Lactose Intolerance
Milk and milk products contain a sugar called lactose that some individuals have trouble digesting. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, bloating, cramps and/or diarrhea. If you are lactose intolerant, it can be difficult to get adequate amounts of calcium. The following are suggestions for increasing your calcium intake. • • • • •
Try smaller, more frequent servings of dairy foods. Drink milk with meals and snacks. Try aged cheese like Swiss or cheddar. Try yogurt it contains less lactose. Use a lactase enzyme tablet or lactase-treated milk/dairy products.
If these suggestions also cause symptoms, the following is a list of non-dairy sources of calcium: • • • • • • •
Calcium fortified cereals, pasta and orange juice. Soy or rice milk with added calcium. Almonds. Canned fish (salmon with bones, sardines). Tofu. Green leafy vegetables such as collard greens and kale. Figs.
Alcohol and Caffeine
It is never safe to consume at any point of your pregnancy. Anytime a pregnant woman drinks alcohol there is a chance the baby will be harmed. Alcohol gets into your blood stream and travels to your baby through the umbilical cord. Alcohol consumption can lead to birth defects, can slow down your baby’s growth and harm your baby’s brain. Drinking alcohol early in pregnancy can cause facial and other physical defects, known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Talk to your doctor before consuming caffeine during pregnancy. Some studies show that the caffeine found in coffee, tea, cola, chocolate and some medicines can harm your baby. Other research suggests that small amounts of caffeine are safe. Consuming large quantities of caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia adults.
11
60315_Prenatal_Book.pdf 12
7/8/09 9:01:38 PM