As soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, her diet is one of the first things that will be addressed.

Between the advice that comes from a woman’s doctor, her well-meaning friends and the latest pregnancy research, it can quickly become overwhelming to sort through it all to create the perfect diet plan.

For those who want to maintain a healthy pregnancy, here are the top five tips that every pregnant woman can follow.

No More Dieting

After years of watching her figure, it can be a freeing experience to discover that for at least nine months it is possible to enjoy a variety of foods.

Many diets are too restrictive to provide the proper amount of calories and nutrients that a woman needs to nourish a developing baby. Therefore, focus on creating a healthy diet and not on following the latest weight-loss fad.

Focus on Variety

To get the proper amount of nutrition, a woman will need to eat from all of the main food groups. This means that a woman should get several servings of grains, fruits, vegetables and meats every day.

Vegetarians can still follow their diet during pregnancy, but may need to introduce new foods to ensure they get the proper amount of protein.

Get Plenty of Vitamins

During pregnancy, a woman’s nutritional needs will change. Throughout the next nine months and during the recovery process, a woman will need to consume extra calcium, folic acid and iron.

Spinach, cheese and broccoli are all rich sources of these important nutrients that will nourish a woman’s body and her baby’s development.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

Although a varied diet is recommended for pregnant women, there are several types of food and drinks that should be avoided during pregnancy. These include unpasteurized cheeses, rare or under-cooked meats and sushi.

Although most women know that alcohol should be abstained from during pregnancy, it is also important to note that caffeine should also be eliminated or only ingested in small quantities.

Embrace the Curves

For many women, the body changes that accompany pregnancy are welcome. However, others may struggle with the idea of gaining extra weight.

Early in the pregnancy, it is best for a woman to consult with her doctor so that she can have a better understanding of how much weight her body type should gain.

Then, it is best to embrace the curves that begin to develop over the next nine months and remember that it represents a growing baby.

Many women find that having professional portraits done by a family photographer provides them with a wonderful way to document this exciting time.

By focusing on eating a healthy diet during pregnancy, a woman can be confident that she is doing her best to support her growing child. Eating a diet comprised of a variety of foods that are known for their rich nutrients is the best way to ensure a healthy baby and pregnancy.