When Should I See a Dietitian in Pregnancy?
When I tell friends about my job as a prenatal dietitian, they often ask ‘So you see women with gestational diabetes?’ But dietitians can do much more than that!
In fact, nutrition counseling can reduce pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and excessive gestational weight gain. Studies show that working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) can reduce the chances of low birth weight and preterm delivery. And even if you aren’t at high risk for pregnancy complications, meeting with a dietitian can help relieve common pregnancy symptoms and give you peace of mind.
When should you see a prenatal dietitian?
If you’re dealing with nausea and vomiting. I can help reduce your feelings of nausea of vomiting, make sure you’re still meeting nutrient needs, and flag when more help is needed.
If you have constipation, bloating, or reflux. I take a close look at your diet to help identify triggers and suggest new foods that can help with regularity.
If you’re pregnant with twins or triplets. These special pregnancies need extra nourishment starting in the 1st trimester. I can help make sure you and your babies are getting the nutrition you need.
If you’re concerned about gaining weight too slowly or too quickly. I’m a weight-inclusive provider and I am dedicated to reducing weight stigma. At the same time, if weight gain is becoming a health concern, I’ll help you get back on track.
If you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or have other food restrictions like Celiac’s. I’ll work with your needs and preferences to find ways to get all the nutrients you and baby need.
If you have gestational diabetes or you’re at risk. I help manage your blood sugar in a non-judgmental way that leaves room for all foods in moderation.
If you have questions about nutrition. Prenatal vitamins, choline, omega 3s… There’s a lot on information online about what you ‘should’ do during pregnancy. I can help decipher what’s real and what’s a fad.
I also help prepare for postpartum! So many moms spend time thinking about how they’ll feed the baby when he or she arrives, but forget to think about how they’ll feed themselves. I help moms in their 3rd trimester build a stash of healthy food, create plans for reminding themselves to eat when they’re exhausted, and identify their villagers who can help out.
And I don’t just disappear after the baby arrives. I’m here to help with postpartum nutrition, breastfeeding nutrition, starting solids, cow’s milk protein allergy, and picky eating - whatever parenthood brings your way.
Have more questions? Contact me here!
Ready to jump in? Schedule a session.
