What to Expect

May 9, 2005
For many pregnant women, eating healthy during pregnancy is a catch-22: "The reason you want to eat healthy is because you're pregnant—and the reason you're having a hard time eating healthy is also because you're pregnant," the authors explain. Morning sickness, heartburn, constipation... the list of food-related problems pregnant women can encounter goes on and on. Murkoff (What to Expect When You're Expecting
) and coauthor Mazel address these difficulties in a practical manner, with numerous tried-and-true suggestions that will certainly afford some relief for the majority. The "Pregnancy Diet Daily Dozen" lists foods that provide all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients mother and child need, followed by recipes that facilitate consumption of the daily dozen. Sidebars examine "wisdom of the ages" (myths and old wives' tales that may or may not hold water), and a survey will help expectant mothers evaluate their eating habits and monitor their weight gain. The authors address concerns of pregnant women who are lactose intolerant or vegans, advise on what to order in a restaurant, list which foods are strictly off-limits and explain how to read food labels. The book continues through the postpartum period and breastfeeding, making it an excellent resource for new moms and moms-to-be.