Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides the women in our community and their families with the ultimate birthing experience in Queens. Each month, we cover a new topic exploring an important aspect of health and well-being for expectant mothers. This month, we’ll discuss the nutritional needs of new mothers during pregnancy.
Certain nutrients are important for supporting your baby’s physical development and preventing deficiency-related medical problems. While pregnant, you should make a point of incorporating the following nutrients into your diet:
- Folate and folic acid
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Protein
- Iron
Foods such as salmon, eggs, pasteurized milk, cheese, and leafy vegetables are excellent components of a diet that provides adequate amounts of these recommended nutrients during pregnancy.
It is also important to avoid certain substances that could have harmful effects on both your own health and that of your baby. All forms of alcohol, for example, are potentially harmful to your baby during pregnancy. Other foods that are best avoided while pregnant include:
- Raw or undercooked seafood, meat, or eggs
- Refrigerated meat spreads and smoked meats
- Deli meats
- Dairy products containing unpasteurized milk
When you become pregnant, be sure to discuss the nutritional needs of yourself and your baby (as well as any medication you’re considering taking) with your doctor to ensure those needs are adequately met.
Flushing Hospital’s New Beginnings unit offers spacious, modern suites as well as advanced postpartum care, providing you with a safe environment for giving birth and comprehensive follow-up medical support for you and your baby. To learn more about the unit, including accommodations and services provided, please call us at (718) 670-5702.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.