Nutrition

The following publications and organizations provide additional information on Nutrition

Publications

1. Are you Eating Right? - This fact sheet provides information on the importance of a healthy diet while you are pregant and the importance of getting enough nutrients like calcium, folate, iron, protein, and plenty of water. Foods and substances that should be avoided are listed as well.
   
   
2.   Folic Acid Now: Frequently Asked Questions - The purpose of these questions and answers is to educate women of childbearing age on the importance of consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday. This, in turn, will reduce the risk of spina bifida by 50%-70%.
   
   
3.   Frequently Asked Questions - Pregnancy and Nutrition - This fact sheet provides information on diet and nutritional needs for pregnant women, including their increased need for folic acid, how a pregnant woman's diet should change, and how much weight they should gain.
   
   
4. Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (Copyright © IFIC) - An adequate supply of nutrients is essential to support this tremendous fetal growth. This on-line publication explains good eating patterns during pregnancy and discusses details of weight gain, calorie intake, vitamins, minerals, and food choices. It provides also answers to a list of frequently asked questions, about vitamin supplements, food cravings, sodium, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and other food safety issues.
   
   
5.   Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby: Exercise, Good Food, And Prenatal Care Are the Keys - This publication discusses the fears and joys expectant mothers have, and provides recommendations for receiving prenatal care during pregnancy.
   
   
6.   Highlights of FDA Food Safety Efforts: Fruit Juice, Mercury in Fish - This on-line publication discusses the strict rules imposed by the FDA through the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) principles, possible injury methyl mercury can cause in pregnant and nursing women, the bacterium, Listeria, and the safety of imported foods and eggs.
   
   
7.   Keep Your Baby Safe: Eat Hard Cheeses Instead of Soft Cheeses During Pregnancy - This brochure cautions pregnant women about the dangers of soft cheeses contaminated with the bacteria listeria. It encourages pregnant women to eat hard cheeses instead of soft cheeses while pregnant.
   
   
8.   Listeriosis and Food Safety Tips - This brochure provides information about the risks associated with listeriosis for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
   
   

Organizations

1. American Dietetic Association
   
   
2.   Food and Drug Administration, HHS
   
   
3.   Food and Nutrition Information Center, NAL, USDA
   
   
4. International Food Information Council
   
   
5. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
   
   
6.   National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Clearinghouse, NICHD, NIH, HHS
   
   
7.   National Women's Health Information Center, OWH, HHS
   
   

= Indicates Federal Resources