To counsel a pregnant woman on nutrition, focus on the following key areas: - Promote a balanced and diverse diet containing adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals by encouraging the consumption of green and orange vegetables, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, whole grains, and pasteurized dairy.
- Advise on keeping physically active to support overall health and manage appropriate gestational weight gain.
- Emphasize the consistent use of recommended micronutrient supplements, particularly folic acid and iron, to reduce the risk of birth defects and maternal anemia.
- Provide education on safe food handling practices and specific foods to avoid, such as unpasteurized dairy, raw or undercooked seafood and meat, and cold deli meats.
- Offer strategies to manage common pregnancy discomforts, such as eating small, frequent, and easy-to-digest meals to alleviate nausea.