For pregnant women, in their first trimester, particularly in the first eight weeks of pregnancy, considerable effort should be taken to avoid and/or limit exposure to pesticides.  During this early stage of pregnancy, a baby’s major organs are developing and thus are susceptible to chemicals and exposures that can lead to permanent defects. Specifically, pesticide exposure has been linked to birth defects and low birth weight. Fruits and vegetables are common sources of pesticide exposure given the widespread use of chemicals to kill insects and preserve produce.  Tips for reducing pesticide exposure include shopping at farmer’s markets to purchase certified organic fruits and vegetables. As well, care should be taken to avoid household exposure to pesticides commonly found in insect repellants, pet litter, and home gardens. According to the Huffington Post, the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research and advocacy organization, designated 12 fruits and vegetables as having the most…

Safe Guidelines when Eating for Two If you are either pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, chances are you’ve heard your fair share of warnings and guidelines about what to eat and what not to eat for the health of your baby. Pregnancy is a time in your life when you might have to make changes in your diet and lifestyle in order to support the development of a healthy baby. Fish offers pregnant women a healthy way to add protein and Omega-3 fatty acids – essential for the strong development of your baby’s brain. A healthy diet during pregnancy can include fish, even sushi, as long as you follow safe guidelines for selection and preparation, just as with most protein sources. Is There Such a Thing as Safe Sushi? When it comes to eating sushi during pregnancy, the most important concern is not that the fish is served raw….

Pregnancy is a time when moms-to-be are full of questions about how to make the safest and best choices for their growing babies. One of the nutritional topics that can be confusing for pregnant moms is regarding probiotics and their role in a healthy diet. If you are pregnant, you should know that probiotics are generally healthy and safe “good” bacteria that offer many benefits. What are Probiotics? Probiotics are actually live bacteria and yeasts that aid in the digestive system. They are considered “good” microorganisms because they exist naturally in many foods and help to reduce the number of “bad” bacteria in your digestive system. It is important to have an appropriate balance of the bacteria within your body in order to avoid and treat conditions including: Diarrhea – especially after treatment with antibiotics which can destroy the “good” bacteria in your digestive system because it doesn’t differentiate between…