Chicago Baby - Fall 2008 - (Page 13) PREGNANCY Pregnancy Make mine decaf, please ven though it can be a struggle to keep your eyes open during the first trimester, new research continues to support the need to cut back on caffeine. A study of more than 1,000 tha p pregnant w women in California fo found that tho who conthose sumed 200 milligrams or more of caffeine a day were about twice Feel the burn ching backs and swollen feet are well-known side effects of pregnancy, but don’t be surprised if some nasty bouts of heartburn come along, too, especially in the second and third trimesters. Although antacids containing calcium, aluminum and magnesium are considered safe to take while pregnant (always consult your doctor before taking any medication), there are some things you can do to prevent heartburn altogether. The following tips are courtesy of the American College of Gastroenterology: ■ Avoid E as likely to miscarry. That equals about two five-ounce cups of coffee, five 12-ounce cans of pop or six five-ounce cups of tea. According to Dr. Masue Li, an independent obstetrician and gynecologist with offices at Central DuPage Hospital, the key time to cut back on caffeine is before you get pregnant since the increased risk of miscarriage comes in the first trimester and many women don’t find out they are pregnant until well into those first 12 weeks. For heavy caffeine consumers, she recommends cutting back gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. That doesn’t mean you have to go completely caffeinefree, though—as the saying goes, “everything in moderation.” A eating late at night or before going to bed. Common heartburn triggers include greasy or spicy food, chocolate, peppermint, tomato sauces, caffeine, carbon, ated drinks and citrus fruits. fruits. t ■ Wear Food for thought hile you may be eating for two during pregnancy, you don’t need to actually double what you eat every day. The American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recgists ommends consuming an additional 100-300 calories per day while ay pregnant. That isn’t as much as you think, though. Here are some re foods that fall within that range. loose-fitting clothes. Cl Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put prespu sure on your abdomen and th lower the esophageal sphincter. ■ Eat W smaller meals. Overfill Overfilling the stomach can result in acid reflux and re heartburn. lie down after eating. Wait at least three le hours after eating before going to bed. When you lie Whe down, it’s easier for stomach fo contents (including acid) to back up into the esophagus, eso particularly when particul you go to bed with a full wi stomach. sto ■ Raise the R head of the bed 4 to 6 inches. This in can help reduce a acid reflux by decreasing the amount of gastric conten that contents reach the lower esophagus. lower e ■ Don’t 100 2 ounces of lean roast beef 200 20 almonds calories calories 300 One serving of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese calories ChicagoParent.com | Fall 2008 | 13 http://www.ChicagoParent.com
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