Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

Ever heard that comment that once you're pregnant, you need to make sure you "eat for two"?  Makes a darn convenient excuse at times, doesn't it?  After all, now you can stock up on sweets and say "the baby" is craving them; you can indulge in the Super Size Me epidemic with the assurance that you are feeding another little person.  Right?

Wrong!  Come to find out that "eating for two" actually means trying to bring in an additional 300 calories.  Yes.  On average, only THREE HUNDRED extra calories is truly necessary.  And if you're super sedentary, well, you probably don't even need those.  (Check with your doctor or midwife to be sure.  If you're underweight like I was with my first pregnancy, you may actually need to add more calories than that to ensure proper nutrition for you and your little one.)

So, are you falling prey to the myth of a second meal?  Read over this list of blunders adapted from FitPregnancy and consider whether you should make a few changes (or restrictions) to your prenatal nutrition plan.

1. Eating for Two: Experts say this is the biggest balloon to be popped during pregnancy.  Treats in moderation are okay; grabbing everything in sight and shoving it down your gullet isn't.  Technically you don't need any additional calories the first trimester; then you can bump it up to 340 and 450 extra per day during the second and third trimesters respectively.
2. Obsessing over the pounds:  On the flip side, don't let this scare you.  While there is an obesity epidemic in the US, pregnant women can (and should) gain adequate weight during pregnancy!  This isn't the time to eat like a marathoner, but it's also not the time to diet and try to "stay skinny" in advance.  Let your body gain what it needs to; don't let yourself go.
3. You "should" be tired: Well, yes, you're going to have aches and pains, you're going to have sleepless nights and fatigue.  But you don't have to just accept extreme fatigue or stress.  If it's something really new (compared to past pregnancies) or something that is really affecting your day, it's time to discuss the problem with your caregiver.  There could be a nutritional need that isn't being met in your diet and they can probably help narrow it down.  The longer you let it go, the more the symptoms will compound on themselves, so if you're tired and stressed, say so!
4. Skipping breakfast: I know, I know - those of you who have morning sickness in the actual morning are prone to this one.  I know it's horrible, but with my first pregnancy the morning really was the only time I was sick, and I got tired of losing my breakfast when I was trying to get nutrients in like a good mommy.  My trick?  To just get in there, get sick and then try to eat.  That time around it worked; this time I had "morning" sickness that started at noon and went til midnight.  I lived on Saltines and Carnation Instant Breakfast.  At least it's made in milk.  Calcium and additional nutrients from the mix, right?  Bleah!  If you're trying to find something that works for you, consider the tip of small meals/snacks every 2 hours or so.  Rice cakes, whole grain toast, and yes, even those Carnation drinks will get a little something in your stomach.
5. Eating unsafe foods: just try not to!  It's pretty obvious that alcohol and cigarettes are out for expecting women, thanks to education efforts over the past few decades.  But there are "regular" items that shouldn't be on the menu too.  These include lunchmeats/hot dogs, soft cheeses, and raw or undercooked meat and fish.  (There goes sushi night with your colleagues, eh?)  There are ways to enjoy certain items, so don't fret too much.  Ask your caregiver about what is an absolute no-no and what might be okay.  Your favorite sushi place isn't really off-limits, you just need to choose something else off the menu that doesn't have the raw fish.  As for lunchmeat, heat it to steaming, and you're okay.  Makes a roast beef and cheese melt sound interesting, doesn't it?  (Oh no...there go those cravings!)