Constipation may not seem like a big deal, but it is. It can have a profound impact on quality of life and have you wondering “Is this constipation pain? Or something more serious?”  Pregnancy itself can lead to constipation – the pregnancy hormone, progesterone, causes a slowing of the digestive system. Then add in extra…

Have you ever heard the phrase “eating for two?” While it is true that your caloric intake turns into energy for both your own metabolic activity and for your baby, the phrase is misleading. Often people assume this means they need to consume double what they did prior to pregnancy. Nope! In general, we recommended…

Exposure to high levels of mercury during pregnancy can be toxic for a baby’s developing nervous system. While a well-balanced diet can include a variety of nutrient-rich fish, it is recommended to avoid certain types that have a high concentration of mercury.  Fish with highest levels of mercury Eating 1-3 servings* of high quality, cooked…

Artificial sweeteners are commonly used because they add a sweet taste to food, without many calories. While they have not been studied broadly in pregnant populations, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), stevia, and sucralose (Splenda) are safe to consume in pregnancy. Many dietitians recommend not consuming more than…