When you are pregnant, it is even more important to eat a healthy diet. Consuming nutritious foods can help you have a smoother pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Here are five helpful tips for eating well during your pregnancy:

Include Folic Acid in Your Diet

Adding folic acid to your diet is one of the best ways to give birth to a healthy baby. In fact, if you get adequate folic acid in your first trimester, your baby will be much less likely to be born with spina bifida and other birth defects. Good sources of folic acid include rice, pasta, and whole grain bread. You may also want to speak to your doctor about taking folic acid multivitamins.

Do Not Overeat

Some women see pregnancy as a chance to eat as much food as they want. However, this is the wrong attitude to have. If you overeat, you can gain too much weight and affect your health and your baby's. In fact, you should only have about 300 additional calories while you are pregnant.

Stay Hydrated

It is also extra important to stay hydrated during your pregnancy. Drinking at least eight cups of water a day will prevent constipation and provide nutrients and oxygen to your baby. If you get tired of the taste of plain water, add some lemon to it.

Get Enough Iron

Iron is another important nutrient to get during pregnancy. It can be found in foods like lean beef, chicken, beans, and fish. If you include an adequate amount of iron in your body, you can help your baby develop and grow healthily. Eating enough iron can also prevent a premature delivery.

Do Not Avoid Fish

You have likely heard by now that fish contains mercury, which can be harmful to your baby's nervous system. However, this can only happen if you eat too much fish. If you just consume up to 12 ounces of fish a week, it can be good for your baby's development. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other fish is wonderful for your baby's brain development.

During pregnancy, the foods you put in your mouth are extra important. If you follow these helpful eating tips, you are more likely to give birth to a healthy baby. If you are ever unsure about your diet while pregnant, do not hesitate to voice your concerns to your doctor. For more information, check it out here.