Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Diet and Nutrition, OB/GYN, Women's Health
Despite what your mother or grandmother may have told you, pregnancy is no excuse to eat whatever and however much you want. The theory of eating for two is no longer acceptable in today’s society of overweight and obesity. Too much weight gain during pregnancy can be detrimental to you and to your baby.
One Size Does Not Fit All
The Institute of Medicine’s guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy are based on pre-pregnancy body-mass-index (BMI). Therefore, if you are overweight or obese before becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you gain less weight during your pregnancy. On the other hand, if you are underweight before becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you gain more weight. A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds does not fit all.
With the exception of women carrying multiples, minimal to no weight gain is recommended during the first trimester. On average, only 300 to 500 additional calories are needed during the second and third trimesters to support adequate weight gain. That is just a couple of snacks above a healthful intake, or an after-dinner dessert.
Snacks Allowed!
Snacks are necessary. Just as they are important for metabolism and weight control when not pregnant, healthy snacks help curb cravings throughout the day, and thereby control weight gain during pregnancy. Snacks are especially important for controlling blood sugar in women who are diabetic.
Cereal and Eggs Provide Important Nutrients
Eat your breakfast! Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day to kick-start your metabolism, it also is a great opportunity to include folic acid (vitamin B9) in your diet. Folic acid is essential in nervous system development and the prevention of neural tube defects, and is best absorbed through fortified foods and supplements. Thus, a bowl of cereal is a great way to add this B vitamin to your diet.
Think twice before ordering egg whites. Choline, though often forgotten in comparison to folic acid, is also essential in nervous system development and such functions as memory and muscle control. The best source of choline for the fewest calories is a full egg.
Include Healthful Fats
Include healthful fats in your diet. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is found in fish and shellfish in a ready-to-use form. It is essential for your baby’s brain development during pregnancy, nursing and the first few years of life. Many women do not even consume a quarter of their recommended DHA requirements.
Healthy Choices Are Key
Remember, the choices you make before and during pregnancy can affect you and your baby later in life. Making changes in your diet and eating behaviors now will help you prepare for pregnancy. For instance, be mindful of folic acid, choline and DHA, as these nutrients are important during the very early stages of pregnancy, even before many women learn they are pregnant. And, if you are not already at a healthy weight prior to pregnancy, get there! Include in moderation whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fruits and vegetables for a healthy baby and a healthy you.
Sep 15, 2012 | OB/GYN, Sexual Health, Women's Health
Barely-there underwear, Brazilian bikini waxes and shaved pubic hair have become cultural beauty standards for women. What most women don’t take into account is that the skin of a woman’s genital area is more sensitive than the skin on her face. The very practices women undertake to keep their private areas “pretty and pristine” are actually doing just the opposite. These new grooming routines are landing women in my office with complaints of irritation and discomfort. These symptoms are the result of harsh grooming procedures and tight clothing, and they’re your body’s way of saying, “Stop torturing me!”
What we call a “yeast infection” is an overpopulation of the yeast microorganism Candida albicans, which is found normally in the vagina. The way to prevent irritating yeast and other bacterial infections is to make sure that there is a healthy population of good bacteria in the vagina. These good bacteria are called probiotics and one of them, Acidophilus lactobacillus, has a name that means “acid-loving.” Help keep an acidic and healthy environment “down there” by following all of these tips:
Are you using panty liners? If so, STOP! Panty liners actually trap moisture and allow yeast infections to grow.
Wear cotton underwear ONLY, and I don’t mean just a cotton underwear crotch. The entire pair of underwear should be 100% cotton—it’s the least irritating fabric and it allows moisture to evaporate.
Underwear should not rub against the genital and anal areas, as they do with thongs or tight bikinis. Instead, panties should comfortably cover the sensitive areas, yet be loose enough not to chafe.
Are you waxing or shaving your pubic hair? Don’t! We evolved with pubic hair for a reason—it protects the vagina from dirt and other irritants. Continually removing pubic hair can cause ingrown hairs, decreased sensitivity, irritation and red bumps.
Skip skin-tight exercise pants. I know you want to look cute in your workout clothes, but opting for loose-fitting cotton shorts will help prevent vaginal irritation and infection.
Avoid harsh soaps or douches. The vaginal region should be treated gently and kept on the acidic side, which is the opposite of most soaps. Wash gently with plain water and use a very dilute solution of vinegar, if you feel douching is necessary.
Lisa Dabney, MD is Co-director of Urogynecology and Reconstrucitve Pelvic Surgery at Roosevelt Hospital.
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Diet and Nutrition, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Women's Health
I have been a lactation consultant at Beth Israel Medical Center since 2001. Mount Sinai Beth Israel has been working on the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. “Baby-Friendly” is the official description of an initiative created by the World Health Organization and UNICEF to encourage hospitals all over the world to promote healthy feeding choices for infants. Achieving baby-friendly designation is a lengthy process and involves a thorough site visit. There are currently about 130 hospitals in the United States that have achieved this designation. In 2010, Beth Israel was awarded a grant from the New York City Department of Health to pursue this designation. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Exercise, Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine, OB/GYN, The Center for Health & Healing, Women's Health
Guest Post by H. Marie Williams
Exercising during pregnancy has been considered something for celebrities and the wealthy. While every expectant mother may not have access to a personal trainer certified to work with prenatal and postpartum clients, there are some things about exercise that every pregnant woman should know. (more…)
