories per day. However, for multiple pregnancies, caloric and nutrient needs usually double. We also like to clarify questions and concerns that address cultural myths and beliefs that promote unnecessary dietary restrictions.
What is the greatest benefit to a customized prenatal diet?
We believe the benefit of prenatal diet and lifestyle counseling and support is to address habits and behaviors the expectant mom can work on to feel good during her pregnancy and to increase her health and wellbeing throughout the pregnancy.
If you are interested in learning more about our dietitian services, contact our office today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have, or schedule your dietitian appointment.